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San Juan Puerto Rico: The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) commemorated World Tourism Day in collaboration with the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, highlighting Puerto Rico’s exceptional growth and commitment to promoting sustainable travel.
In a recent report titled “Sustainability in Numbers: Economic, Environmental and Social Impact for Travel and Tourism in Puerto Rico,” presented in Puerto Rico by WTTC Sustainability Director Chris Imbsen, the destination took the lead.
The island stands out as the first in the world to rigorously evaluate the influence of this Travel and Tourism sector through various benchmarks.
This pioneering report is a testament to Puerto Rico’s progressive approach in harmonizing tourism with sustainability.
Puerto Rico’s travel and tourism sector has long been the backbone of the island’s economy, supporting countless jobs, pumping money into communities, and serving as a major export through inbound arrivals. With its burgeoning growth, especially the post-pandemic rebound, the sector’s importance to the Puerto Rican economy will only increase.
Chris Imbsen, Director of Sustainability of the WTTC, commented “Puerto Rico’s commitment to sustainable tourism has not gone unnoticed. Our latest report shows the incredible strides the island has made in understanding the growth of its travel and tourism sector so it can take the right steps to ensure it grows sustainably.
“They are creating a balance between offering world-class tourism experiences and preserving its natural beauty. This synergy is a beacon for destinations around the world.”
To truly understand the magnitude of the impact of Travel and Tourism in Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, WTTC and Oxford Economics delved into its multifaceted implications, spanning economic, environmental and social parameters.
This comprehensive analysis led to the creation of the report, which compares Puerto Rico’s environmental performance juxtaposed with that of the Caribbean region and the US, offering unprecedented insights.
The report forecasts greenhouse gas emissions from Puerto Rico’s travel and tourism sector through 2032, presenting two potential scenarios: a rapid transition to renewable energy and the successful adoption of sustainable aviation fuels.
These forecasts are essential for the sector to identify opportunities, measure progress and channel efforts to achieve maximum positive impact.
Carlos Mercado Santiago, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, added “The Travel and Tourism sector plays a vital role in the socioeconomic development of the Island, as demonstrated by the historic resurgence we have experienced following the COVID pandemic. -19.
“Aligned with global trends and industry best practices, the Government of Puerto Rico maintains a firm commitment to fostering a more conscious approach to preserving our natural resources and tourist attractions.
“For this reason, we are pleased to be the first destination to present this first-of-its-kind market study dedicated to sustainability efforts and environmental impact on the tourism ecosystem.
“This report not only represents our vision of a more eco-efficient future, but also provides us with a solid foundation to continue guiding our actions towards the development and strengthening of our Sustainable Tourism programs.
“We are pleased to have collaborated with the World Travel and Tourism Council and Oxford Economics on this groundbreaking study, which marks an important milestone and will be useful in paving a more sustainable path for tourism in Puerto Rico.”
Puerto Rico’s travel and tourism sector, while having an environmental footprint, also relies heavily on the pristine environment to attract tourists.
Recognizing the true value of the island’s natural wonders can guide environmental conservation strategies and economic activities.
Since tourism is paramount to Puerto Rico, fostering this balance is crucial to the island’s continued economic success and its attractiveness to global investment.
It is the shared aspiration of the WTTC and the Puerto Rico Tourism Company that this pioneering report inspire governments worldwide. It is a call to action to embark on transparent, evidence-based assessments of your own travel and tourism sectors, setting the course towards a more sustainable and collaborative future.
To view the report please visit the WTTC Research Center.
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