Courtesy of Visitors and Conventions Bureau of Puerto Vallarta

New York, May 26, 2011 – In an innovative initiative aimed to study the safety standards found in Puerto Vallarta and enjoyed by visitors from around the world, the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board appointed Thomas Dale & Associates (TDA), a leading global investigative and security firm who lists several Fortune 100 companies amongst its clients, to complete a Security/Threat assessment. The international security company visited the destination between April 6 to April 13 to conduct interviews and a thorough assessment on the ground, and based on findings develop a comprehensive report in relation to all aspects of tourist security in the destination.

Photos: Courtesy of Carlos Chavez

TDA has just released its report which concludes that Puerto Vallarta is one of the safest tourist destinations for international and national tourists.

TDA individually interviewed domestic as well as international tourists, American and Canadian Consuls, retired ex-pats, time-share members, part-time residents, seasonal boaters, business owners, hospital administrators, gay community business representatives, health insurance professionals, cabbies, conventioneers, and honeymooners. The interviews were followed up by requests to local law enforcement sources for crime data and department deployment. The Civil Protection Department (FIMA) was also consulted regarding natural disasters.

The interviews focused on the following three areas; safety in Puerto Vallarta and the perception of its visitors; personal experiences and the US Travel Warning on Mexico.

The study found that the number of negative events involving foreigners or non-foreigners is fractional compared to the large ex-pat resident population and the millions of visitors that come to vacation each year in Puerto Vallarta. Overall the study found that visitors to the destination feel safe and continue to visit Puerto Vallarta numerous times through their lifetime and that the destination’s support services are well above the average standards and dedicated to serving the visiting public. In relations to the drug wars, TDA found that the limited land transit makes the smuggling of guns and drugs through Puerto Vallarta very difficult and thus a non-issue in the destination.

For more information on Puerto Vallarta visit: www.visitpuertovallarta.com