Puerto Vallarta has long been known as one of the most LGBT-friendly destinations in the world, and it is furthering its commitment by launching multiple initiatives aimed at ensuring the city continues to be a safe and welcoming.
This includes the creation of the Office of Gender Equality and sensitivity training for local businesses.
"Since its consolidation as an international tourist destination, the city of Puerto Vallarta has been praised for providing hospitality, friendliness, and high standards of quality to all its visitors," said Puerto Vallarta Mayor Arturo Davalos Pena.
"Puerto Vallarta is today a city where we consider as primordial interest the respect for differences through a dignified, respectful and equal treatment for all people regardless of nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity."
Mexico is a hub for LGBT visitors, with Puerto Vallarta at the center of the hub. In 2016, the country welcomed more than 2.9 million LGBT visitors who spent approximately $765 per person, exceeding other types of tourism economic impact by 60 percent. The LGBT community also makes up as much as 10 percent of visitor arrivals in Mexico, and that is even higher in Puerto Vallarta (15 to 20 percent).
The opening of the Office of Gender Equality headlines the city's new initiatives aimed at making the LGBT community feel even more welcome. The office specializes in LGBTQ issues and is a safe place for lesbian, gay, transsexual, bisexual, transgender and intersexual people residing in or visiting the city.
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Sensitivity training is another part of the new initiatives. The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board is sponsoring a 12-course training program developed in conjunction with the Mexico Tourism Board and Mexico's Ministry of Tourism. The program aims to "strengthen LGBT offerings in the destination with quality, inclusive and respectful products and service."
The course takes place on May 25 and is for local hoteliers and tour operators.
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