Visitors to the Island Remain Unaffected Despite Temporary Closure of Several Government Agencies; Resolution is Near
A week into the closure of several government agencies on the island, the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) continues to assure tourists that Puerto Rico is open for tourism and that the island is a convenient and safe destination that offers authentic Latin culture and a variety of activities and attractions for the entire family. Puerto Rico's tourism services have remained unaffected by the situation, and last night, Gov. Anibal Acevedo Vila announced that a compromise had been reached and the end to the situation is near.
Under the agreement, a four-member commission has until Wednesday to propose a solution to Puerto Rico's budget shortfall, which had forced the governor to temporarily close several government agencies and furlough many government employees, leading to a week of rallies and vigils. The governor and the legislators promised to enact whatever the commission decided. The commission will consider the various proposals already offered by the competing parties to resolve the island's budget deficit.
PRTC is pleased to report that no major effects to tourist services have been experienced, nor have there been cancellations by international tourists and relatively few cancellations by local tourists. In fact, last week occupancy rates for San Juan Metropolitan area saw an increase of 5% compared to the same period in 2005. PRTC has been monitoring the situation day-to-day and taking the necessary measures to ensure that tourists feel comfortable keeping their travel plans and that they are welcomed with open arms upon arrival in Puerto Rico. For updated information, tourists and their travel specialists can visit, http://www.gotopuertorico.com/ or call the consumer hotline at 800-866-7827.
"Tourism and hospitality greatly contribute to the vibrancy and vitality of Puerto Rico," said Terestella Gonzalez Denton, Executive Director of PRTC. "We continue to welcome visitors to experience our island's hospitality, natural beauty and everything it has to offer, and invite consumers to include Puerto Rico in their upcoming travel plans."
Puerto Rico's many attractions, resort areas and tourist services have not been affected by these government office closings. All tourist services are open and functioning normally, including: emergency services, airport staff and maintenance, ports and cruise facilities, taxis, casinos, national and local parks, hotels, restaurants, tour guides, municipal services and tourist centers. In addition, all government offices related to public safety and health services have remained open to ensure safety and security.
Background on the Situation:
Since May 1, because the legislature did not approve a loan passed by Gov. Anibal Acevedo Vila of $638 million to cover the country's growing budget deficit, non-essential government offices have remained closed. Due to the failure to approve the loan, the government cannot pay the salaries of an estimated 95,700 public employees and thus, selected government offices will remain closed until a final resolution is reached. The closings could remain in effect until July 1, 2006 until the new fiscal budget begins, however based on recent developments it appears that the situation will be resolved shortly and employees will be able to return to work.
About PRTC:
The Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC), founded in 1970, is a public corporation responsible for stimulating, promoting and regulating the development of the tourism industry. It markets Puerto Rico as a tourism destination through advertising, public relations and promotional activities; promotes tourism among local residents; provides visitor orientation and technical assistance to investors; evaluates tourism facilities and establishes standards of quality; and regulates and oversees gaming operations. PRTC has offices and representatives in the U.S. mainland, Canada, Europe and Latin America.
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