Inns and hotels across Puerto Rico reported high occupancy over the Easter and Passover holidays, evidence of the destination's continuing comeback from last fall's hurricanes, according to the Puerto Rico Tourism Co. (PRTC).
"We've been encouraging travelers since late December to visit and see our recovery for themselves, reminding them that one of the best ways people can support Puerto Rico is by staying at hotels, eating at restaurants, enjoying the island's activities and buying from local businesses," said Carlos Campos, acting executive director. "We believe that our 'Open for Tourism' message is being heard loud and clear."
The Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort, which reopened in March, reported record occupancy over the Easter weekend; the Rincon of the Seas Grand Caribbean Hotel on the west coast had a 99% occupancy, and Club Seaborne on Culebra almost reached full capacity, according to the resort.
The PRTC recently launched online videos to remind travelers that Puerto Rico is "Ready to Enchant You." Preliminary numbers from the 130 hotels currently open to visitors indicate that the outlook for tourism is positive through 2018.
Upcoming events are geared to attracting visitors.
The MLB Series showcases the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Indians at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan on April 17 and 18, as regular season Major League Baseball returns to Puerto Rico for the first time since 2010.
Recurrent events in and around San Juan include Salsa Nights on Tuesdays in Hato Rey, concerts in Plaza Antonia Quinones in Condado on the second Sunday of each month, circus shows in Luis Munoz Marin Park on weekends, craft markets in Plaza Colon in Old San Juan, and free admission on Wednesdays to the Museo de Arte.