Island scores high marks with business and leisure guests; Golf, beaches, casinos, culture, and gastronomy contribute to satisfaction, intention to return
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Discover Puerto Rico published its first comprehensive study on visitors arriving in Puerto Rico, a year-long assignment that included interviews in different parts of the Island with 1,607 travelers from abroad.
One of the study’s main findings is that 98% of visitors were satisfied with their experience on the Island. Similarly, 95% estimate they will return in the future, and less than 15% experienced any concerns at some point during their stay.
The Island has long been popular with golfers, beach lovers, and those who appreciate the Island’s culture, biodiversity, and people. Now, according to the study results, visitors have expanded the reasons they choose Puerto Rico for getaways and travel experiences.
The main reason for travel was vacationing (65%). Only 13% said their trip was to visit relatives or friends. Travelers selected Puerto Rico as a destination for its weather (34%), scenic beauty (32%), and local culture (31%).
On average, travelers stayed on the island for 6.1 nights. About half spent the night in a hotel (45%), a third in short-term rentals (34%), and the rest in private residences. It is estimated that each visitor spends around $208 per day. These expenses include accommodations, food, entertainment, experiences, and shopping.
This picture shows the composition of travelers in the best year in the history of the tourism industry in terms of total visitor spending ($8.9 billion), revenue from the rental tax ($116 million), and jobs in the recreation and lodging sectors (91,500). 2022 generated the highest passenger traffic at Luis Muñoz Marín airport (over 10 million) in more than a decade.
The increased visitation certainly has resonated throughout the Island golf destination, as many courses and golf resorts report welcoming burgeoning numbers of players in each of the past three years.
Sixteen of Puerto Rico’s 18 golf courses are open to the public. The other two – at TPC Dorado Beach – allow play by guests staying at the Dorado Beach, Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Golfweek rates several of the Island’s courses among the best in the Caribbean, Mexico, Costa Rica and the Atlantic Islands.
Island courses range from luxury resort to municipal, spread throughout Puerto Rico with several clustered near historic San Juan. Oceanside views, coconut trees, and mountain and rainforest vistas frame their settings. Price points, terrain, layout style, and related amenities are varied and complementary.
Traveling to the Island is convenient with many choices as it is the air hub of the Caribbean. Further traveler friendliness is found in Puerto Rico’s bilingual culture, U.S. currency, and no passport required for American citizens.
For more information on the Island, travel guidelines, golf courses, resorts and hotels, and other destination attractions, visit DiscoverPuertoRico.com