FOLLOWING prolonged downturns in tourist activities across the region due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pandemic, Puerto Rico, since the start of this year, has seen steady increases in the number of jobs created across its leisure and hospitality sectors, signalling a robust reboot of its economy.

According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), jobs in the sector since the start of this year, for each month, has seen a figure that surpasses the previous record to reach 86,700 workers in June. This represents a 15 per cent increase over the last 12 months and the addition of approximately 3,300 new jobs between January and June.

“These impressive employment numbers reflect our local tourism industry’s amazing success in growing tourism and creating new jobs, due in part to the collaboration between the public sector, private sector, and Discover Puerto Rico. Job creation is one of our most important metrics because it reflects not only economic growth but also the impact tourism has on the people of Puerto Rico,” said Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico.

“One of the benefits of this industry is that it offers good jobs at all levels. We continue to see an encouraging outlook for tourism in Puerto Rico, and we are confident that this will continue in the remainder of 2022 and 2023,” added Clarissa Jiménez, president of the Puerto Rico Hotel and Tourism Association.

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), in a report, had earlier this year estimated that travel and tourism jobs in the Caribbean could grow by an average rate of 4.5 per cent annually, creating 1.34 million new jobs by 2032, given the sector’s contribution to global gross domestic product (GDP) growth at an annual average rate of 5.8 per cent.

“This growth in GDP and jobs could only be achieved if governments in the Caribbean, in collaboration with private sector and local communities, implement initiatives and policies, such as lowering aviation fees, strengthening intra-regional collaboration, and investing in digital and physical infrastructure, including airports, cruise ports, and ground transportation,” stated Julia Simpson, president and CEO of the WTTC.

“They also need to focus on enhancing sustainability, recruiting and retaining the workforce, diversifying product offers, and increasing preparedness for future crises. This will improve the attractiveness and competitiveness of the Caribbean as a destination in years to come,” she added.