Puerto Rico is one of the most visited destinations in the Caribbean, known for its tropical beaches, colorful Spanish colonial streets, rainforest mountains, vibrant nightlife, and no-passport travel for U.S. citizens.
Tourism has grown rapidly since 2021 thanks to increased flight capacity, hotel expansion, and renewed promotional efforts.
In 2024, Puerto Rico welcomed around 4.2 million visitors, including both airline and cruise arrivals — surpassing pre-pandemic tourism levels.
Key stats: Puerto Rico Tourism
- 93% of visitors come from U.S. jurisdictions – showing that Puerto Rico is still highly reliant on domestic U.S. travel for its tourism boom.
- Visitor spending hit roughly US$2.6 billion in fiscal 2023–24, demonstrating strong purchasing by tourists.
- The tourism industry’s total economic impact reached US$18 billion in 2024, including indirect and induced effects.
- Non‐resident visitors alone spent about US$7.6 billion in 2024, up 15% from the previous year — major growth.
- A record 7.3 million hotel/room‐nights were booked in 2024, up ~7% from 2023.
- The cruise sector rebounded: over 1.4 million cruise passengers visited in 2024, up by ~10%.
- 89% visitor satisfaction rate in 2024 – nearly nine in ten tourists were highly satisfied with their trip.
- The lodging sector is booming: by April 2025 lodging tax revenues were already US$62.8 million (YTD) — more than double compared to 2019.
- Air traffic is returning: Puerto Rico’s airports handled record numbers in 2024 (e.g., >6.6 million at the main airport).
- Tourism supports over 91,000 jobs in Puerto Rico, representing about 10% of the island’s workforce.
How Many Tourists Visit Puerto Rico Each Year?
Puerto Rico welcomed approximately 4.2 million visitors in 2024.
- 2019 (pre-pandemic): ~3.2M
- 2021: ~3.7M
- 2022: ~4.0M
- 2023: ~4.1M
- 2024: ~4.2M
- 2025 (forecast): ~4.4M
Tourism continues to increase due to easy U.S. travel rules (no passport, no currency exchange).
How Many Tourists Visit Puerto Rico Each Day?
Puerto Rico receives an average of ~11,500 visitors per day.
This number doubles on days with multiple cruise ship dockings in San Juan.
How Much Money Do Tourists Spend in Puerto Rico?
Travel & tourism contributes over $8.9 billion annually to Puerto Rico’s economy.
- Average overnight visitor spend: ~$170/day
- Cruise passenger average spend: ~$100 per port visit
- Tourism supports ~82,000 local jobs (direct + indirect)
Which Countries Visit Puerto Rico the Most?
The U.S. is by far the largest source market, accounting for ~92% of all visitors.
| Country / Region | Visitors (2024 est.) | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | ~3.85M | ~92% |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | ~90K | ~2% |
| 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic | ~70K | ~1.5% |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | ~45K | ~1% |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | ~35K | ~1% |
| 🌎 Other Latin America | ~100K | ~2.5% |
Most international travelers enter through Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) or via San Juan cruise port.
What Are the Most Visited Attractions in Puerto Rico?
Beaches, history, and nature define the island’s most popular places.
| Attraction / Area | Annual Visitors (est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Old San Juan | ~2.4M | Colonial architecture & plazas |
| El Yunque National Forest | ~1.2M | Tropical rainforest hikes |
| Castillo San Felipe del Morro | ~1.3M | Landmark fortress |
| Flamenco Beach (Culebra) | ~600K | World-famous white sand |
| Vieques Bioluminescent Bay | ~450K | Glow-in-the-dark waters |
| Condado | ~1.6M | Urban beachfront district |
| Isla Verde Beach | ~1.1M | Water sports & resorts |
| Toro Verde Adventure Park | ~400K | Zipline & mountain activities |
| La Placita (Santurce) | ~1M+ nightlife visits | Social & dining hotspot |
| Ponce Historic Center | ~500K | Cultural + museum city |
When Is the Best Time to Visit Puerto Rico?
Tourism in Puerto Rico is heavily seasonal due to winter travel demand from the U.S. mainland.
| Season | Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Very High | Peak travel season |
| Spring (Apr–Jun) | Moderate | Good weather, lighter crowds |
| Summer (Jul–Aug) | High | Local + family travel |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Low | Hurricane season + lower prices |
How Much Money Does Puerto Rico Make From Tourism?
Tourism contributes approximately $8.9B to Puerto Rico’s GDP annually, representing about 9% of the economy.
This includes:
- Hotels & short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo)
- Restaurants, bars, nightlife
- Tours, activities, and transport
- Cruise & port spending
Investment in luxury resorts and eco-hotels continues to grow.
How Busy Are Hotels in Puerto Rico?
Hotel occupancy remains one of the highest in the Caribbean.
- Average occupancy (2024): ~78%
- Peak occupancy (Dec–Mar): ~92%
- Average nightly rate: ~$230/night
- Total accommodation capacity: ~17,500 hotel rooms + ~23,000 short-term rentals
San Juan, Condado, and Isla Verde have the highest year-round occupancy.
Which Areas of Puerto Rico Are Most Popular With Tourists?
- Old San Juan: Historic core, walkable, cruise port
- Condado: Luxury hotels, shopping, nightlife
- Isla Verde: Resort beachfront + airport access
- Culebra & Vieques: Remote beaches and nature islands
- Rincón: Surfing + sunset beaches
- Ponce: Museums and cultural heritage
FAQ – Puerto Rico Tourism Insights
How many tourists visit Puerto Rico yearly?
Around 4.2 million visitors in 2024.
Do U.S. citizens need a passport to go to Puerto Rico?
No — U.S. citizens travel as if domestic travel.
What is the best season to visit Puerto Rico?
December to April for best weather; September–October has lowest prices.
Is Puerto Rico expensive?
Hotels and restaurants in San Juan can be expensive, but rental cars and street food remain affordable.
Which beach is the most famous in Puerto Rico?
Flamenco Beach (Culebra) is consistently ranked among the world’s best.
Does Puerto Rico rely on tourism?
Tourism makes up about ~9% of the economy and supports ~82,000 jobs.
Sources
- Discover Puerto Rico — Official Tourism Numbers & Market Reports (2024)
- Statista — Tourism in Puerto Rico – Key Statistics 2025
- U.S. Travel Economy Data — U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis – Travel Impact Reports
- Puerto Rico Government Tourism Dashboard — Visitor Arrivals, Air Traffic & Cruise Statistics (2023–2024)
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