Incentive Travel in Puerto Vallarta Disrupted as Unrest Erupts in Western Mexico

Incentive programs in Puerto Vallarta have moved attendees inside resort properties and canceled off-site activities after violence tied to a cartel operation triggered shelter-in-place advisories across western Mexico.

Airlines canceled flights to Puerto Vallarta and reduced service across parts of western Mexico, complicating arrival and departure logistics.

The U.S. State Department advised American citizens in Puerto Vallarta and surrounding areas to minimize unnecessary movements amid ongoing security operations, road blockages, and criminal activity. U.S. government personnel in affected areas were operating under the same restrictions.

Rideshare services and several local businesses temporarily halted operations in the resort town in Jalisco.

Incentive Groups Activate Crisis Plans

Destination management companies and planners said emergency response plans were activated almost immediately as conditions developed Sunday.

Kate Patay, VP of global engagement, Terramar DMC, said multiple corporate programs were in Mexico at the time, including groups near Puerto Vallarta. 

“As this is peak season in Mexico, we are currently hosting multiple groups across various regions. Two programs are in proximity to the areas where tensions have been elevated in Puerto Vallarta; however, all guests are safely within their respective resorts after activities were shortened today out of an abundance of caution,” said Patay. Terramar has offices in multiple Mexican incentive destinations.

“We maintain comprehensive emergency management plans designed to address a range of disruptions, including civil unrest. These protocols were activated early Sunday morning, and we remain in continuous communication with local authorities and on-the-ground teams,” said Patay.

In addition, Terramar has coordinated with its U.S. offices and those in Los Cabos, Cancun, Tulum, and Panama to ensure contingency plans are in place should any upcoming groups prefer to move their programs.

Off-site activities were canceled, and two site inspections were postponed while authorities cleared roadways. Resorts maintained normal operations, and planners coordinated closely with airlines and airport officials regarding potential schedule changes.

Localized Situation

Tourism officials in other Mexican destinations moved quickly to reassure planners that disruptions were localized.

Rodrigo Esponda, managing director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board, said in a statement that operations in Baja California Sur remain fully functional, with no impact to airport activity, transportation, or hospitality services. 

So far, planners report clients largely viewing the situation as a short-term, localized incident rather than a long-term threat to Mexico’s meetings industry, though perception risk remains a key concern.

“As with any global destination, isolated incidents can occur,” Patay said. “Mexico remains a strong hospitality and tourism hub, and at this time the situation appears contained.”