Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - In Riviera Nayarit luxury means surprises, and this 2012 the activity in our destination will be intense - there are at least 29 confirmed events in the Banderas Bay region, including the Tianguis Turistico and the Regata Copa Mexico.

Mexico's Pacific Treasure - as Riviera Nayarit is also known - surprised everyone in 2011, as its features turned it into the vacation destination of choice for major celebrities.

In 2011, our destination also received important awards, which placed it as one of the not-to-be-missed destinations for Meeting Planners according to MDC, and TripAdvisor's users nominated us as one of the best 10 destinations for family travel in Mexico. Among many other awards, our destination was chosen as one of the top ten most romantic destinations in the world according to Reuters Life!

The intense marketing efforts being made by the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) of Riviera Nayarit were instrumental to attain these awards, and the organization of events was an important aspect to acquire this positioning.

"We had an intense 2011, and many of the events that took place this year will return in 2012. This is something that speaks well of our destination - and we also have new events. The Tianguis Turistico will position us within the touristic industry, and other events like the Punta Mita Golf & Gourmet Classic or the Punta Sayulita Longboard & SUP Classic are helping us attract the attention of specific sectors like golfers, foodies and surfers," explained Fernando González Ortega, president of the CVB of Riviera Nayarit.

The businessman and head of this private non-profit association dedicated to the promotion of tourism, underlined the importance of these events, as they position our destination not only in the eye of opinion leaders that participate with them, but also bring in new visitors and generate an important media exposure.

"We are thrilled because 2012 will be a year with a lot of projection for Riviera Nayarit, thanks to these events. They contribute to improve the quality of life and benefit all the People of Nayarit," he concluded.

2012 Activity Calendar

January 7, 14, 21 and 28
Vallarta Cup Race Series

January 18 - 20
Urban Art Festival (Chalk Art)
Peace Carnival
Taste of Riviera Nayarit

January 29 - February 5
International Festival of Migratory Birds

February 1
9th International Daisy Challenge

February 4
5th Annual Horseshoe Tournament

February 21
9th Women of Jaltemba Fashion Show

February 24
4th "La Casa de Los Niños" Golf Tournament

Every Saturday in February
Rincón de Guayabitos Festival

March 2 - 18
Regata Copa México

March 9 - 11
Punta Sayulita Longboard & SUP Classic

March 16 - 18
Circo de los Niños (Children's Circus)

March 18 - 21
Yoga Fest Riviera Nayarit

March 18 - 21
Abadá Capoeira Festival

March 20 - 24
Regata Internacional Bahía de Banderas

March 25 - 28
Tianguis Turístico 2012

March 30
National Cheerleading Contest

April 5
Judea Live

April 7, 14 and 28
Spring Fling Series II - All Classes

April 19 - 22
Punta Mita Gourmet & Golf Classic 2012

April 21
Open Water Swimming Tournament

April 23 - 29 (To be confirmed)
LPGA's Futures Tour
Riviera Nayarit Classic

May 11
10th Anniversary Tournament at El Tigre: "The Big 10"

May (Dates to be confirmed)
Riviera Nayarit Wind Festival 2012

May 30 - June 3
52nd San Blas International Fishing Tournament

August 6 - 15
Corn Fair

October 10 - 14
1st International Sport Fishing Tournament at La Cruz de Huanacaxtle

November 9 - 19
XVII International Gourmet Festival

November 24
IV Touristic Half Marathon

November 26 - 28
Sinergiarte Festival

About Riviera Nayarit: Mexico’s newest destination, Riviera Nayarit, stretches along 192 miles of pristine Pacific coast framed by the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains just ten minutes north of accessible Puerto Vallarta International Airport. The region extends along the entire coast of the Pacific state of Nayarit including the resorts of Nuevo Vallarta, the historic colonial town of San Blas, exclusive Punta Mita, picturesque fishing villages, miles of serene beaches and spectacular Banderas Bay. Riviera Nayarit offers countless activities, all pleasantly affordable, such as: PGA golf courses, luxury spas, whale watching, turtle release, zip lining, surfing, record deep sea fishing, bird watching, international cuisine, and shopping for local artwork and traditional Huichol handicrafts. The region attracts and satisfies vacationers of all tastes and budgets with its wide range of accommodations including chic luxury resorts, eco-tourism boutique hotels and quaint B&B inns. Visit the website at RivieraNayarit.com