Puerto Rico’s New Tourism Push Faces Another Kind of Storm Six Months After Maria
Photo Credit: The Puerto Rico Tourism Company, pictured here, is facing a major reshuffling and possible funding cut if new legislation is passed. Google Maps / Carbo Kuo
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Puerto Rico hasn't had the chance to grow up as a destination over the years, and its tourism industry finally thinks it has a shot to do that. But to become known for more than its beaches and golf, it'll have to overcome an intense political establishment that's been defined by its financial woes and disorganization.
Six months after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, new efforts are finally underway to lure tourists back to the island.
But it looks like another storm has already formed, this time of manmade proportions involving a possible funding threat and an ongoing identity crisis at the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, the organization that promotes tourism to the island.
To help lower the island's crushing debt, the Puerto Rico's government is considering a bill that would move the Puerto Rico Tourism Company under the island's Department of Economic Development. But the proposal has the island's tourism industry concerned. As a self-funded organization, the tourism company fears its money would be diverted to other cash-strapped agencies.
The move to consolidate the tourism company is meant to cut costs and merge various government agencies as the island confronts a massive debt crisis and hurricane recovery efforts.
It's not certain how the consolidation bill would impact th
