Debt-Laden Puerto Rico Says Travel Business Is Good

As Puerto Rico staggers under a crushing $73 billion debt load that Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla concedes is unpayable, tourism appears to be an economic bright spot.

The sector is performing well across the board in stayover arrivals, hotel occupancy and cruise passenger arrivals, according to Ingrid Rivera Rocafort, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Co.

While the economic fallout from the financial crisis could be severe, it is not expected to have much impact on tourism, she said.  “We have successfully worked to improve attractions, enhance our cruise piers, open new hotels, attract investors and increase airlift over the past three years and we will continue to do so,” Rivera Rocafort said.

Meet Puerto Rico, the nonprofit organization that markets meetings and conventions, “continues to operate in a fiscally sound environment. Airports, hotels, taxis, communication services and other elements of Puerto Rico’s tourism infrastructure are not affected by the government’s financial crisis,” according to Milton Segarra, president and CEO.

The organization is closely monitoring dozens of clients and groups with events planned in Puerto Rico.

“No group has canceled and we will continue to provide information to them and to those considering Puerto Rico as a venue, so that they feel secure in having made the right decision to come to Puerto Rico,” Segarra said.

Source: Travel Weekly