Travel Officials Optimistic as Puerto Rico Trudges Toward Order

September 29, 2017

Milton Segarra, president & CEO of Meet Puerto Rico, speaking at a previous meeting.

Milton Segarra, CDME, president & CEO of Meet Puerto Rico, released the following statement today on post-Hurricane Maria progress:

“Our goal is to keep you updated on our plans to move forward, with the honesty and transparency you have come to expect from Meet Puerto Rico. We are still in the phase of assessment; however, we intend to keep you updated on our progress in real time — keeping you informed, engaged and connected is key.

“We are pleased that our Puerto Rico Convention Center did not withstand any significant damages and proud that it is being used as the headquarters for government officials directing relief efforts as well as being used as a refugee/rescue center for those requiring medical attention.

“Additionally, we are pleased and encouraged that many of our hotels can house local and international relief workers, law enforcement and other government officials as well as guests, in some cases providing Wi-Fi hotspots. Please click here for the updated status of their anticipated opening dates for new bookings.

“Our calendar of events remains intact and you will have the opportunity to hear personally from us at upcoming trade shows, conferences and events.

“We will also provide an updated link from government sources (FEMA) with the status of our power, water, diesel, airport and other services and relief efforts.

Many have asked how they can help or contribute. There are many national and local efforts and we urge you to check with your government representatives on programs you can participate in locally. However, we also provide here a link to United for Puerto Rico, an initiative brought forth by the First Lady of Puerto Rico Beatriz Rosselló, in collaboration with the private sector, with the purpose of providing aid and support to those affected in Puerto Rico by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane María.

“As you know, Puerto Rico has always been one of the most desired meeting and convention destinations and we intend to continue the same tradition soon.”

Also today, José Izquierdo, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, added this statement:

“Our relief efforts have been significantly augmented by the help received from our most loyal travel partners. Efforts like the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Adventure of the Seas’ humanitarian mission happening today to deliver donated supplies and take evacuees to Florida have been awe-inspiring. Royal Caribbean modified a voyage to help with these recovery efforts. Delta is another travel partner who is going above and beyond. They flew a flight full of law enforcement and National Guard to the Island from JFK and the flight will be returning later today on a humanitarian mission to JFK full of evacuees. As a legacy partner to the Island, we cannot be more thankful.

“We are deeply grateful to our most loyal travel partners for their committed support and generosity. What will continue to keep us strong and on a path to rebuilding will be continued assistance like this and I’m hopeful we’ll continue to receive support from other partners. We remain confident that Puerto Rico will quickly recover and the resiliency and strength of our people will get us through the days ahead.”