Tourists can be 'immersed in the culture’
IAN STALKER
Discover Puerto Rico is inviting Canadians to experience a Caribbean vacation that to some degree bucks a regional trend.
The tourism promotion body’s Ellish Vicencio-Heap told a recent Toronto gathering that Puerto Rico hasn’t gone the all-inclusive resort route in a major way, unlike many other Caribbean islands.
Tourism authorities want visitors to “discover what the island has to offer,” rather than remain in their resorts, she said.
San Juan has properties carrying the likes of the Hyatt and Sheraton names but tourists will find many other types of accommodations, including locally owned B&Bs that lead to guests being “more immersed in the culture,” Vicencio-Heap continued.
As well, long-standing San Juan hotels can host weddings.
Tourism authorities say San Juan — a major Caribbean cruise ship hub — is an attractive tourist destination, with Old San Juan a showcase for Puerto Rico’s past with its many Spanish colonial structures.
Among Old San Juan highlights cited by Vicencio-Heap was the imposing El Morro Fortress, with work beginning on it in the 16th century.
Vicencio-Heap also said those who choose Puerto Rico for a vacation should visit sites outside the Puerto Rican capital as well, saying visitors will find beaches, terrain suited for hiking, museums, and can experience the Latin island’s culture.
“It’s very much its own culture,” she added.
Farm stays are available in a mountainous area and glamping is offered in western Puerto Rico.
Rum is part of the culture on an island where Bacardi is distilled but Vicencio-Heap said visitors can now find a gin distillery as well.
San Juan is the home of rum-based cocktail pina colada and Vicencio-Heap said tourists will find plenty of watering holes to quench their thirst.
“We have so many new bars and restaurants,” she added.
Vicencio-Heap also said San Juan can easily accommodate meetings, with the city home to a large convention facility and many hotels being equipped to host meetings as well.
