There are some exciting new attractions in Puerto Vallarta this week, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t also some concerning news for the tourist industry.

Mismaloya pier opens to the public

A major infrastructure project has been completed in southern Puerto Vallarta with the opening of the Mismaloya Pier. The inauguration was led by Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro and Puerto Vallarta Mayor Luis Ernesto Munguía González, marking an important step forward for regional tourism and transportation.

The new pier forms part of the broader Bay of Banderas “nautical ladder,” an initiative designed to improve sea-based connections between the area’s southern beaches. By enhancing accessibility, the project is expected to create fresh opportunities for local businesses, including tour operators, boat services and hospitality providers that depend on visitor flow.

In addition to its transportation function, the development includes a scenic linear park along the waterfront. This public space offers both residents and visitors a place to walk, relax, and enjoy the coastal setting. The combination of improved infrastructure and recreational space reflects a broader effort to balance tourism growth with community well-being.

ACTIVALL 2026 to promote healthy living

Puerto Vallarta is once again hosting ACTIVALL 2026, a citywide initiative encouraging people to embrace a more active lifestyle. Running through April 18, the program offers a variety of free physical activities designed to get participants moving and engaged.

Events are being held across multiple locations, including schools, government buildings and open public spaces, making it easy for people of all ages to join in.

The initiative focuses on promoting health and wellness through accessible exercise options like group workouts, guided routines, or recreational activities. ACTIVALL provides opportunities for individuals and families to incorporate movement into their daily lives. By bringing these activities directly into the community, organizers hope to remove common barriers to exercise, such as cost or limited access to facilities.

Puerto Vallarta prepares for rainy season

Puerto Vallarta is preparing for the upcoming rainy season by cleaning and improving its drainage systems across the city. Under the direction of Mayor Munguía, crews are working to clear storm drains, canals, and waterways so rainwater can move freely and reduce the risk of flooding in streets and neighborhoods when heavy rains arrive.

Led by the Public Works and Infrastructure office, with support from SEAPAL Vallarta, work is focused on areas that often have drainage problems, including Ixtapa, Las Juntas, and Portales. Crews are also improving key canals and routes like the Luis Donaldo Colosio bypass and parts of the Calvario district, where large amounts of water pass during storms.

The city is also taking steps to keep transportation running smoothly during the rainy season. Crews are maintaining and leveling secondary roads which are often used when main routes are affected by weather. Officials are meeting with residents across the city to identify problem areas.

Sharp drop in air travel raises concerns

Recent figures from Puerto Vallarta airport operators Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico reveal a significant downturn in air travel to Puerto Vallarta in March, highlighting a challenging period for the destination’s tourism sector. Across the company’s network, passenger traffic decreased by 8.9%, but Puerto Vallarta saw a much larger drop of 24.4%.

The most notable factor behind this decline was a substantial reduction in international arrivals, which are crucial to the area’s tourism-driven economy. International passenger numbers fell by over 30%, representing a major loss in visitor volume. Domestic travel also dipped, though at a more moderate rate.

In total, the airport handled roughly 576,600 tourists March, a significant decrease from the previous year’s figures. This represents a loss of more than 186,000 tourists in just one month. The sharp decline raises concerns about shifting travel patterns and potential economic impacts, as Puerto Vallarta relies heavily on consistent visitor inflows to support local businesses and employment.

Charlotte Smith is a writer and journalist based in Mexico. Her work focuses on travel, politics, and community. You can follow along with her travel stories at www.salsaandserendipity.com.