Puerto Rico saw record 1.2 million cruise passengers this past fiscal year as the United States territory currently tries to recover from Hurricane Maria and economic crisis.
Gov. Ricardo Rossello announced on Friday, July 27, that the visits generated estimated US$152 million for the island struggling through 11-year recession.
He added the number of visitors from cruise vessels during the last 4 months hit records as well, with around 135,000 cruise passengers in June.
Image: Port of San Juan (Puerto Rico)
Puerto Rico tourism company estimated that some 1.7 million cruise passengers will arrive during this fiscal year. Over 540 cruise ship calls are scheduled. Officials said they could generate some US$250 million overall.
Tourism represents roughly 7% of Puerto Rico’s economy.