Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island that is famous for its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and historical landmarks. The island faced a severe blow in 2017 when Hurricane Maria hit the island, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
The aftermath of the hurricane severely impacted the tourism industry, which was a crucial source of income for the island. So, has Puerto Rico tourism recovered? Let’s find out.
Impact of Hurricane Maria on Puerto Rico Tourism
The impact of Hurricane Maria was felt across various sectors in Puerto Rico, including tourism. The hurricane caused significant damage to hotels and resorts, which led to many cancellations and a decrease in bookings. Furthermore, the island’s infrastructure was severely damaged, making it difficult for tourists to travel around the island.
The situation was made worse by media reports that portrayed Puerto Rico as an unsafe destination and highlighted the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria. As a result, many tourists canceled their reservations or avoided traveling to the island altogether.
Efforts to Revive Tourism
Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico has made significant efforts to revive its tourism industry. The government has invested heavily in restoration efforts to rebuild damaged infrastructure and attract tourists back to the island.
One such effort is the “Rebuild Puerto Rico” campaign launched in 2018 by Discover Puerto Rico – the official tourism organization for Puerto Rico. The campaign’s aim is to showcase the island’s beauty and resilience while highlighting its unique culture and attractions.
New Developments
In addition to restoration efforts, there have been several new developments aimed at attracting tourists back to Puerto Rico. For example:
- The opening of new luxury hotels such as Dorado Beach Resort & Club and O:LV Fifty Five Hotel
- The expansion of Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport with new flights from major US cities
- The introduction of new tourist attractions such as the Arecibo Observatory and the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Puerto Rico
The Current State of Puerto Rico Tourism
The efforts to revive Puerto Rico’s tourism industry have been successful, with an increase in the number of tourists visiting the island. According to Discover Puerto Rico, the island welcomed over 1.7 million visitors in 2019 – an increase of 8% from the previous year.
Furthermore, several hotels and resorts have reported an increase in bookings, indicating a growing interest in visiting Puerto Rico. The island’s unique culture, beautiful beaches, and historical landmarks continue to attract tourists from around the world.
COVID-19 Impact
However, like many other destinations worldwide, Puerto Rico’s tourism industry has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The island was closed to non-essential travel for several months, resulting in a significant decrease in tourism revenue.
To combat this impact, Discover Puerto Rico launched a new campaign called “Love is Great in Puerto Rico” aimed at promoting domestic tourism and attracting visitors from neighboring countries once travel restrictions are lifted.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Hurricane Maria had a severe impact on Puerto Rico’s tourism industry, efforts to revive it have been successful. The island has made significant strides in restoring damaged infrastructure and attracting tourists back to its shores. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, there is optimism that Puerto Rico will continue to be a popular destination for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation in paradise.