Seven ways you can help Puerto Rico’s economy while enjoying our island
by Cristina Pérez
Since the landfall of hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017, Puerto Rico has not been the same. For the past eight months we’ve endured a painful but gradual recovery, and there are hundreds of headlines to prove our journey to rebuild a better future. But we can’t do it alone.
So if you’re wondering what could you possibly do to help Puerto Rico develop a robust economy, we have the answer for you: come and visit the island.
When you visit a country, you invariably contribute to the economy: from booking a flight and a hotel room, to taking a day trip throughout the city and buying lunch in the café around the corner, you are boosting the locals’ livelihood. But the impact of the money you inject into the local economy goes even further: what you spend here in Puerto Rico pays for wages, taxes, profits, infraestructure and supplies, among many others.
According to data developed by Foundation for Puerto Rico, “the visitor economy contributes around $7.4 bn to the Puerto Rican economy, which represents 10.7% of Puerto Rico’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)”.*
Therefore, it’s safe to say that there is not a better time to visit Puerto Rico than right now. The majority of the more-visited areas are all set for receiving and entertaining visitors, and we are more than happy to have you. After all, every penny you mindfully spend in our local businesses goes to rebuild our beloved island.
That’s why we have compiled a list of things you can do while in Puerto Rico to boost the local tourism economy and explore our culture sustainably.
1. Keep logistics local.
Although it’s tempting to buy an all-inclusive package, or book your trip through a third party, try to look out for local businesses that can supply your travelling needs. With a bit of online research, you’ll find locally-owned lodgings, car rentals, taxis, and basically everything you might need to enjoy your trip to Puerto Rico. Instead of spending your dollars in multi-national corporations, you can help a family-owned, local business thrive.
2. Buy local souvenirs.
Be as mindful as possible about the handmade arts and crafts that you buy, for many are not made in Puerto Rico. Try asking about the provenance or origin of the craft at hand, or — better yet! — visit the municipality where the local artisans specialize in that particular craft. For example, if you’re interested in buying an hamaca (or hammock), try scheduling a day trip to San Sebastián, where the locals go as far as organizing a yearly hammock festival.
3. Try our local restaurants and “chinchorros”.
This one shouldn’t be a problem, given the growth of the gastronomy scene in Puerto Rico. We love food and we love to share our scrumptious, perfectly-seasoned staples with our visitors. I encourage you to explore the city’s renowned, local-owned restaurants and markets by asking a concierge, or doing your research online via yelp or sal.pr. If you’d rather experience Puerto Rico as a Puerto Rican would, try to ask locals about the more modest but culturally rich “chinchorros”. If you’re committed to respectfully enjoy our customs, I suggest that you book a seat on a “chinchorro tour” and experience our traditional food (and the culture behind it) throughout the different gastronomic tours in our island.
4. If you’re going to buy clothes (and other essentials), go local.
In the past few years, several boutiques have popped up with a refreshing offer: garments designed for the heat and humidity endemic to the Caribbean weather. Explore your options in the Metro Area, especially in Old San Juan and Santurce, where you’ll find vintage, high-end and not-so-high-end but still gorgeous (and weather-proof) clothes.
Moreover, if you wish to be even more mindful about your impact on our island, I wholeheartedly suggest that you buy your essentials (i.e. shampoo, sunscreen, and others) in local pharmacies.
5. Get out of the hotel and visit our best attractions.
Puerto Rico is globally known for its amazing attractions: from centuries-old Spanish fortresses to bioluminiscent bays, we have it all! Don’t just stay in your hotel, go book a day trip around Old San Juan and enjoy our clear skies and tropical weather. You’ll learn about our fascinating past, our vibrant traditions, our globally-renowned music and dancing, and so much more. Try walking around the city and engage with the locals to know more about our beautiful and diverse island.
6. Don’t just stay in San Juan; visit other municipalities!
Some of the best experiences Puerto Rico has to offer actually happen outside the walled city of San Juan. Wouldn’t you love to see the pink waters of the Cabo Rojo salt flats? Does kayaking through the canals of a mangrove forest in La Parguera pique your interest? And what about camping in front of the beach, lulled by the sound of the waves gently crashing upon the moon-lit shore? Read this article about a roadtrip to Cabo Rojo, rent a car and head south!
7. Enjoy a longer stay.
By staying a few more days on Puerto Rico, you’ll multiply the effect your money has on our economy. So change that flight, and explore the 100 x 35 miles that make up our island!
After all, you decide how to invest your funds on your next trip to the island; these are just pointers about how you can do more for Puerto Ricans while still enjoying our marvelous assets. Thanks for reading; te esperamos en Puerto Rico.
Notes:
*Foundation for Puerto Rico, Economía del Visitante: Percepciones de los proveedores de servicios turísticos en Puerto Rico, 2016.
