2009 - USDA Forest Service

La Mina Falls
January 2009 Interpretive and Conservation Education Master Plan
• Rising sea levels – causing coastal damage and storm surge;
• Coral bleaching – destroying water tourism venues and impacting
both commercial and recreational fishing;
• Changing weather patterns -- resulting in flooding and spawning
severe hurricanes.
• Increased droughts – making water supplies unreliable and
increasing wild land fire risk.
It should be emphasized that the current and potential tourist industry
impact scenarios related above are dynamic rather than static. Global and
local conditions affecting the industry could change dramatically over the
short term, or conversely achieve a median level over the long term. In
order for us to anticipate and accommodate these changes, we must stay
constantly “tuned-in” to the tourist industry’s heartbeat, and be prepared to
alter our recreational strategies accordingly. As a conservation leader, the
EYNF must implement positive greening measures in both our facilities and
programs. We must then communicate these actions to the public using our
interpretation and conservation education programs.
Tourism and Recreation Trends
Puerto Rico is the leading tourism destination in the Caribbean, with an
advantageous share of business and leisure travelers, a strong supporting
infrastructure for air and sea transport and a good endowment of natural,
cultural and historical attractions.
Tourism accounts for 24% of the annual 14.3 billion dollar Puerto Rican
Service market and represents 14% of the island’s total work force.
Table 10 - Puerto Rico's Tourism Sector (2006) - Overview
El Yunque National Forest 28
Strengths Weaknesses
Puerto Rico’s location in the Caribbean
makes it a year-round tourism destination
near the US and Europe.
Puerto Rico has a better overall
infrastructure and endowment of attractions
when compared to the rest of the
Caribbean.
Besides being a major cruise hub for the
region, strong air transportation links
support tourism and position Puerto Rico as
a gateway to the Caribbean.
Tourist’s average length of stay is low with
a large share of visitors staying outside the
hotel system.
Costs in Puerto Rico are high when
compared to other Caribbean “Sun & Sand”
destinations.
Puerto Rico lacks the variety of services
and attractions to position itself as a “Highend”
tourist destination.