An approach to the definition and functional characterization of the polycentric system of the region of Puerto Vallarta - Bahía de Banderas, Mexico

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to define the polycentric structure of the tourist region of Puerto Vallarta-Bahia de Banderas, which is located between the Mexican States of Jalisco and Nayarit, as well as define the role of its urban areas with a focus on economic specialization and to the flows of people across the region. We used different sources of statistical information, field observation and direct surveys in order to recognize the mobility flows induced by work, supply and leisure activities from each urban area of the region. The results were integrated in a Regional Geographic Information System. Some of the data source we used are from the National Statistic Directory of Economic Units (DENUE), from Economic Census 2009, from the General Census of Population and Housing 1990, 2000 and 2010 and the Counting of Population and Housing 1995 and 2005, all edited by the National Institute for Statistics and Geographic Information (INEGI). The results show that the urban areas in the region of Puerto Vallarta – Bahía de Banderas can be classified into five different types, according to their function, and are organized as an interconnected network of people and economic flows.