Following “Fantastic” 2003, Puerto Rico Hotels Look To Groups For Growth

Puerto Rico scored high tourism marks in 2003, according to Jose Suarez, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, who described last year as "fantastic – a year with solid occupancies that registered a 3% increase over 2002."

That percentage increase may not sound like much, according to <b>Travel Weekly </b>, but for tourism officials who have watched destinations flounder in the past two years, the figure is music to their ears. "Our hotel rates started climbing in 2003, inching closer to the pre-9/11 levels – another indication that we are on the right track now," Suarez said. "The year 2004 looks very strong, and hoteliers are optimistic, especially with the groups market, which has lagged considerably since 2001."

In fact, the economic picture as a whole is brighter. Suarez pointed out that the PRTC made a strategic decision last year to sponsor events that would generate "new visitors for Puerto Rico who normally might not have come were it not for a specific happening."

These included a Grand Prix rally and a visit by the Montreal Expos baseball team last summer, which played to sellout crowds in San Juan. Suarez said the two events generated 18,000 room nights.

Puerto Rico was again host to the Caribbean Marketplace, which took place last month in San Juan, "an event that showcases our destination and our product line," Suarez said. Suarez hopes to tap into the U.S. West Coast market this year.