[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 53 (Thursday, May 5, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 5, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                         NATIONAL TOURISM WEEK

                                 ______


                     HON. CARLOS A. ROMERO-BARCELO

                             of puerto rico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 5, 1994

  Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO. Mr. Speaker, the importance of tourism to the 
economy of Puerto Rico is one measured in more than the number of 
tourists that visit our island.
  Undergirding our island economy, tourism is a never-ending means of 
promoting cultural understanding between the 3.6 million American 
citizens of Puerto Rico and their mainland counterparts, as well as 
with others from all over the world.
  Our present administration in Puerto Rico, under the leadership of 
our Governor, Pedro Rossello has embarked on an ambitious plan to 
upgrade and expand the number of hotels, guest houses, and tourist 
facilities throughout Puerto Rico, and to diversify the Puerto Rican 
experience for visitors who come by plane and cruise ships.
  As a banking and commerce center for the entire Caribbean, and as an 
island with a first-class telecommunications system, Puerto Rico also 
offers conventions and conference business amenities that are unrivaled 
in the Caribbean.
  In celebration of National Tourism Week, it is a pleasure to join 
others honoring this occasion, for visitors to Puerto Rico have a 
chance to witness firsthand the common bonds of citizenship, currency, 
and friendship that link Puerto Rico to the 50 States and other 
territories.
  The following points illustrate the importance of tourism to Puerto 
Rico and the local economy.
  In 1993, tourist expenditures for Puerto Rico was over $1.6 billion 
dollars, an increase of 8 percent over 1992.
  Total visitors to our island in 1993 were 3,871,119, more than the 
entire population of Puerto Rico.
  Visitors to tourist hotels for that same year were 688,58 and cruise 
ship visitors were 1,014,490.
  These figures make it abundantly clear why our government is 
expanding the number of hotels and encouraging, throughout the island, 
the expansion and development of guest houses and other tourist 
destinations.
  But more than figures, the friendships forged with Puerto Ricans by 
many visitors cannot be truly measured, but help to convey cultural 
understanding between U.S. citizens and with people from other 
countries.
  As National Tourism Week is celebrated, I encourage anyone who has 
not been to Puerto Rico to visit our island. Come to experience and 
enjoy our tropical climate, our culture, our heritage, and our 
hospitality.

                          ____________________