Over 150 tourism professionals, government officials, and industry experts gathered in Puerto Vallarta for the second regional forum as part of the Jalisco 2030 Tourism Plan. The forum—hosted by Secretary of Tourism Michelle Fridman Hirsch—concluded with a strong consensus: long-term success hinges on sustainability, community engagement, and digital innovation Puerto Vallarta News+5Puerto Vallarta News+5Puerto Vallarta News+5.
🌱 Sustainability at the Core
Stakeholders emphasized that mature destinations like Puerto Vallarta must evolve beyond short-term tourism numbers, adopting eco-friendly practices and preserving the region’s natural beauty. Key proposals included water management, conservation of wild areas, and diversifying offerings to reduce pressure on mainstream attractions Puerto Vallarta News.
Additionally, Bahía de Banderas joined the Jalisco Climate Alliance, reflecting a broader commitment across municipalities to sustainable tourism through responsible land and water use Wikipedia+13Puerto Vallarta News+13Puerto Vallarta News+13.
🤝 Community-Driven Growth
Participants underlined the importance of involving local residents in tourism strategy planning. Many suggested empowering small towns—like those in the Magical Towns (Pueblos Mágicos) program—with cultural experiences and local narratives to enhance visitor authenticity Wikipedia+2Puerto Vallarta News+2Wikipedia+2. Forum breakout sessions produced proposals targeting rural tourism, inland town promotion, and embedding local communities into tourism flows Puerto Vallarta News+4Puerto Vallarta News+4Wikipedia+4.
💻 Digital Platforms & Smart Tourism
Delegates highlighted the value of digital tools for tourist communication. Upgraded destination websites and apps are expected to help visitors plan better—showing ideal travel times, events, and authentic local experiences—strengthening Jalisco’s ability to tell its story online .
📅 Next Steps & Regional Inclusion
The Puerto Vallarta forum is the second of four regional discussions to shape the 2025–2030 plan. Forthcoming forums include:
- Ahualulco de Mercado – focusing on inland municipalities and cultural-rich tourism
- Cihuatlán – targeting nature-based and eco-tourism development Wikipedia+3Puerto Vallarta News+3Puerto Vallarta News+3
✨ A Sustainable Vision for 2030
Jalisco is charting a thoughtful path toward sustainable tourism. By weaving together environmental conservation, cultural heritage, community participation, and digital storytelling, the region is preparing for a smarter, greener, and more inclusive tourism landscape through 2030 and beyond.
