Tourism in the Americas

Photoessay: Puerto Rico's Tourism

Christopher Columbus, who one might consider Puerto Rico?s first tourist, was mesmerized by the island?its climate, its beauty, and yes its resources, from whence it got its name ?rich port.? It was the gem of the Spanish colonial empire until 1898 when the Spanish-American War resulted in the dissolution of the Spanish empire. Puerto Rico, along with other Caribbean islands, were ceded to the United States, and soon after Puerto Rico officially became recognized as an American territory. Puerto Rico, however, has never allowed itself to be completely indoctrinated into the U.S. Puerto Rico?s own constitution was created in 1952, creating the Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico (Commonwealth of Puerto Rico).

Puerto Rico?s economic well being, however, was perhaps too intertwined with the American economy-?when the U.S. economy faltered, the Puerto Rican one followed suit. Successive recessions drove American industries to leave Puerto Rico in search of business opportunities elsewhere, and luxury hotels, forced to shut their doors, dragged local retailers and vendors down with them.

Puerto Rico?s economic dependence on the U.S. has led to much criticism. Some believe that the Commonwealth has relied too heavily on the foreign tourist industry, ignoring the potential for domestic tourism trade. Others believe that the Puerto Rican tourism industry has simply overlooked an entire market of moderate-income tourists from all over the world. In response to the critics, for the first time, low to moderate cost hotels are under construction. The governor has gone so far as to propose luring American tourists to the island by giving away free airline tickets. For now, the few tourists who are visiting Puerto Rico seem to be keeping their wallets in their pockets. It would seem people are still drawn to the island for it majestic architecture and gorgeous beaches, rather than knick-knacks and souvenirs. If only Puerto Rico?s economic well being were as unwavering as its picturesque beauty.

Angel A. Amy Moreno, Ed.D.,Ph.D. is the chair of the Department of Social Sciences at Roxbury Community College. He is also Visiting Professor of Latin American History at Northeastern University and a Fine Art Photographer. His photo exhibit entitled "A Bridge Over an Ocean: San Juan - Boston, 1975 to 2001" will be displayed at the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Affairs Office until November 30, 2002, and may be viewed Monday-Friday, 10:30 - 4:30 p.m. The office is located at 31 St. James Street, Suite 570, Boston (617-350 6400).