If you want to know what things are really like, especially today during the pandemic, ask a local. So when I decided to get the latest on Puerto Vallarta, one of the top Mexico beach destinations, I turned to Tim Wilson, an expat who runs a Website that’s loved by LGBTQ travelers for its insider travel tips and information about everything from the gay beach to nightlife, LGBTQ pride and other entertainment.
Originally from Seneca, South Carolina, Tim has been living in Puerto Vallarta since 2006 and in 2012 started in GAYPV.com, a Website and magazine that highlights LGBTQ entertainment and businesses in the city. In this exclusive interview, he talks about what it’s like for those living in Puerto Vallarta during the pandemic, what it will be like for people looking to vacation there, and also what gay vacations in Mexico’s most popular international LGBTQ destination might look like in the future.
How would you describe the past couple of months in Puerto Vallarta?
Of course all travel destinations have been devastated by the pandemic, but I feel PV more so because most of Mexico lives “by the day” from wages and relies heavily on tips. There is no unemployment for these workers or any loans or bailouts per se for the business owners. So the residents have experienced lots of fear and hard times. We have been in lockdown since March 17, and some businesses before that voluntarily.
What have been the hardest things to adjust to, personally and professionally?
For me professionally, seeing others — my friends and clients — possibly losing businesses they spent years developing is very difficult. Personally, I miss being able to enjoy the attractions of Puerto Vallarta that brought me here to live — great restaurants, beaches, gay nightlife, and the cabaret entertainment shows.
What are your recommendations for LGBTQ travelers who want to visit Puerto Vallarta this year? How will the vacation experience be different from before the pandemic?
I would say come to Puerto Vallarta when you feel you are ready. For the LGBTQ traveler, we have something unique that you can’t find in many other LGBT destinations. Some events are on hold until things get better. Many popular gay venues are already adopting the necessary protocols to make you as safe as possible when you return. I have already spoken with owners who state they are preparing to operate with a lower capacity requirement (e.g., entertainment venues) and the safety regulations (restaurants, hotels, B&B properties).
How are LGBTQ-owned businesses doing? Are there any that might be in danger of closing permanently?
The beaches and bars are still closed as of June 8, but many hotels (without common areas-pools) reopened June 1, as have many favorite PV restaurants for dine in with social distancing and hygiene protocols. So far there are not any major announcements of permanent closings, but that eventual result will be when tourism recovers in PV. We don’t have an exact reopening date for the beaches or bars yet.
How can foreigners help the situation in PV?
I have an excellent link from our website that explains how friends of PV can give back to the workers (bar, clubs, entertainment staff) and even the local PV residents.
Do you think there will be good travel deals and low prices in order to get people traveling again?
I certainly expect that prices will need to be lower for some people to travel again. However, I don’t think lower prices will be the primary motivator for everyone. This fear could be long lasting and will require a “confidence and safety assurance” element for others to feel confident to travel again.
When was your last trip?
I travel frequently to Mexico City so that was my last trip. I miss experiencing new adventures and all the benefits of being single that accompany that!
Where are you going next?
I had a trip for Spain (Pride Madrid, Barcelona) planned for July 2020, so that is my next trip to re-schedule.
COVER PHOTO: Puerto Vallarta Pride. Photo courtesy Puerto Vallarta CVB