Authentic Cultural Experiences

U.S. citizens don’t need a passport to visit Puerto Rico, the vibrant Caribbean island with a rich history, warm culture, and festive atmosphere. Nor do they have to swap their dollars for a foreign currency upon stepping off the plane. But for meeting planners looking to spice up their events and give back to local communities, Puerto Rico offers a whole new world from the typical major convention cities. 

World-Class Venues, Rich Cultural Immersion 

Featuring 15,000 guest rooms and 1.3 million square feet of meeting space, Puerto Rico is well equipped to host events of all sizes. In fact, the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan, with 600,000 square feet of meeting space, is the largest and most technologically advanced in the region. But where else in America can groups exit an ultramodern facility and explore 500-year-old cobblestone streets while enjoying chef-led culinary tours, salsa lessons, and art workshops? 

With natural beauty, cultural immersion, and warm hospitality woven into every experience, Puerto Rico helps to elevate programming, foster creativity, and deepen attendee engagement, according to José E. Arana, group marketing director for Discover Puerto Rico.  

“Team-building takes on new meaning when it’s held beachside, or when it includes hands-on cultural immersion,” he said. “These experiences transform traditional events into multifaceted journeys that attendees will remember long after they return home.” 

Seamless Travel and Logistics

Puerto Rico is easy to get to and even easier to enjoy, Arana said. Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan offers nonstop flights from major U.S. cities and international hubs and is minutes from top hotels and bucket-list attractions. Ground transportation is seamless, with ride-shares, taxis, airport shuttles, and chartered vehicles readily available.  

In addition, local vendors and suppliers are abundant, reducing shipping needs and streamlining logistics, Arana said.  

Discover Puerto Rico recently launched its “Return the Love” campaign, a local guide to exploring the island responsibly. Whether it’s supporting local businesses, protecting natural resources, or embracing the local culture, “Return the Love” offers simple ways to travel mindfully.  

Incomparable Local Flavor

For example, the island’s popular bed-and-breakfasts — many set in charming historic buildings — offer handmade breakfasts featuring tropical fruit, fresh-baked bread, local favorites such as quesitos and mallorcas, and coffee from the mountains of Adjuntas or Maricao.  

Local hosts can point out the best local restaurants where guests can try Puerto Rico’s signature dish, mofongo — fried, mashed plantains combined with garlic and meat or seafood for a savory dome-shaped treat.     

Immersive Experiences and Eco-Friendly Stays

Nature lovers will want to kayak in Puerto Rico’s three bioluminescent bays — Mosquito Bay in Vieques, Laguna Grande in Fajardo, and La Parguera in Lajas — each offer breathtaking views as microscopic organisms light up the water with an ethereal blue glow. These unique ecosystems draw thousands of visitors each year, making them a must-see for adventure seekers.  

Likewise, the El Yunque National Forest, just a short drive from San Juan, is one of the Caribbean’s most cherished natural wonders. As the only tropical rainforest in the United States, it showcases lush landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and a vibrant ecosystem teeming with life.  

Another new initiative from Discover Puerto Rico, “The Green Path,” guides planners and attendees in making responsible choices on the island. Groups can even earn a “Responsible Traveler” certification by embracing eco-conscious practices during their stay, Arana said. The program has four pillars: the Foodprint, Legacy Journey, Nature Paths, and Conscious Stays. 

“The Green Path” encourages attendees to visit immersive agro-tourism experiences such as Finca La Zafra in Gurabo, where they’ll learn about eco-friendly farming practices, eating locally, and community building from seed to table. Visitors also can discover Old San Juan’s hidden history, including underground crypts, secret staircases, and architectural treasures.  

Meanwhile, at Cabachuelas Natural Reserve in Morovis, local conservationists help visitors explore the history of the Taíno, the indigenous inhabitants of the Caribbean, while encountering endemic wildlife  and soaking in the island’s ecological diversity. “The Green Path” also helps visitors to combine comfort and sustainability through eco-friendly accommodations, including glamping, camping and boutique lodgings that prioritize conservation and responsible tourism. 

Groups can team up with organizations like Para La Naturaleza, World Central Kitchen, Madre Tierra, and Frutos del Guacabo to take an active role in protecting Puerto Rico’s natural and economic resources. Attendees can help to maintain community gardens, plant and sow farm-to-table products, clean up the coastline and protect endangered turtles and manatees, among many other activities.  

A True Partner

Discover Puerto Rico is grounded in values that ASAE members care deeply about — collaboration, innovation, community, and excellence — making the organization a “true partner” for meeting planners, Arana said.  

“We collaborate with each group to create lasting impact and memorable experiences, helping planners tell their story through the lens of place, purpose, and people,” he said. “Puerto Rico offers unforgettable experiences that enhance every event. Here, attendees can feel welcomed, energized, and deeply connected.” 

To learn more about Puerto Rico as a premier event destination, visit Discover Puerto Rico online.