| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 04/09/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 50 |
| Copyright: Other |
Destination report by Helen Arnold
Puerto Rico seeks to up the tourism ante
Region plans range of new facilities
TRADITIONALLY the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico has not been considered a holiday destination in its own right, merely a disembarkation point for cruiseliners packed with blue-rinsed Americans.But while UK awareness of the island has been low, change is on the horizon, thanks to a huge project to boost tourism in Puerto Rico.
This includes the $600m rejuvenation of San Juan’s waterfront district and the building of a new 600,000sq ft convention centre to be completed by October 2002, as well as an extensive hotel-building programme.
Spanish-based Puerto Rico Tourism Company executive director Jose Corjuo said: “The Puerto Rico Convention Centre will allow us to accommodate events that we have not been able to previously because of size or other special requirements.”
The centre will be part of the Americas World Trade District that will be one of the largest waterfront development projects in the history of the US. The district will include an 800-room hotel, as well as shops, restaurants, museums, office space, a casino and a cinema.
The PRTC anticipates that 242,000 visitors will attend the centre in 2003, increasing to 413,000 by 2007.
This is the first time San Juan’s three central areas of Golden Triangle of Isleta, Condado and Isla Grande have been jointly considered in a plan. Planners hope that linking the three will create a renewed focus on the city’s waterfront.
The main artery of the centre will be a 545-metre canal, allowing access for boats from hotels and tourist attractions around San Juan.There are currently around 20 hotels in varying stages of construction on the island, which will add another 4,800 rooms by the end of the year, with another 2,500 rooms available by 2002, bringing the total number to over 19,000.
This more than compensates for the 4,500 hotel rooms which were forced out of use by Hurricane George in 1998.
North America Travel Service marketing director Ruby Briggs said: “There is a lot of traffic going through the island but it does have enough to offer as a destination in its own right.
“It has a rainforest, making it attractive to ecologically aware tourists looking for nature, as well as some lovely beaches.”
However, Harlequin Travel general manager Robert Ward believes that Puerto Rico needs more good quality boutique hotels to attract discerning UK visitors.
Access is another problem for potential UK visitors. Ward added: “Since British Airways withdrew its direct flight to the island in March, our business has dropped by 50%.
“At present, visitors have to fly via Antiguaw which adds about another £200 to the cost. However, we are optimistic the flight will be reinstated.”
Briggs agreed that while improving the infrastructure on the island is all to the good, it is necessary to get visitors there in the first place. She added: “Promotion is still needed.”
sample product
PUERTO rico
Harlequin Travel: is offering seven nights in the El Convento in old San Juan for £1,252 per person on abed- and-breakfast basis in low season,rising to £1,900 in peak season. It is also offering seven nights at Martineau Bay on a room-only basis for £1,400 in low season, £1,800 in peak season.
North America Travel Service: isoffering the Hyatt Cerromar, Dorado for £134 per room per night on a room-only basis with a fifth night free.
San Juan: operators would like to see the island promote itself better
factfile
New hotels
The Martineau Bay Resort in Vieques: will boast 216 rooms divided into 156 hotel rooms and 30 villas, operated by the Rosewood Hotel chain. It includes a 10,000sq ft spa facility, two private beaches and several restaurants.
The Cayo Largo Inter-Continental Beach Resort: one of the biggest new hotels under construction, the resort, in Fajardo on the east coast, will feature 314 rooms, meeting space,a golf course and a spa. The property is due to open in the last quarter of 2001.