Puerto Vallarta Reopens with WTTC Safe Travels Stamp

Puerto Vallarta has reopened its hotels and beaches with new health and safety protocols in response to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

Local officials had put the popular Mexican resort city under quarantine starting in early March, and the city has gradually been re-opening in phases as state, federal and international protocols have been instituted.

The process has contributed to the state of Jalisco being granted the World Travel and Tourism Council “Safe Travels” stamp at the end of June.

Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport received the WTTC Safe Travels stamp with its own internal protocols, including social distancing and thermal cameras in the immigration zone, where electronic documentation is currently taking place. Disinfectant mats are used at all airport entrances and exits.

In the city, extensive sanitization in hotels, public transportation, and public spaces is ongoing. More than 45 hotels have reopened to guests, at maximum 30 percent occupancy, and are offering modified access to on-site restaurants, pools and beaches. A second group of hotels is set open in July for the summer, and the rest will open for the winter high season.

Restaurants are maintaining social distancing guidelines, although Puerto Vallarta’s Malecon waterfront promenade is not yet fully open to the public, only providing access to restaurants and shops. Bars remain closed until the moves to the next phase of the reopening process.

Puerto Vallarta is the latest resort destination to announce reopen plans. Los Cabos,  which also received the WTTC Safe Travels blessing, reopened in mid-June, California wineries  were also given the green light to reopen last month, and Hawaii is set to lift quarantine restrictions in August.