The government of Puerto Rico is starting to see its investment in sports tourism pay off with over 50 sport events scheduled between 2010-2011, netting the island’s economy roughly $28 million.
The island government invested nearly $7 million to market the island as a destination for high-profile sporting events and funds were also used to upgrade sporting facilities. Right now the Puerto Rico Open is being held, considered one of the more important golf events of the year.
In addition the island recently hosted the Surfing Professionals Pro Search which brought $10 million in direct and indirect revenue and the Central American and Caribbean Games in Mayaguez were also held recently.
This week alone the island is prepping for the Ironman competition and the Corona Extra Pro Surf circuit. Tourism is a very important part of the island economy representing 7% of its overall economy by contributing $3.3 billion in revenue and maintaining 17,500 jobs.
