- Airlines, cruise lines and hotel partners’ joint relief efforts these past few weeks demonstrate the importance of Puerto Rico as a destination and hub in the Caribbean.
- Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) is fully operational with all airlines back to regular schedules.
- Royal Caribbean International resumed homeport operations.
- Major hotels are at full capacity given relief efforts and taking on new reservations beginning this week.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico–October 12, 2017–Just three weeks after the passing of Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico’s tourism industry has come together to move forward on a path to recovery. With a full industry assessment almost complete, the Island’s outlook is positive with airports and cruise ports fully operational and major hotels expected to take new reservations beginning this week.
“We’re glad to report that the preparedness measures put into place have allowed for what we’re seeing will be a quick recovery for our tourism industry. We are confident that the progress we have shown just a few weeks out is a sign of the resiliency and strength of our people. We expect to welcome visitors to the Island in the weeks ahead, especially those looking to travel with a purpose as we’re working to finalize compelling voluntourism activities for those who want to head out beyond San Juan and help the communities in greater need,” said José Izquierdo, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC).
Following are some updates that confirm the Island’s progress on the path to recovery:
- International Airport Fully Operational The Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) is fully operational with scheduled domestic and international flights. Rafael Hernández Airport (Aguadilla), Mercedita Airport (Ponce), José Aponte de la Torre Airport (Ceiba), Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport (Isla Grande) and the Antonio Rivera Rodríguez Airport (Vieques) are operational and offering limited service.
- Ports are Open PRTC is in direct communication with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) partners who have shown extreme commitment to Puerto Rico and attest to the industry’s resiliency. San Juan Harbor is open and resumed homeport operations this past weekend with the departure of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s Adventure of the Seas. Over two thousand travelers are expected to travel in and out of San Juan to embark on these journeys.
- Hotels Welcoming New Guests More than 80 hotel properties are open and most taking new reservations for the upcoming months. For a full list of the status of hotels, visit http://puertoriconow.seepuertorico.com/hotels/
- Attractions Re-Opening to Welcome Guests While an Island-wide assessment of historic and other tourist attractions is underway, a number of key attractions have already opened. Highlights include the Puerto Rico Museum of Art in Santurce and the Ponce Museum of Art, both which are open for visitors. Bacardi tours will open to the public on November 1. El Morro and other San Juan historic sites are expected to open in the coming weeks. The public spaces for which admission is not required are open.
- Transportation and Other Visitor Services on the Island Operational Main transportation companies, as well, as taxi drivers, are fully operating and providing ongoing service to visitors. Local travel agencies are operating and also providing service to travelers. The Mall of San Juan and Plaza Las Américas are open for shoppers.
“The support received from our industry partners to date has been remarkable and we continue to welcome relief efforts from partners who are interested in helping the people of Puerto Rico as we focus on rebuilding our Island. We are confident that with the continuous support of our industry partners and visitors coming to our Island, we can build a stronger Puerto Rico,” said Izquierdo.
For the latest tourism industry updates, visit www.SeePuertoRico.com. For information on other infrastructure improvements (related to hospitals, ATMs, supermarkets, etc.) across the Island, visit http://status.pr/.
Visitors with questions about travel to Puerto Rico can call the PRTC at 787-522-5960, talk via PRTC’s Live Chat or call their hotels directly for more information.
