Puerto Rico Tourism stays on track amid protests and Governor’s resignation

Today, Discover Puerto Rico, the island’s destination marketing organization (DMO), reached out following the governor’s resignation to provide an update on tourism on the U.S. territory island.

With the recent protests on the island calling for the Governor’s resignation, a resolution was needed for the island to continue its strong path to recovery. Puerto Rico remains on track to achieve a record-breaking year for tourism in 2019. We are encouraged by the accounts of many travelers who arrived on the island during the last 2 weeks to enjoy the island’s gastronomy, attractions, and cultural offerings, and we are welcoming new travelers each day.

Puerto Rico remains open for tourism and changes to government leadership on the island do not change this. Discover Puerto Rico is a non-profit, non-governmental organization created to ensure continuity and to grow tourism on the island through bi-partisan legislation as the industry plays an integral role in strengthening the economy and creating jobs. The mission of the DMO will continue despite political shifts.

Safety

Discover Puerto Rico continues to consistently work with tourism partners to keep travelers up-to-date with the latest information they need to have an enjoyable and safe time while in Puerto Rico. Visitors should take the same general safety precautions as in any major U.S. metropolitan destination. As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico is subject to all applicable federal laws and regulations.

Services, Businesses, and Attractions

Welcoming over 4 million visitors each year, Puerto Rico has a highly-developed tourism infrastructure. Flights, ports, hotels, airports, restaurants, shops, attractions, and taxis are operating normally.

Businesses that closed during protests have reopened, but given additional strikes expected for today, July 15, travelers should check with area businesses and travel providers regarding operations and should allow additional time for travel.

Tourism plays an integral role in strengthening the economy and creating jobs, and Discover Puerto Rico is confident that tourism will continue to thrive in the months ahead and will not be impacted by the events of the last two weeks.

The tourism industry on the island is made up of approximately 83,000 employees who work every day to ensure visitors have a positive experience.