Puerto Rico Ushers in a New Golden Era for MICE Tourism
Discover Puerto Rico, the Island’s Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), announced during IMEX America 2025 that the destination has reached historic levels in MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Events), driven by record growth, international recognition, and a surge of new luxury hotel developments.
Puerto Rico’s hospitality sector is undergoing an unprecedented expansion, marked by the opening of the Four Seasons Resort & Private Residences in Río Grande, the new Hilton Duo and Hilton Garden Inn in Dorado, and the highly anticipated return of The Ritz-Carlton San Juan in 2026. Adding to the momentum is ONE DISTRITO, an $80 million project featuring 109 Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy in the heart of the Convention District. Iconic properties such as La Concha, Wyndham Rio Mar, Condado Vanderbilt, and El Conquistador have also been renovated to deliver next-generation hospitality experiences.
This tourism boom is further reflected in growing air connectivity, with 6.6 million passengers recorded at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in 2024, according to Aerostar. The surge has cemented Puerto Rico’s position as one of the most competitive MICE destinations in the Caribbean and Latin America. In the last fiscal year, the sector achieved a 65% increase in performance compared to pre-pandemic levels, generating an economic impact of $164.7 million and over 257,000 booked hotel room nights.
Puerto Rico’s excellence has earned global recognition. The Island has received honors such as the Cvent Excellence Award (Hometown Hero) and the Stella Award for Best International Convention Center, along with nominations for the World MICE Awards and the Prevue Visionary Awards. Major upcoming events include AMEX InterAction, SITE Classic, PCMA EduCon, the World Baseball Classic, and Miss Universe 2026.
The Island’s cultural and tourism momentum has also been fueled by Bad Bunny’s historic 31-show residency at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico, which generated an unprecedented $70 million in ticket and concession revenue, 48,000 overnight stays, and 10,000 temporary jobs. According to STR/AirDNA, hotel demand rose 8.6% year-over-year in the third quarter, while lodging revenues surged 22%.
Beyond economic growth, Discover Puerto Rico is leading a sustainability-focused vision. Initiatives such as The Green Path, which certifies responsible travelers, and eco-friendly projects like the 20,000-panel solar system at the Puerto Rico Convention Center and the LEED certification of the Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort & Casino, highlight the Island’s leadership in responsible and sustainable tourism.
With expanding air connectivity—including new direct flights from Madrid—and attractive incentives for event organizers, Puerto Rico is solidifying its role as a global MICE hub, blending the vitality of an international destination with the stability and advantages of a U.S. jurisdiction.
