Puerto Vallarta: (Jalisco state)

Puerto Vallarta, a thriving resort on the bay, Bahia de Banderas, combines a scenic locale with ample recreational facilities. Charming, stone-paved streets bordered by old, terra-cotta-roofed buildings contrast with more modern structures in the affluent section on the hillside. From the promenade along the shore, the Pacific Ocean is visible across the bay. The old town maintains a rustic, whitewashed charm. Puerto Vallarta has recently added a $65 million water and waste management facility, road improvements, and landscaping in public areas.

There are 16,000 rooms. Many new hotels are grouped together at the Marina Vallarta development between the airport and town. Officials are currently negotiating for a convention center.

Meeting Needs, at a Glance

Attractions: Puerto Vallarta has a lively nightlife. In nightclubs, hotel bars, and dance clubs, the music and mingling extend into the morning hours.

Shopping: The city is noted for its many attractive boutiques, especially along Avenida Juarez; unique artists' studio tours with half-day visits to the artists' homes; and whale watching from November to March.

Case Study: A Little Romance * Place: Acapulco; Company: College Life Insurance

* Attendees: 80 employees

* Hotel: Hyatt Regency

Carolyn Griffin, Vice President of Human Resources & Convention Coordinator, College Life Insurance, Austin, Texas, used Roy Duckworth of Global Enterprises Inc. in Austin to help facilitate a special incentive trip:

"We held our sales meeting in Cancun because it has newer properties and extensive water sports, but when we wanted to reward a special group of top-performing employees (and their significant others), we chose Acapulco because it's so romantic--and our CEO and his wife love the area. Besides having more of a traditional Mexican feel, Acapulco's nightlife and restaurants can't be beat, and it's less expensive than Cancun."