Puerto Rico hotels, tourism industry spared by Fiona, officials say
Three weeks after Hurricane Fiona made landfall in Puerto Rico, tourism officials there are pledging solidarity with those affected by the storm’s heavy winds and rain, while also striving to make it clear that the island’s biggest hotels, resorts, airports, cruise ports and tourist attractions are open, functioning and safe.
It’s a delicate duo of messages to share, no doubt. After all, the storm caused massive damage in parts of the U.S. territory, damaging homes and infrastructure, and knocking out power and water to many.
“I don’t want to candy coat it or understate it,” Brad Dean, CEO of the island’s official tourism organization, Discover Puerto Rico, said of the storm’s lasting effects.
At the same time, he’s quick to draw a distinction between Fiona and Hurricane Maria, the category five storm that made landfall nearly five years earlier to the day, prompting a recovery that continues today.
“We’re blessed,” Dean said of the tourism industry’s state following Fiona. “Much of the tourism industry in Puerto Rico was spared.”
He’s leaning on that distinction as he voices empathy for those facing a long road ahead because of Fiona, while simultaneously hoping to ensure those considering trips to Puerto Rico — or with trips already planned — stay the course and visit.
Puerto Rico again faces recovery
Any conversation about vacations, beaches and tourism is secondary to a discussion about the human impact of Hurricane Fiona.
Particularly in the western and southern parts of Puerto Rico, people face a significant storm recovery; a mode with which so many are all too familiar after the last half-decade following the devastation caused by Maria in September 2017.
As of last week, workers had restored power to 93% of the island, and water service to 98%, according to numbers shared by Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi.
In a territory of 3.2 million people, though, that meant hundreds of thousands of people still did not have electricity and tens of thousands were without running water.
“Right now, Puerto Rico is in a full recovery mode,” Pierluisi said last Monday, on the day President Joe Biden visited the island to tour the damage.
Wind and flood damage fueled by Fiona also temporarily paused, complicated or expanded the scope of projects already in the works due to Maria, leading the federal government to widen a disaster declaration and pledge additional funds to assist in the rebuilding efforts.
What makes a storm’s aftermath all the more costly, though, is when the ramifications extend far beyond that of the wind and the rain. And it’s on that front, tourism officials hope to avoid longer-term consequences from this storm.
Tourism industry relatively untouched
The widespread devastation from Hurricane Maria did a lot more than destroy businesses, homes and the power grid. The immediate devastation and suffering brought on by the storm were compounded when another reality set in: Given all the damage to hotels, attractions and the destruction of San Juan Airport (SJU), tourists — with all the money they bring in and jobs they support — could not easily visit.
That meant Puerto Rico was without one its major economic drivers.
Three weeks after Fiona’s landfall, though, Dean is cautiously optimistic that the aftermath of this storm will be different.
“This has turned out to be a setback, but not a reset,” he told TPG.
Flights were able to begin taking off and landing again at San Juan Airport and others across the territory shortly after the storm.
Furthermore, Puerto Rico’s cruise ports are back open and, according to the storm updates page on Discover Puerto Rico’s website, “Most hotels, restaurants, golf courses and venues are operating normally.”
Specifically, Dean said major hotels and resorts are back on the power grid, even in outlying parts of Puerto Rico.
The organization’s site also mentions the island’s beaches and national parks, along with destinations like Old San Juan, La Placita de Santurce, Carabali Rainforest Park, Castillo San Cristobal and others are back open for business.
“When you step back and look at the impact [of Fiona]” Dean said, comparing the storm’s broader effects to those seen five years ago with Maria, “The only comparison is that they both happened in the month of September.”
Discover Puerto Rico has been sharing photos of properties, date-stamped to show the current state of operations, like this image of the Embassy Suites by Hilton Dorado Del Mar Beach Resort taken on Sept. 26, 2022. The hope is that images will help make clear that resorts are, in fact, able to take guests now.
But he also acknowledged that in the wake of a major storm, would-be visitors might need a bit more convincing to come; and he’s ready to make his pitch.
Tourism officials: Puerto Rico is safe to visit
Dean's confidence that Puerto Rico is “truly ready to welcome tourists back,” as he said to TPG, stems from the fact that a majority of tourists arrive and branch out from the San Juan metropolitan area on their trips.
Sure, hotels are open; but what might visitors notice as far as damage off-property?
“If you’re arriving into the San Juan metro area, you won’t even realize that we had a natural disaster weather event in the last few weeks,” he said. “If you were to drive out into the outlying areas, you’ll see where there has been some flood damage.”
He noted, though, that even some of those locations are beginning to see businesses reopen.
The message seems to be spreading, with cruise lines affirming their schedules for this fall, Dean said, and no major meetings or conferences for the upcoming months canceled.
Certainly, if you’re considering or planning a visit, you’ll want to double-check with your specific resort on its operating status to be safe.
However, that continued momentum comes as a relief after the long-lasting economic ramifications stemming from Maria. The island saw record tourism numbers in 2021 and has been on pace to break that record this year.
Dean sees it as a sign that the island has come a long way over the last five years.
“As I look back now,” he said, “I’m realizing how much progress the island has made not just in our ability to prepare, but to respond.”
Bottom line
Puerto Rico again faces a significant road to recovery following Hurricane Fiona, particularly in the southern and western parts of the island.
As that recovery ramps up though, officials want tourists to understand that they should be able to take their trips as planned. In fact, tourism officials hope they will.
In the meantime, there are many ways to help storm victims affected by both Fiona and Ian, in both Puerto Rico and Florida. With so many looking for ways they can assist in the aftermath of the storm — and there are many ways you can help — one such way, Dean points out, is to visit the island and spend money.
“There’s no better way to help the people in Puerto Rico than to schedule or continue a vacation,” he said. “There’s no need to worry about whether Puerto Rico’s ready.”
Read more:
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.