How Much Money Does Puerto Rico Make From Tourism?

By Anna Duncan

Puerto Rico is a beautiful island that attracts millions of tourists each year. The island is home to gorgeous beaches, lush rainforests, and a rich cultural heritage.

But how much money does Puerto Rico actually make from tourism? Let’s take a closer look.

Arrivals and Expenditures

According to the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, the island received 4.2 million visitors in 2019, generating approximately $4.8 billion in tourist expenditures. This represents a 5.3% increase in arrivals and a 6.5% increase in expenditures compared to the previous year.

Main Source Markets

The majority of visitors to Puerto Rico come from the United States, with over 3.7 million American tourists visiting the island in 2019 alone. Canada is the second-largest source market, followed by Europe and Latin America.

The Impact of Hurricane Maria

In September 2017, Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico, causing widespread damage and devastation across the island. The tourism industry was hit particularly hard, with many hotels and attractions closed for months or even years after the storm.

However, since then, Puerto Rico has made significant progress in rebuilding its tourism infrastructure and attracting visitors back to the island. In fact, tourism arrivals have continued to increase each year since Hurricane Maria.

The Future of Tourism in Puerto Rico

Despite recent challenges such as natural disasters and economic downturns, Puerto Rico remains committed to developing its tourism industry as a key driver of economic growth and job creation.

The government has implemented several initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable tourism development on the island while preserving its unique natural and cultural resources. These include investments in infrastructure improvements, marketing campaigns Targeting new source markets, and partnerships with private sector stakeholders.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tourism is an essential component of Puerto Rico’s economy, generating significant revenue and employment opportunities for the island. While recent challenges have tested the resilience of the industry, Puerto Rico remains optimistic about the future of tourism and continues to invest in its growth and development.