Meet Puerto Rico began the new fiscal year (FY) 2015-16 on strong footing with more than 20 groups holding their meetings in Puerto Rico in August and September 2015. This represents a direct impact of $7 million to the local economy.
“Puerto Rico continues to position itself as an ideal destination for meetings and conventions, offering a state-of-the-art convention center, a wide variety of hotels, strong infrastructure and unique attractions with the added advantage that we are on a tropical island in the Caribbean,” said Milton Segarra, president & CEO of Meet Puerto Rico.
In addition, during the month of July, Meet Puerto Rico secured 10 new bookings. These groups are slated for the end of 2015, 2016 and 2017. Groups range from multinational companies to medical, educational conferences and sporting events, among others.
Upcoming groups include: Latin American Business Council (CEAL)/August 2015; Helms Briscoe Eastern Regional Conference/October 2015; Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) CEOForum/February 2016; ExperientTop Producers Meetings/May 2016, HPN Global Top Producers Meeting/May 2016 and the Latin American & Caribbean AirTransport Association ALTA/May 2016.
Segarra said that the experiences these groups take away from their visit to Puerto Rico are vital to the ongoing positioning of the destination.
“One of the trends that continues to remain true is that this segment, the meetings and conventions delegate, wants to experience the destination beyond the meeting room. In Puerto Rico, they can experience a different culture and environment whether It is eating authentic cuisine in a local restaurant, visiting historical sites or enjoying the beach or shopping. All of this has a direct positive impact on the local economy, which is important because we are all part of that positive impact on our destination through our collective experience with the visitor,” Segarra concluded.
