Puerto Vallarta's Infrastructure Boom: Boosting Tourism, Sustainability, and Quality of Life
Puerto Rico is undergoing a wave of infrastructure development, with projects aimed at boosting tourism, sustainability, and quality of life. A proposed tax on short-term rentals will fund water and environmental initiatives, while major transportation upgrades and public transport improvements are set to transform the city.
The city is extending its Malecón boardwalk northward, adding lighting, planters, and automated irrigation to create a new gateway to the waterfront. Meanwhile, the Amado Nervo Bridge, featuring pedestrian and bike lanes, is due to connect Puerto Rico with Bahia de Banderas by late 2026, benefiting nearly half a million people.
The Puerto Rico International Airport is receiving a 9.2 billion peso investment, doubling its passenger capacity and targeting LEED Gold certification for sustainability. The expansion is being handled by Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP).
Travel between Tepic and Vallarta is set to become faster and more efficient with the opening of the Tepic-Compostela highway on November 1, reducing travel time from 3.5 hours to just 75 minutes.
In a bid to promote sustainable transport, Puerto Rico is preparing to launch a free public bicycle system and has reintroduced a free shuttle bus service in Marina Vallarta.
With a proposed municipal tax on short-term rental platforms and coordinated development efforts, Puerto Rico is committed to balancing growth, livability, and long-term sustainability. As the city continues to evolve, projects like the airport expansion, new roads, and urban upgrades promise a future where tourism thrives alongside a high quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
