Riviera Nayarit: Mexico's Newest Destination is Unveiled  Article from etravelblackboard.com Luxurious resorts, championship golf, protected ecotourism and miles of undeveloped coastline characterize this new destination. There’s a great new destination in Mexico and now it has a name: Riviera Nayarit. With the launch of this exciting destination, comes an amazing transformation of 100 miles of Pacific coastline that unfolds just minutes north of the Puerto Vallarta International Airport which will continue to develop over the next decade. Already this spectacular new destination has over 12,000 hotel rooms, two-thirds of which are four-star to five diamond; four major golf courses and protected ecotourism.   At Tianguis Acapulco on March 27, 2007, the Governor of the Mexican state of Nayarit, Mr. Ney González, officially named this new destination “Riviera Nayarit”, delineating its location from the Rio Ameca at Nuevo Vallarta to the colonial town of San Blas including the exclusive resort enclave, Punta Mita.   This week Mr. Marc Murphy, director general of the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau is launching Riviera Nayarit in the U.S. and Canada. He is introducing Riviera Nayarit’s official logo that features its mascot, the sea turtle which is a protected species in the region.   Riviera Nayarit’s official website, www.rivieranayarit.com will also be launched at this time and will provide travelers with key information so that they can plan their vacation accordingly. Information on the website will include features on the region’s attractions like eco-tourism and major events.   To garner North American interest in the destination, Riviera Nayarit will kick off an engaging online contest called “Treasures” for agents and the traveling public to use their creativity to name Riviera Nayarit’s attractions. The most creative entrants can win a trip to be the first to experience the wonders of Riviera Nayarit.   Mr. Murphy will also share news of new developments that are taking place in Riviera Nayarit. These include:   • A major new resort area called Litibu which will inaugurate a Greg Norman golf course in December • An elegant St. Regis Resort in Punta Mita • A second Jack Nicklaus designed golf course at the spectacular Four Seasons Resort in Punta Mita • A new marina and future resort development at La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.   “I am so thrilled to be part of the launch of such a spectacular new vacation region in North America’s favorite destination – Mexico,” said Mr. Murphy. Born in Canada, he and the tourism industry of the region have been working closely over the last three years to make the dream that is Riviera Nayarit become a reality.   “We plan to make Riviera Nayarit a haven for luxury travel, matchless golf and experiencing our protected ocean and mountain nature and wildlife,” he continued.   Hugging 100 miles of Pacific coast north of Puerto Vallarta and protected by the dramatic Sierra Madre Mountains, Riviera Nayarit blends the timeless authenticity of Mexican culture and hospitality with the latest in tourism facilities and services. The Four Seasons and St. Regis are among the hotel companies bringing a new level of luxury; superstars like Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus are redefining the game of golf here. An extraordinary abundance of wildlife from giant manta rays and whales to protected sea turtles and rare migratory birds draw both vacationers and experts from around the world. And, with ambitious plans for new resorts, hotels and recreational facilities, Riviera Nayarit is well on its way toward making a major impact on North American tourism.   For visitors, the gateway to Riviera Nayarit is Puerto Vallarta International Airport, only ten minutes away from Nuevo Vallarta. Most of the region’s current tourism facilities are located on Banderas Bay, one of the world’s largest bays, which is also renowned for its extensive variety of water sports from diving and snorkeling to sailing and deep sea fishing.   Riviera Nayarit is also fast-becoming one of Mexico’s foremost golfing destinations. Renowned professionals and designers such as Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Robert Von Hagge, Jim Lipe and Joe Finger have created aesthetically pleasing golf courses with varying degrees of difficulty. Among the highlights is the El Tigre Golf Club at Paradise Village designed by Von Hagge; the Jack Nicklaus designed course at the Four Seasons Golf Club in Punta Mita; and the Mayan Golf Resorts Vallarta by Lipe.   And there is so much more to discover in Riviera Nayarit.   Ecological wonders abound on this “slice of heaven on earth,” like whale watching on a catamaran, viewing of sea turtle preservation efforts and snorkeling in crystal clear aquamarine waters to get closer to colorful coral reefs and underwater species. Precious ecological sanctuaries for rare birds are located in Islas Marietas and La Tovara National Park. In Nuevo Vallarta and the Banderas Bay, visitors can even swim and interact with friendly seals. For outdoor adventurers the rich natural habitat that is Sierra Madre beckons culminating in a visual hike and 2,000 feet stop above sea-level. Canopying from tree top to tree top, jungle expeditions, or horseback riding are just a few ways that clients can dare to conquer this majestic mountain chain.   North of Banderas Bay and Punta Mita are miles of seemingly endless white sand beaches, the somewhat bohemian surfing town of Sayulita and friendly fishing villages where new tourism facilities will be developed in the next decade. Driving along the thickly forested and scenic two lane highway north of Punta Mita to San Blas, visitors cannot resist stopping in colorful roadside markets to sample homemade candies, fresh juices and succulent tropical fruits.   Riviera Nayarit’s cultural history dates back thousands of years, encompassing four ethnic traditions, including pre-Columbian cultures and the Huichols. Nayarit’s excellent preservation of its culture can be seen in its native Huichol tribe who have preserved their rich culture and ancient beliefs through their art. The Huichols are renowned for the detailed bead sculptures that contain elaborate symbols borne out of their culture and shamanistic traditions. Mexcaltitan is a small island of floating mangroves that is reputed to be the birthplace of the Aztecs. Archeological sites with hundreds of petroglyphs and vestiges of ancient villages remain still waiting to become accessible to visitors.   With every visit to Riviera Nayarit, there is always something new to discover and the essence of this destination will rejuvenate and excite the most jaded of travelers.   For more information on Riviera Nayarit please visit RivieraNayarit.com