Introduction to Costalegre and its Tourism Potential
Costalegre, a newly recognized gem for Jalisco’s tourism development, is a coastal corridor encompassing the municipalities of Tomatlán, Cabo Corrientes, La Huerta, and Cihuatlán. This region is being prioritized as a prime investment area for ultraluxury tourism, according to Miguel Andrés Hernández, Subsecretary of Tourism for Jalisco and Director of the Costalegre Tourism Trust.
Distinct Offerings and Low Environmental Impact
Hernández emphasized that the goal for Costalegre is not to replicate what already exists in Puerto Vallarta, a mature destination. Instead, the focus is on creating unique, low-impact products catering to a specific niche that values exclusivity, connection with nature, and engagement with local communities. These offerings will complement, not replace, Jalisco’s existing tourism products.
Private Investments and Infrastructure Development
The strength of Costalegre lies not in volume but in attracting those genuinely seeking privacy and exceptional service beyond national standards. Several private investments are on the horizon, including the commencement of ultraluxury developments by Six Senses and Chablé Residences.
- More than 200 million pesos in public infrastructure investments have been allocated during the current administration to bolster aerial, nautical, and terrestrial connectivity.
- Key projects set to benefit from these investments include the Chalacatepec Airport, crucial for regional aviation connectivity, and the Nautical Ladder initiative, aiming to integrate coastal bays and beaches through naval infrastructure.
- Currently, Costalegre’s aviation connectivity relies on Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo airports, facilitating access.
Costalegre’s Elite Tourism Legacy
Costalegre has a long-standing history as an elite tourism destination. Hernández highlighted that this corridor has been a “breeding ground for influential beaches” and has developed ultraluxury tourism in Mexico for over 40 years, predating other destinations.
- Iconic properties such as Four Seasons Tamarindo, Careyes, and Las Alamandas have established an international reputation.
- Celebrities from Mexico and the United States, including actors and producers, have found their vacation retreat and even a secondary home in Costalegre.
Community-Driven Development
The Costalegre development is a community project, requiring collaboration from municipal, state, and federal levels to engage the entire value chain and involve the community in the tourism industry.
Tourism’s Role in Jalisco’s Economy
The tourism sector contributes around 9.4% to Jalisco’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). For Costalegre, tourism is identified as one of the top five priorities for regional economic development, traditionally focused on fishing and agriculture.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Costalegre? Costalegre is a coastal corridor in Jalisco, comprising Tomatlán, Cabo Corrientes, La Huerta, and Cihuatlán municipalities, being prioritized for ultraluxury tourism development.
- What sets Costalegre apart from other Jalisco tourism destinations? Costalegre focuses on unique, low-impact products catering to a niche that values exclusivity, nature connection, and local community engagement, complementing rather than replacing existing tourism offerings.
- What private investments are planned for Costalegre? Ultraluxury developments by Six Senses and Chablé Residences are among the private investments on the horizon, along with over 200 million pesos in public infrastructure improvements.
- How does Costalegre’s history contribute to its current tourism potential? Costalegre has a 40-year history of developing ultraluxury tourism, predating other Mexican destinations. Iconic properties like Four Seasons Tamarindo, Careyes, and Las Alamandas have established an international reputation.
- Why is community involvement crucial for Costalegre’s development? The Costalegre project is a community-driven initiative requiring collaboration from municipal, state, and federal levels to engage the entire value chain and involve the community in tourism.
- What role does tourism play in Jalisco’s economy? Tourism contributes approximately 9.4% to Jalisco’s GDP, with Costalegre identified as one of the top five priorities for regional economic development.
