Francisco is a dynamic and internationally experienced executive who manages IVI’s business operations in Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit and resort destinations on the Northern Pacific coast. He brings strong entrepreneurial skills to IVI, operating businesses of his own since he was 24 years old.

Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, his boyhood included living in Richmond, Virginia, for two years, learning English and the American way of life. He began his education by studying industrial engineering, and then left Mexico to travel and experience other cultures. He moved to Belgium to work on a degree in international finance. He earned an MBA at European University in Antwerp and a diploma in corporate management at TEC de Monterrey in Mexico City.

After spending a few years as a production engineer at industrial firms in Guadalajara, Francisco felt his skills were better suited to a more people-oriented service environment. So he opened his own travel agency in Puerto Vallarta, and has smiled a lot more ever since.

Francisco later owned a car rental firm and an incentive travel business before joining forces with IVI Destination Management in 2004 as a managing director and partner. His many responsibilities include serving on IVI’s corporate board of directors, where his role includes seeking to constantly improve companywide standards for quality and client service.

Francisco is a Destination Management Certified Professional, and as a strong advocate of continuing education, he is active in the industry’s professional associations. He is a member of Rotary, SITE, ADME, PCMA, FICP, MPI and Adaptur.

His personal interests include ecology and the preservation of nature. Francisco also loves the ocean and all kinds of water sports. He also enjoys golf, tennis, racquet ball, riding a bike and camping. And to no-one’s surprise, he still enjoys traveling to new places.

Personal Favorites

Local Attraction – The cobblestone streets in Puerto Vallarta’s old town are always fascinating. Charming shops and art galleries everywhere, offering you a glass of wine while you admire the work of local to international artists.

Recreational Activity – Spending a relaxing day at any of our beaches. You can’t beat mingling with the local residents and visitors. I like to accompany this with a tamarind daiquiri and a delicious fish taco or two.

Restaurant – There are so many informal to fine dining options here in Puerto Vallarta that I can’t pick just one. I especially enjoy a small restaurant with a unique personality, and a menu with ethnic or regional food from other countries and cultures. Luckily, we have lots of these.

Local Tour – A Jeep Tour to San Sebastian. While this tiny mountain village isn’t far from Puerto Vallarta, a trip through great mountain scenery takes you to a former mining town. It’s a wonderful example of Colonial Mexico, virtually untouched by time.

Local Event – I have two favorites. Restaurant Week is held twice a year, in May and November, and our Film Festival is held in October. Both are the best of the best.