Despite fears of the Zika virus and economic woes, meetings and convention business in Puerto Rico is showing healthy growth.
Meet Puerto Rico recorded 57 new bookings during the March-to-May period representing a forecast spend of about $20 million in the local economy between now through 2017.
Meet Puerto Rico is the destination marketing organization tasked with attracting meetings, conventions, trade shows, sporting events and incentive groups to Puerto Rico.
The numbers reaffirm business confidence in Puerto Rico, says Milton Segarra, president and CEO of Meet Puerto Rico.
"The groups and conventions segment in Puerto Rico is a major driver in the tourism industry. Groups booked range from multinational companies, to medical, educational conferences and sporting events, among others. An estimated 25,000 new hotel-room nights in total have been booked," he said.
"It shows the confidence the meetings industry has in Puerto Rico and how our members’ very focused educational efforts have paid off."
The mosquito borne virus Zika nevertheless is still a real concern in Puerto Rico with more than 1,700 cases recorded including nearly 200 pregnant women.
