Recognized for its hospitality, connectivity, and cultural offerings, Puerto Vallarta has remained one of Mexico’s most important and iconic tourist destinations. Its natural environment and infrastructure position it as a favorite choice for local and international tourists.
However, amid this progress, one of the issues that has gained relevance on the tourism agenda is the international perception of its timeshare market.
This situation has been largely driven by the United States government, which on August 13 sanctioned four individuals and 13 companies linked to a criminal network led by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), dedicated to defrauding US citizens.
What is a timeshare and how is it operated?
In this type of vacation accommodation, known as a timeshare, several people share the right to use a property for a specific period of time each year.
According to US authorities, this network posed as Mexican telemarketers “with very fluent English” and contacted the owners of these accommodations, most of whom were elderly, to defraud them by posing as lawyers, real estate agents, or representatives of certain companies in the sector.
Scam and Fraud Prevention on the Tourism Agenda
In an interview with MILENIO, Rosalba Alejandra Cornejo, Director of Economic and Tourism Promotion for Puerto Vallarta, noted that the language used in the alerts issued by the United States often uses significant terms alluding to terrorism, which, she asserted, she does not agree with.
However, in light of the problem, she emphasized that collaboration is already in place with authorities to offer greater certainty to buyers in purchases and transactions. Likewise, the goal is for tourists to learn to identify the authenticity of offers and avoid falling into fraudulent practices.
“We know this is an issue that needs to be addressed and is worrisome (…) the authorities will be involved in reviewing what is happening and how we can protect potential foreign visitors from these frauds and these calls or these types of communications that can suddenly, in a deceptive manner, represent a detriment to anyone.
“These types of issues are at the federal level, and we will be involved at the municipal and state levels (…) by communicating and disseminating how we can prevent our visitors from falling for or becoming victims of these types of practices,” he said.
Fraud-related activities—which are not uncommon in other cities—also occur with other types of services in the city; generally with irresistible promotions and packages with significant discounts, which Cornejo also warned about.
People receive these scams through social media, messaging services, or unidentified websites that easily hook them, especially during the holiday season.
As part of strategies to protect visitors, this situation will also seek to be addressed by organizations such as the Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco) and other institutions to support the dissemination of recommendations.
“These types of announcements during the holiday season are very common (…) we are in the process of collaborating to deliver a strong message, and closer to the holiday season, we are partnering with Profeco and other institutions where we can, above all, prevent these situations.
“But I think the key here lies in consumers taking this precaution (…) to take precautions, to conduct checks to avoid falling victim to any situation that doesn’t correspond to what they are buying,” he noted.
Puerto Vallarta, an evolving destination: What events are expected?
Beyond the challenges, the Jalisco city continues to consolidate itself as a comprehensive tourist destination. Cornejo emphasized the safety, cultural richness, and wide gastronomic and artistic offerings that make it a favorite year after year.
Events such as the Ariel Awards, the Day of the Dead celebrations, and the Vallarta Nayarit Gastronomica showcase the interest in attracting local and international audiences with diverse interests: beach tourism, cultural tourism, meetings, and even religious tourism.
“We will be hosting national and international press from November 13th to 20th. The Academy of Arts and Sciences will be honoring more than 100 Ariel Awards nominations, and for seven days there will be various musical performances and activities within the city. This is the first time the Ariel Awards have been held in a beach resort destination,” he stated.
Under the name “the friendliest city in the world,” the tourism director described Puerto Vallarta as a showcase of natural beauty, with one of the most beautiful bays in the world and emblematic landscapes of sun, sand, and mountains, which will be witnessed at Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica.
“Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica, a highly relevant event, will feature more than 50 chefs, mixologists, and gastronomy experts (…) Also during those days, we will have show cooking, mixology workshops, exclusive performances, and conferences aimed not only at food and wine lovers, but also at students and professionals in the tourism sector,” she announced.
Finally, Alejandra Cornejo assured that Puerto Vallarta is preparing to welcome visitors with open arms, while strengthening its protection, transparency, and legality strategies to provide them with an unforgettable experience.
“I invite you to visit us, to give us the opportunity to welcome you with open arms and once again reaffirm Puerto Vallarta’s standing with the hospitality and quality of its people,” he said.
Source: milenio
