Jamaica Gleaner

Puerto Rico selected as host for prestigiou­s World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit

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DISCOVER PUERTO Rico, the island’s first-ever destinatio­n marketing organisati­on, today announced that the Island will serve as the host for the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) 2020 Global Summit.

Representi­ng the global private sector of travel and tourism, the Global Summit is regarded as the most important worldwide event in the sector and gathers significan­t global business leaders yearly.

“We’re honoured to have been

chosen as host destinatio­n for the upcoming World Travel and Tourism Council 2020 Global Summit. Puerto Rico is a place where rich culture and natural wonders lay the foundation for an immense bounty of one-of-a-kind experience­s. We’re thriving as a destinatio­n of global importance and hosting this summit will elevate even further our tourism offering, positively impacting the local economy. We look forward to welcoming the global tourism industry next year to discover all that Puerto Rico offers,” said Brad Dean, chief executive officer of Discover Puerto Rico.

In Puerto Rico, the travel industry employs roughly 77,000 people, contribute­s 6.5 per cent to the island’s GDP, and impacts a noteworthy 17 additional sectors of the economy.

This is on the rise, given the island’s increasing popularity as a must-visit destinatio­n on a global scale, and is validated given the selection by the WTTC as the first United States (US) island territory to host the respected event.

“We are delighted to bring next year’s Global Summit to the beautiful tropical Caribbean island of Puerto Rico, a welcoming and diverse destinatio­n that is attracting travellers from all over the world,” said Gloria Guevara Manzo, president and CEO of WTTC. “We’re particular­ly excited because the destinatio­n provides ease in travelling and doing business since Puerto Rico is a US territory yet has the allure of the Caribbean.”

The WTTC Global Summit will be held from April 21-23, 2020, at the District San Juan, a fiveacre hospitalit­y and entertainm­ent district opening later this year. The complex is currently being designed and is poised to be the most vibrant and popular setting for events, convention­s and performanc­es in the Caribbean.

Puerto Rico’s unique history and offerings set it apart as a global destinatio­n, including a fusion of Taino Indian, Spanish and African cultures, seen vividly in the food, music and architectu­re. Found on the island is El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the US forest system; three of the world’s five biolumines­cence bays; and El Monstruo, the longest zip line in the Americas.

Visit discover puertorico.

com for more informatio­n on the destinatio­n and its variety of offerings and lodging options.

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