Authorities work to Attract wider clientele

More than 80% of Puerto Rico’s five million tourists originate from America. Hotel occupancy rates during the peak winter season outstripped many other islands at a solid 78.2%, despite a weak global economy and the Iraq war. The sector brings in around $2.2 billion in annual revenues representing around 3% of GDP.

José Suárez, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, says the island can increase its share of the Caribbean tourism market to 20% by 2020 if it creates the right environment. This includes building the necessary hotel and leisure infrastructure and appealing to a wider clientele. “Visitors can experience 500 years of Puerto Rican history and culture, and we’re only three or four hours away from America. We have beautiful beaches, mountains, rain forest, and many other attractions.”

Business tourism is being developed by the Puerto Rico Convention Bureau, which is marketing the $400 million convention center now under construction in San Juan, due to open next year. One of the largest infrastructure projects in the region, Executive Director Jorge Pesquera, says it will open the door for all kinds of groups, events, meetings and conventions. “We believe that this is a historically important time for Puerto Rico. We are right in the middle of the Americas and will become the preferred meeting destination.”

Other resort developments are also under way throughout the island. The Horned Dorset Primavera is one of the most exclusive new tourist addresses, a luxury inn in Rincon, western Puerto Rico, with 30 rooms and 20 villas. Wilhelm Sack, General Manager, says Puerto Rico is unlike any other Caribbean island. “Puerto Rico is a different place. You can get in your car, drive around, walk to the beach and feel safe. It is a free society. I think that is one of its blessings.”