Puerto Vallarta – History of Tourism

History of Tourism
Puerto Vallarta began developing into a commercial center in 1924 – 1926. Villagers from surrounding areas came to town to do their shopping and sell their wares. It wasn’t long before it was a bustling center of commerce and growing exponentially. By 1945 freighters were arriving in port; they not only picked up produce, tobacco and miscellaneous goods from merchants, they also entertained on board their ships, threw fancy parties and lavish banquets. It was not unusual for crew to mingle with townspeople and many close relationships were established, including courtship and marriage.
The ships arrival was a very big deal, as they brought among other items, apples, cheese, North American magazines, and cigarettes by the shipload.
By 1949 foreign freighters had begun regular routes to Puerto Vallarta and with them they brought writers, journalists, businessmen and tourists. It wasn’t long before word got around about this beautiful and easily accessible paradise down the coast from California. Publicity brought the curious, the rich, and those simply looking for a good vacation spot.
Illustrious guests discovered Puerto Vallarta on their own, such as John Wayne, who cruised the coastal waters on board his famous yacht, the Wild Goose, which is still in operation as a touring vessel out of Newport Beach, California.
Fifteen years later, Hollywood director John Huston chose Puerto Vallarta to film the movie version of the Tennessee Williams novel The Night of the Iguana. Puerto Vallarta became front page news across the US, with movie stars such as Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Peter O’Toole frolicking on the beaches and hanging out in the local bars and restaurants. Though Huston sought the privacy and isolation of this seemingly far-off tropical locale, he probably did more than any single individual to attract people here.
In present time, Puerto Vallarta has several enormous cruise ships visit on a weekly basis in high season and the docks built specifically for their arrivals can berth three of the behemoths at a time. Many sightseers never get any further than the Wal-Mart and Gallerias Mall across the street and are completely unaware of the rich history just a few kilometers south. Some travelers are hesitant to venture too far away from the ship’s terminal and consequently never get a glimpse of the expanding city, abundant art galleries, the beautiful Malecón and luxurious beachfronts.

Que cómo es es!


Thanks to our guest blogger Adam Garcia for this article!  (opionons expressed are his own)


Do You Want To Live The Ultimate Villa Experience? Thinking Of Renting a Puerto Vallarta Luxury Vacation Villa or Condo? Let Our Beston Properties Team Find You The Perfect Luxury Vacation Villa Rental in Puerto Vallarta or Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. Try Our ‘Perfect Villa Finder’ Tool Here.

For more information about Puerto Vallarta, Mexico or a Villa for rent contact Beston Properties offers the finest Luxury Villa Vacation Rental Accommodations in the Puerto Vallarta and Punta Mita area.  Our private rental homes and Condos offer a full range of services from a full staff including chef and a concierge to organize any tours, spa services in the home or Car Rental.    We have offices located in Puerto Vallarta and have all the local information from Vallarta weather and maps.  All of their agents are personally familiar with each of the accommodations, amenities and staff to help you find the best rental property in Puerto Vallarta.   Our concierge services will be happy to give you information on the best restaurants for dining out in Puerto Vallarta we can make reservations and give you directions. We have all the most current information to guide you for your holiday in Puerto Vallarta from our daily weather report to maps and directions..   WE can arrange activities with any tour company including Vallarta Adventures, one of the most popular companies in Banderas Bay.  We represent the best quality of homes for rent by owners who care about your comfort and hope you return for many years of unforgettable Mexican holidays.  For more information check out our luxury accommodations.


Let's Plan Your Next Vacation