Meagan Drillinger
Puerto Vallarta has launched a travel specialist program as part of the Travel Agent Academy. The Puerto Vallarta Specialist Program is a free, industry-focused training course that is designed for advisors, operators and other travel partners.
“The pandemic showed us how important it is to keep agencies updated about the destination virtually,” said Ana Reglan, a representative of the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board. “The Puerto Vallarta specialist program is an excellent tool for agents to increase their knowledge and learn how to sell and promote our beautiful city, no matter if they are beginners or experienced travel advisors.”
The program is designed to offer the most up-to-date information to help with bookings and client support. It is made up of three modules that cover everything from what’s new in the leisure segment, to infrastructure, history, food, culture and events.
One of the main purposes of the program is to educate advisors that Puerto Vallarta is so much more than a beach destination.
“An expert in Puerto Vallarta knows the true essence of the destination and what makes it so authentically Mexican,” Reglan said. “This includes the culture, tradition, gastronomy, hotel infrastructure and hospitality.”
Three modules
The first module focuses on the history and topography of the destination. Puerto Vallarta is positioned on the Bay of Banderas on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, which means it has everything travelers need for a beach getaway, but it is unique in that it is also a city destination as well as one with plenty of mountain and forest adventures. This section also covers transportation options, budgets, guided tours and traveler services.
The second course covers the outdoors and culinary offerings as well as what makes Puerto Vallarta a great choice for families.
The program concludes with the different niches that Puerto Vallarta can cater to. This includes romance tourism, LGBTQ experiences, wellness and boutique hotels.
“The program also includes the nearby towns of San Sebastian del Oeste, Talpa de Allende and Mascota,” said Reglan. These are the three closest Magic Towns to Puerto Vallarta and make for wonderful, culturally immersive daytrips or overnights if travelers are looking to dig a little deeper into the destination.
Fam trip opportunities
Once agents complete the program, they are awarded digital certificates, which they can display to demonstrate their status as a Puerto Vallarta expert. Completing the program also opens the door for exclusive fam trip opportunities.
With the surge of investment and development happening in Puerto Vallarta, like the new 444-room all-inclusive Hilton Vallarta Riviera, the development of the highway along Cabo Corrientes and the luxury resorts that are expected to opens south of the city, now is the time to have your sights set on Puerto Vallarta — and Mexico’s Pacific Coast in general.
