The recently released end-of-year report compiled by independent firm Smith Travel Research (STR) placed Puerto Rico fourth in 2011 hotel occupancy in the Americas, behind Chile, Uruguay and Curacao.
The city of San Juan ranked fifth in hotel occupancy among cities in the Americas behind Miami, New York, Rio de Janeiro and San Francisco, and is outpacing former hotspots including Los Angeles, Cancún, Negril and St. Thomas.
“In rooms only, approximately $59 million was sold over the previous year," said Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC), Mario González-Lafuente, in a written release. "Within the Caribbean, occupancy in Puerto Rico reached 69.2 percent, a very close second behind Curacao with 69.8 percent. Without a doubt, this increase is a result of well-implemented strategies that have been adjusted to the reality of an industry that has not been exempt from a weakening global economy. And, these figures demonstrate Puerto Rico’s position as one of the most desirable vacation destinations in the Americas.”
González-Lafuente attributes Puerto Rico’s jump in visitors to the successful integration between PRTC’s Just Think, Puerto Rico marketing campaign and efforts by tourism industry partners including hotels, airlines and travel agents to showcase the Island’s varied and unique offerings.
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