Puerto Rico Hotel and Tourism Association

Puerto Rico Hotel and Tourism Association
Name	Puerto Rico Hotel and Tourism Association
Native name	Asociación de Hoteles y Turismo de Puerto Rico
Formation	1945
Type	Trade association
Headquarters	San Juan, Puerto Rico
Region served	Puerto Rico
Membership	Hotels, resorts, tour operators, restaurants
Leader title	President

Puerto Rico Hotel and Tourism Association is a trade association representing the hospitality and tourism industry in Puerto Rico, founded in the mid-20th century to coordinate hotel operators, resort managers, and related service providers. The association has worked alongside entities such as Puerto Rico Tourism Company, Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, United States Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Administration, and International Congress and Convention Association to promote tourism, hospitality standards, and investment across the island. It operates within a network that includes international hotel chains like Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Accor, and InterContinental Hotels Group, and regional stakeholders such as Discover Puerto Rico, San Juan Convention Center, Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, and La Concha Resort.

History

The association traces its origins to post-World War II development efforts that involved actors such as Luis Muñoz Marín, Operation Bootstrap, Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company, Puerto Rican Reconstruction Administration, and investor groups from New York City, Miami, Orlando, and Boston. Early milestones intersected with projects like the construction of Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, the expansion of Old San Juan heritage initiatives, and the creation of infrastructure tied to Port of San Juan and Cruise Lines International Association. Over decades the association engaged with legislative measures debated in the United States Congress, collaborated with agencies including the Federal Emergency Management Agency during hurricanes such as Hurricane Maria (2017), coordinated relief with American Red Cross, and partnered with academic institutions like the University of Puerto Rico and Inter-American University of Puerto Rico for workforce development. Its timeline reflects interactions with leaders from Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, Autoridad de Carreteras y Transportación, and tourism events like the Caribbean Travel Marketplace.

Organization and Membership

The association comprises member hotels and resorts ranging from boutique properties like Hotel El Convento to international brands such as Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. Membership categories include hoteliers, restaurateurs linked to establishments like La Mallorquina (Ponce), tour operators offering excursions to El Yunque National Forest, and suppliers who work with ports such as Puerto del Rey and marinas like Bahía Fosforescente. Governance involves a board featuring executives with backgrounds at Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association, Small Business Administration (United States), Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce, and professional bodies including American Hotel & Lodging Association and Institute of Hospitality. Committees liaise with certification providers such as Green Key Global, Global Sustainable Tourism Council, and training partners like CompTIA and Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management.

Activities and Programs

Programs administered include workforce training collaborations with Universidad del Sagrado Corazón, hospitality curricula developed with Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, internship placements through CareerSource Puerto Rico, and marketing campaigns tied to events like San Sebastián Street Festival and Puerto Rico Heineken JazzFest. The association organizes trade shows and conventions at venues like Centro de Convenciones de Puerto Rico and participates in fairs such as ITB Berlin, World Travel Market, and FITUR. It runs safety and certification programs in partnership with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute, and disaster-preparedness initiatives coordinated with United States Geological Survey and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Membership services include labor relations guidance referencing entities like Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources and legal assistance related to statutes debated before the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico.

Advocacy and Public Policy

The association engages in advocacy alongside organizations such as Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority, Promesa, Puerto Rico Tourism Company, and legislative delegations to the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate. Policy priorities have addressed taxation structures once involving provisions like the former Section 936 of the United States Internal Revenue Code, incentives similar to Act 60 (Puerto Rico) discussions, and infrastructure funding from sources including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Transit Administration. The association has filed position statements during recovery planning after disasters such as Hurricane Maria (2017) and Hurricane Georges (1998), and has worked with the Department of Homeland Security on visitation protocols and with Customs and Border Protection on cruise and aviation facilitation.

Industry Impact and Economic Role

The association represents a sector that interacts with economic actors such as Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, Scotiabank Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico Ports Authority, and multinational investors from Canada, Spain, Mexico, and United Kingdom. Its members contribute to visitor metrics reported by institutions like the World Tourism Organization and national statistics compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, with economic linkages to agriculture suppliers from regions like Ponce and Arecibo, cultural attractions including Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico and Castillo San Felipe del Morro, and events drawing audiences from destinations served by carriers such as JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. The association has influenced lodging tax policy, employment standards affecting workers represented by unions like Service Employees International Union, and investment in coastal resorts in areas such as Vieques and Culebra.

Partnerships and International Relations

Strategic partnerships extend to global networks including World Travel & Tourism Council, United Nations World Tourism Organization, Organization of American States, and regional alliances like the Caribbean Tourism Organization. The association collaborates with educational partners including Cornell University School of Hotel Administration and technical agencies such as United States Agency for International Development for capacity-building projects. It engages in destination marketing with organizations like Discover Puerto Rico and trade promotion with chambers such as the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and bilateral delegations from countries including Dominican Republic, Colombia, Spain, France, and Germany. International event participation has involved conventions held by groups like International Air Transport Association and exhibition presence at conferences such as IMEX and Skift Global Forum.

Category:Hospitality trade associations