Tourism sectors in Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán face economic challenges

Tourism sectors in Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán are facing significant challenges, characterized by low occupancy rates and commercial instability. In Puerto Vallarta, at least 35 businesses in the historic center and Romantic Zone have closed due to rising rents, alongside a contraction in commercial activity. Local deputies noted that hotel occupancy in July did not exceed 68 percent. Additionally, the local government decided to exclude a proposed tax on foreign tourists from the 2027 Revenue Law following a ruling by the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation that declared such a measure unconstitutional.

In Mazatlán, hotel occupancy for early September is reported to be between 20 and 25 percent. Industry representatives attribute this decline to several factors, including the return to school, a contracted national economy, and the fact that the September 15 national holiday falls mid-week, preventing a long holiday weekend. While the first half of 2026 saw stable occupancy, current trends show hotels resorting to aggressive price reductions to attract guests.