Meet Meet Puerto Rico!Puerto Rico!

Presentation by:Presentation by:Dyhalma TorresDyhalma Torres

Director of SalesDirector of SalesPuerto Rico Convention BureauPuerto Rico Convention Bureau

Exotic, Yet FamiliarExotic, Yet Familiar

• U.S. Commonwealth Status• No passport or visa required for U.S. citizens• Currency, language, phone system, mail

service and banking same as in the U.S.

The islands of The islands of Puerto RicoPuerto Rico

Condado

Isla Verde

Old San Juan

Our Capital:Our Capital: San JuanSan Juan

Air AccessAir Access

•Puerto Rico is the hub for the Caribbean making us a very accessible destination.

•Flight time is only 2 hours and 15 minutes from Miami, 3 hours from Atlanta, 3 and ½ hours from Washington, DC or New York, 4 ½ hours from Chicago or Dallas and 7 hours from Los Angeles..

AirliftAirlift

•Over 400 domestic non-stop weekly flights into San Juan.•Over 600 international flights per week from Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Traveling to Puerto RicoTraveling to Puerto RicoAirliftAirlift Hub for the Caribbean with Hub for the Caribbean with

direct flightsdirect flights

Entry/ Travel Documents Entry/ Travel Documents RequiredRequired

Drivers License, no other form Drivers License, no other form of ID required to enter /depart of ID required to enter /depart Puerto Rico.Puerto Rico.

Customs/ ImmigrationCustoms/ Immigration Not ApplicableNot Applicable

Shipping/ Mail ServiceShipping/ Mail Service Same as in the U.S. Puerto Same as in the U.S. Puerto Rico is serviced by the U.S Rico is serviced by the U.S Postal Service and all major Postal Service and all major couriers.couriers.

HistoryHistory500 Years of history beginning with Christopher Columbus’ discovery in 1493.

Fascinating culture combining the best of Taino Indian, Spanish, Latino, African & American influences.

CultureCulture

Climate – average year round temperature between 70 and 80 degrees allowing outdoor activities all year.

ClimateClimate

World-class AccommodationsWorld-class Accommodations

Following a comprehensive renovation project, this month the 450-room Condado Vanderbilt Hotel opened its doors for meetings and special functions. Currently the property features 15,000 sq. ft. of distinctive event space, including a ballroom with ocean views, glass pavilions for private dining and events, a dedicated boardroom and other unique function spaces. Once guest rooms are open, amenities will include a full-service space, five-star fitness center, butler and concierge service, a fully-staffed business center and four on-site dining options.

Another addition to Puerto Rico’s folio of high-end properties is the 139-suite St. Regis Bahia Beach featuring 5,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and a 10,000 sq. ft. Rémede Spa. The property is home to a Robert Trent Jones Jr. championship golf course as well as Jean Georges, one of the top ten restaurants in the world.

Another luxury addition is the 157-room W Retreat & Spa, Vieques Island. This beachside resort features 3,500 sq. ft. of meeting space, a dedicated welcome lounge at the nearby airport, infinity pools, tennis, a fitness center and spa and is also the home of Alain Ducasse’s newest fusion restaurant, MiX on the Beach.

Slated to open in December 2012, located in the former setting of the renowned Laurance Rockefeller resort property in Dorado Beach. The 130-room resort will include 100 guestrooms and 14 one-bedroom suites, including six with rooftop pools. In addition, Su Casa, a colonial-style hacienda located on the property, will be restored as a five-bedroom villa for weddings and private events.

In 2013, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts will roll-out its brand in Puerto Rico when it opens a 500-room property on the site of the former Hyatt Regency Cerromar, also in Dorado.

Over 272 miles of some of the most beautiful beaches in the world

BeachesBeaches

El Yunque RainforestEl Yunque Rainforest

El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. In its 28,000 acres you will find over 1,200 plant species, 97 species of birds including the Puerto Rican parrot, 35 species of amphibians and reptiles including our native tree frog called coqui, 240 native tree species among countless waterfalls and trails. El Yunque is currently a candidate to be voted one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

Explore CavesExplore CavesCamuy River Cave Park, is one of the largest cave systems in the world and the largest in the Western Hemisphere. Located in northwestern Puerto Rico, the caverns are part of a large network of natural limestone caves and underground waterways carved out by the third-largest underground river in the world, the Río Camuy. The 268-acre park built around the cave system features tours of some of the caves and sinkholes, and is one of our most popular natural attractions.

When it comes to our zip-line adventures, it’s not just quality but quantity that matters. Whether you strap in face-down in the clutches of The Beast and fly at 60 miles per hour over 4,000 feet or descend to the mouth of an underground river, our zip-lines provide an exhilarating thrill ride.

Zip-LiningZip-Lining

The Bioluminescent BaysThe Bioluminescent Bays

This unique bays contains up to 720,000 single-celled bioluminescent dinoflagellates per gallon of water. These half-plant, half-animal organisms emit a flash of bluish light when agitated at night. The high concentration of these creatures can create enough light to read a book from. On moonless nights, the water sparkles with tiny glowing flagellate creatures. You can enjoy this wonder of the world on a tour aboard a glass bottom boat or on an ocean kajak tour.

Scuba DivingScuba DivingGet away from the world above and dive to he wonders below; the exciting world of fun and adventure beneath the turquoise waters of Puerto Rico. Scuba diving is offered on the eastern side of the Island, Fajardo, known to be one of the best scuba diving site in the world. Non-certified divers are welcome.

Catamaran Day SailCatamaran Day Sail

You will enjoy a 30-minute sail to Icacos or one of the You will enjoy a 30-minute sail to Icacos or one of the surrounding islands. Once the catamaran arrives at the surrounding islands. Once the catamaran arrives at the island it actually beaches so that when you disembark they island it actually beaches so that when you disembark they are in knee-deep water. On the island they will have the are in knee-deep water. On the island they will have the opportunity to take advantage of our professional opportunity to take advantage of our professional instruction in snorkeling, they can beach comb, swim or instruction in snorkeling, they can beach comb, swim or snorkel offshore or just relax on the beach.snorkel offshore or just relax on the beach.

Old San Juan Historical Old San Juan Historical DistrictDistrict

Narrow cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, 500 year old Spanish fortresses overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, fascinating museums, churches, art galleries, boutiques, outlet stores, handcrafts and fine dining, everything bathed by a tropical breeze.

Bacardi Rum DistilleryBacardi Rum Distillery

The Bacardi Rum Distillery provides a very interesting tour of the plant, museum and bottling line finishing. There you will have the opportunity to learn about the tradition of processing and aging of Bacardi’s finest rums. Then its off to the tasting bar to be treated to a complimentary rum drink followed by a visit to their gift shop where rum can be purchased at discounted prices.

Golfing in Puerto RicoGolfing in Puerto Rico

Golfing in Puerto Rico Puerto Rico has some of the best golf courses anywhere in the Caribbean: they are both beautiful in their setting as well as challenging. Balmy weather and the constant trade winds make for the most ideal playing conditions – there is perfect golf weather almost every day of the year. Virtually all of the courses are of championship caliber, created by some of the world’s best golf course designers.

Looking forward to a Looking forward to a great partnership!great partnership!