Puerto Rico Gears Up for Major Cruise Boom with FCCA Conference and Record Tourism Growth
Puerto Rico is preparing for a pivotal moment in its tourism evolution as it gets ready to host the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Conference and Trade Show from October 20–24, 2025. The event will take place at the state-of-the-art Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan, positioning the island at the forefront of the Caribbean cruise industry.
This annual conference is one of the most influential gatherings in the cruise and tourism sectors, bringing together key decision-makers, tour operators, port agents, and destination stakeholders. The 2025 edition will further highlight Puerto Rico’s readiness to expand its role as a premier cruise destination while showcasing the island’s modern facilities, cultural vibrancy, and strategic commitment to tourism growth.
Puerto Rico in the Industry Spotlight
Hosting the FCCA Cruise Conference offers Puerto Rico an invaluable platform to deepen partnerships with cruise executives who decide where ships dock, what services are offered, and how destinations evolve. The event will help strengthen existing relationships while opening doors for new investments and collaborations.
With support from the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC), the island aims to leverage the conference to highlight infrastructure improvements, increased capacity at ports, and a growing portfolio of attractions for visitors. This effort reflects Puerto Rico’s dedication to ensuring a world-class experience for cruise passengers while boosting its global competitiveness in the tourism industry.
Record Tourism Performance Sets the Stage
Puerto Rico’s tourism sector is thriving, setting new records and providing a strong foundation for this prestigious event. In 2024, the island welcomed an unprecedented 7.5 million visitors, with approximately 1.7 million arriving via cruise ships. These figures generated an economic impact estimated at $18 billion, supporting nearly 142,000 jobs across the island.
The cruise sector alone saw a significant rebound, with San Juan’s port receiving over 1.4 million passengers in 2024, a 10 percent increase compared to the previous year. Air travel mirrored this growth, with Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport handling over 13.2 million passengers, reflecting an 8.6 percent year-over-year rise. Hotel occupancy also surged, with nearly 7.3 million room nights booked during the year, highlighting Puerto Rico’s increasing popularity among both leisure and business travelers.
Economic Impact and Employment Growth
Tourism remains a major economic driver for Puerto Rico. Direct visitor spending in 2024 exceeded $11.5 billion. When factoring in indirect and induced effects, the sector contributed nearly $18 billion to the economy. This growth created thousands of jobs, with more than 91,000 positions directly linked to tourism and almost 142,000 when including related sectors.
Puerto Rico’s ability to maintain political and economic stability, combined with modern infrastructure and rich cultural offerings, continues to attract significant investments. These strengths position the island as a reliable and appealing destination compared to other Caribbean markets facing more complex operational challenges.
FCCA Conference: Driving Innovation and Development
The FCCA Cruise Conference has historically served as a catalyst for growth wherever it is hosted, and Puerto Rico is no exception. In past editions, hosting the event resulted in noticeable increases in cruise passenger arrivals and expanded partnerships with major cruise lines.
This year, the island will once again have the opportunity to impress, with over 150 cruise executives, including many senior decision-makers, expected to attend. The conference will facilitate meaningful conversations about port development, tourism products, and sustainable strategies to ensure the region remains a preferred destination for cruise travelers.
A World-Class Venue for a World-Class Event
The Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan, the largest and most advanced facility of its kind in the Caribbean, provides the perfect setting for an event of this scale. With over 600,000 square feet of space, including expansive exhibition halls and a versatile ballroom, the center is well-equipped to host thousands of participants in a seamless and efficient environment.
Its location near key hotels, entertainment venues, and historic Old San Juan ensures that delegates can experience Puerto Rico’s unique blend of culture, history, and modern amenities while attending the conference.
Strategic Goals for Long-Term Growth
For the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, the FCCA Cruise Conference is more than a networking opportunity — it’s a strategic platform to shape the island’s future in cruise tourism. Executive Director Willianette Robles Cancel has emphasized the importance of using the conference to discuss both short-term initiatives and long-term strategies for expanding Puerto Rico’s role as a leading homeport in the Caribbean.
By strengthening collaborations with international cruise lines and industry stakeholders, Puerto Rico aims to attract more routes, longer stays, and increased spending from visitors. The island is also focused on building resilience and sustainability into its growth plans, ensuring that tourism development benefits both the economy and local communities.
Looking Ahead: A Catalyst for Caribbean Tourism
As the countdown to the FCCA Cruise Conference begins, Puerto Rico is well-positioned to make the most of this opportunity. The combination of strong tourism performance, modern infrastructure, and strategic planning has set the stage for continued growth in the cruise sector.
This event will not only generate immediate business opportunities but also foster partnerships that will shape the future of Caribbean cruise tourism for years to come. With its unique advantages and commitment to excellence, Puerto Rico is ready to lead the region into a new era of prosperity, resilience, and global recognition in the cruise industry.
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