Puerto Rico is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and historical landmarks. However, the island was hit hard by Hurricane Maria in 2017, leaving many wondering if Puerto Rico has recovered for tourism. Let’s take a closer look.
Overview of Hurricane Maria
Hurricane Maria was a Category 5 hurricane that struck Puerto Rico on September 20th, 2017. The storm caused widespread damage and devastation across the island, including power outages, flooding, and destruction of homes and infrastructure. The tourism industry was hit particularly hard as many hotels and attractions were forced to close.
Tourism Recovery Efforts
In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico worked tirelessly to rebuild its tourism industry. The government launched a multi-million dollar campaign to promote the island as a tourist destination and assure travelers that it was safe to visit. Many hotels and attractions were quickly repaired and reopened.
- One notable example is the El Conquistador Resort in Fajardo, which reopened just three months after the hurricane.
- The Puerto Rico Tourism Company also launched an initiative called “Rebuild Days” where volunteers could help repair damaged attractions.
Current State of Tourism
Despite these efforts, tourism in Puerto Rico has not fully recovered to pre-hurricane levels. According to data from the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, visitor arrivals in 2019 were still down compared to 2016 (the year before Hurricane Maria). However, there are signs of improvement as visitor spending increased by over $400 million between 2018 and 2019.
COVID-19 Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on global tourism including Puerto Rico. The island closed its borders to non-essential travel in March 2020 and reopened in September with strict health protocols in place. While tourism has started to pick up again, it still remains below pre-pandemic levels.
Conclusion
Puerto Rico has made significant progress in rebuilding its tourism industry after Hurricane Maria. However, there is still work to be done to fully recover to pre-hurricane and pre-pandemic levels. With ongoing efforts and initiatives, Puerto Rico remains a beautiful and resilient destination for travelers.