Dominican Republic displaces Puerto Rico in tourists’ reception
Submitted by dima on Mon, 2007-02-05 17:14.
SAN JUAN.- Puerto Rico has lost its leadership as main destination in the Caribbean, after 40 years of being the top tourism pole of the region.
The most cherished spot for tourists in the Caribbean is now the Dominican Republic.
This was indicated in a study of the Puerto Rican Association of Hotels and Tourism (AHT), which results were divulged yesterday during the convention that the entity is hosting this week.
Based on statistics of the World Tourism Organization, in 2003, tourism activity in the Dominican Republic generated some US$3.11 billion, while, in Puerto Rico, the benefit was of US$2.67 billion. In 2003, 3,238,000 tourists visited Puerto Rico in contrast with 3,282,000 that visited the Dominican Republic.
The analytic report also shed indications that, during the 90’s, the Caribbean had consolidated its stance as a tourism pole sought by visitors from foreign lands. But this bonanza is no longer the case.
During this time, Puerto Rico increased the number of hotel rooms by 4,345, while the Dominican Republic opened 31,562 new spots.
It is worthwhile noticing that 60% of tourists that travel to Puerto Rico do not stay at hotels, but rather go to family or friends that reside there.
September, 21 - 8:25 AM