Originally from Estación Yago in the municipality of Santiago Ixcuintla, Nayarit; José Ludwig Estrada Virgen came to Puerto Vallarta 30 years ago, when the destination was enjoying its golden years. It was at that time that he met his wife Delia and with her he had two daughters: Delia Guadalupe, 23 and Andrea, 12.
During his 28 years in the Secretary of Tourism for the state of Jalisco, he worked as an inspector until he became the Regional Director. As an expert in tourism, he talks to us about the role he plays in the timeshare industry in our region:
In the Secretary of Tourism we know that timeshare attracts many people and we can see the benefits that this industry, for example, in times of crisis (like the financial crisis, the flu or the insecurity) has helped save the occupancy levels of the destination.
The people that bought their membership should use it on their week. The buyer of timeshare is a repetitive tourist and although we are in a crisis, they keep coming. 50% of the seats on the airplanes are occupied by timeshare tourists.
This has made the airlines continue flying to Puerto Vallarta. Also, the fact that the timeshare visitor only has to pay a maintenance fee and stys for seven days or more, translates into an important economic flow to service providers. And, even though some of the units have kitchenettes does not deter families from going out and dining in town.
On the other hand, timeshare creates employment for housekeeping, receptionists, administrative personnel... There are a lot of people that depend upon it. It is an industry that has grown remarkably in the last few years, providing a huge economic injection into the economy.
The person who purchases timeshare is a tourist that will come for 10 or more years to our destination. We also have RCI that offers the possibility to go to another destination next year, but under the condition that another timeshare owner comes to Puerto Vallarta in his place.
We have to touch up our house and provide good service
Ludwig Estrada Virgen confirmed that the Secretary of Tourism has always maintained good communication with Adeprotur and they have never had any trouble with the members of that organization. However, he did state that it is important to put things in order to prevent bad business to the industry that has invested so much in this destination.
Adeprotur has always promoted the training of promoters and sales reps so that they can conduct their business ethically and with transparency and with that, combat pirating which damages not only timeshare but Puerto Vallarta.
The authorities have come down on developments that do not deliver what they promised. There was a development in the Marina Vallarta that sold and then did not deliver the product. The authorities have fortunately taken on the case.
We are very conscious of the fact that timeshare brings large volumes of tourists, and we know that we have to keep the house in order and in optimum conditions in order for them to come back year after year... Fix the streets, improve public transportation, trash collection, security, infrastructure, street lights, etc. We have to unite our efforts.
Despite what people have said, the airport has improved
We have worked very hard to regulate the OPC's at the airport... We now know that if someone misrepresents or demonstrate reproachable behavior, they will lose their license and will be banned from working in the airport terminal.
We have an agreement with Adeprotur and with the travel agencies that was signed two years ago and continues to be respected. Today, no one talks about the airport anymore. We must recognize that this association is working with ethics, integrity, training and immediate response to problems.
Read more about timeshare and its advantages.