As another sign of the Caribbean revival and the strength of the regional cruise market, the port of San Juan has just released the latest, impressive passenger number for the July-September period. Alan Lam reports.
For the second quarter of the 2014-15 fiscal year, the port reported a cruise passenger throughput of 254,129, a massive increase of 148% from the 102,391 of the same period in 2012.
For the first quarter, according to Rolando J. Torres Carrión, Interim Executive Director of Port Authorities, San Juan received 78 cruise calls, the highest number in ten years.
Torres Carrión attributed this disproportionate improvement to the recent initiatives launched by the Governor, Alejandro García Padilla, which included anewly modified law on cruise ship incentives (Ley de Incentivos de Barcos Cruceros) and the implementation of the low season tariff programme (Programa de Tarifasde Temporada Baja) in May by the port authorities.
“Thanks to those plans and strategies established by theGovernor, García Padilla,” said Torres Carrión, “we have achieved a consistency in increasing the numbers of cruise ships and passengers arriving at Port of San Juan. In the same manner, we aim to welcome a record number[of cruise tourists] in the coming high season and continue our determination in strengthening the industry and the economy of the country.”
The port authorities of Puerto Rico are continuing their effortsto improve port infrastructure.
