On the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, Puerto Rico is reporting peaks in incoming travelers, record revenues and more local tourism employees than ever before in its history.
Puerto Rico’s unique appeal as a U.S. territory with an unparalleled cultural flair, natural wonders and warm “Boricua” spirit continues to allure travelers, contributing to the Island’s tourism successes in 2022, which include:
- More than 5.1 million passengers arrived at the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, a 6.5% increase from 2021.
- Approximately $8.9 billion in revenue was generated by travel and tourism, a 39% increase over the previous high in 2019. (Tourism Economics)
- The island now employs more than 91,500 individuals in travel and tourism related jobs, also the highest ever. Employment in the leisure and hospitality sector in Puerto Rico has increased by 12.8% compared to pre-pandemic levels, while employment numbers in the U.S. remain 4% below when considering the same period. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Booked group room nights in 2022 doubled those from 2021, and the number of events currently booked for 2023 are 81% higher versus the same time last year, speaking to the efforts that inspire planners to “Make Your Meeting Boricua.” Even more encouraging, the number of prospective room nights for 2023 and beyond topped 1 million nights for a 35% increase over 2021. (Simpleview)
- A record-breaking fourth quarter, despite Hurricane Fiona’s passing through Puerto Rico in September 2022, the industry saw lodging demand for the last three months of the year 7% higher than the previous highs in 2021 and 31% higher than pre-pandemic levels. Post-hurricane perception studies showed that 76% of respondents indicated that the storm had no impact on their travel plans. (STR & AirDNA)
- Likelihood to visit Puerto Rico in the next 12 months has grown to 22%, as of late 2022. (SMARInsights)
San Juan, Puerto Rico. Zetong Li/Unsplash Photo
This growth has been propelled by the creative global marketing efforts of Discover Puerto Rico to spotlight the destination, its unique attributes and ease of travel. Since the DMO was founded in 2018, and despite various natural weather events and the COVID-19 crisis, the Island’s DMO has generated programming that drove travel and tourism metrics to unprecedented levels despite challenges including economic headwinds.
“Amidst one of the most extreme challenges the global tourism industry has ever faced, Puerto Rico’s travel sector went from surviving to thriving, breaking the previous record set in 2021 yet again in 2022″ said Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico. “I’m very proud of the work our team has achieved, often under trying circumstances beyond our control, applying data-centric and strategic practices in collaboration with stakeholders throughout the Island and industry.”
I’ll be there in early March for a mid-year board meeting of the Society of American Travel Writers. Our annual convention will be held in San Juan in September, as well. It’s a beautiful island that I hope to explore a little this year.
San Juan is known for its colourful architecture and great culinary scene. The island also amazing beaches, vast rainforests, and a wealth of outdoor activities to offer.
