the Mexican Pacific coast’s most important tourism trade event and Mexico’s second-largest tourism conference of the year. The event takes place March 10–12, 2026, in Puerto Vallarta and Nayarit.

This year’s edition includes 5,000 scheduled business appointments, reaffirming Gala as one of the country’s premier specialized tourism gatherings. Participating companies include Expedia, Booking.com, HBX Group, Despegar Group, Keytel, Travelzoo, and PriceTravel Holding. Major airlines such as Aeroméxico, Viva, Volaris, TAR, American Airlines, Delta, United, JetBlue, Southwest, Sun Country, WestJet, Sunwing, Air Transat, and Air Canada have confirmed attendance, highlighting strong interest in Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, Costalegre, Guadalajara, Sayulita, Punta Mita, San Blas, and the Pueblos Mágicos of Nayarit and Jalisco.

Hosted buyers from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Spain, the United Kingdom, Argentina, the Netherlands, Colombia, Guatemala, and Costa Rica will also participate, strengthening strategic alliances and driving increased tourist flows. The event reinforces Puerto Vallarta and Nayarit’s position as co-hosts capable of attracting international investment, connectivity, and long-term tourism development.

Authorities confirm that both destinations are fully operational, with normalized tourism services, stable infrastructure, and ongoing security coordination. Roads and highway access remain open, and both Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) and Tepic-Riviera Nayarit International Airport (TPQ) are operating domestic and international flights without disruption.

Nayarit flaunts its “Magical Towns.”

Nayarit’s nine Pueblos Mágicos further diversify the region’s appeal. Recognized for cultural, historical, and artistic significance, these “Magical Towns” offer visitors sustainable tourism, preserved ecosystems, distinctive gastronomy, and rich traditions beyond the beach experience. Five were added to the list in 2023, giving Nayarit one of the highest totals among Mexico’s 32 states.

Accessibility continues to improve. In July 2025, Volaris launched the first international flight from Los Angeles to Tepic. By December 2025, United Airlines added service from Houston and WestJet from Calgary, expanding direct access for North American travelers.

Beaches, including Sayulita, Punta Mita, San Pancho, Litibú, Guayabitos, Chácala, and San Blas, remain open and welcoming. In Puerto Vallarta, the hotel zone, Malecón, the old town of Zona Romantica, the historic center, restaurants, and service providers continue to operate with their signature hospitality.

With sustained growth, new investments, airport expansion, and expanding international connectivity, Puerto Vallarta and Nayarit enter Gala 2026 as one of Mexico’s most competitive and reliable tourism regions—reaffirming their role as a driving force of the Mexican Pacific travel industry.
Learn more: galavallartanayarit.com