|
San
Juan, PR – October 2024 / NewsmakerAlert: Acclaimed
hotelier Raúl
Bustamante, General Manager of the Royal Sonesta San Juan Hotel, officially
began his tenure as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Puerto
Rico Hotel and Tourism Association (PRHTA) recently, marking the start
of a two-year term at the helm of the organization. This milestone coincides
with the PRHTA’s preparations to celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2025.
The official transition ceremony took place at the Hyatt Regency Grand
Reserve in Río Grande during the PRHTA’s
Annual Convention. Miguel Vega, the outgoing president, handed over
the leadership to Bustamante at this key event for the island’s tourism
industry.
“It
is both a great honor and a significant challenge to assume this presidency
at such an important moment for the organization and tourism in Puerto
Rico,” Bustamante expressed. “We are at a crucial juncture, shaped by the
need to adapt rapidly to global and local trends. Tourism is constantly
evolving, and as the longest-standing organization in the sector on the
island, we are committed to leading the way, acting as a strategic link
for our partners, and facilitating the development of long-term business
relationships.”
|
|
During
the Chairman’s Luncheon, Bustamante, along with Miguel Vega and Joaquín
Bolívar – who has led the Board in previous terms – engaged in a
discussion about the challenges faced, the current landscape, and the future
goals of the organization. This luncheon also served as an opportunity
to officially introduce the new 2024-2025 Board of Directors, reaffirming
PRHTA’s commitment to innovation and sustained growth in the tourism sector.
The
event concluded with a symbolic passing of the baton from Vega to Bustamante,
marking the start of a new chapter in PRHTA’s history. The newly appointed
board members for 2024-2025 were announced as follows:
-
Chairman-Elect:
Joaquín Bolívar III, Courtyard by Marriott San Juan Miramar
-
Hotel
Director (300+ rooms): Mike Garcia, Caribe Hilton
-
Hotel
Director (76-299 rooms): Lemuel Gonzalez, Hilton Garden Inn; Daniela
Bertran, AC Marriott San Juan
-
Ground
Transportation Director: Roberto Rodríguez, First Class
-
Suppliers
Directors: Jorge Jorge, Toro Verde Adventure Park; Jessica Banchs,
E-Vacations Travel
The day
kicked off with the plenary session, “Discover the Latest Tourism Trends
in the U.S.,” presented by Discover Puerto Rico. Salim
Arkuch, a renowned industry expert, shared valuable insights into the
evolving tourism landscape, offering strategic recommendations for participants
to seize new opportunities in the U.S. market.
The
convention continued with an exclusive discussion featuring Cristal Bell,
Air and Cruise Access Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, Vanessa
Ledesma, CEO of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), and
key event sponsors. This panel will address the current state of tourism
in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, covering essential topics such as air
and sea access, hotel rates, visitor trends, and future projections for
the region.
As
the PRHTA looks forward to its 75th anniversary in 2025, the association
remains deeply committed to supporting the industry’s evolution. This convention
serves not only as a gathering point for tourism leaders but also marks
the beginning of a pivotal phase in the growth and transformation of tourism
across Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.
About
PRHTA
The
Puerto Rico Hotel and Tourism Association
(PRHTA) is the leading organization representing and advocating for the
interests of the island’s tourism industry. Founded in 1950, PRHTA brings
together hotels, restaurants, casinos, and tourism service companies, promoting
economic growth, sustainable development, and service excellence across
the sector. Visit www.PRHTA.org
for more information.
Media
Contact:
Puerto
Rico Hotel and Tourism Association (PRHTA)
Gerald
Morales Lopez
Communications
Director
787-640-7055
LinkedIn |
