Destinations
Discover Puerto Rico
Discover Puerto Rico highlights continued growth in Sports Tourism
Discover Puerto Rico brought together sports and tourism industry leaders for its annual Sports Market Annual Update, held at the Hyatt Centric San Juan Isla Verde in August 2026. Hosted by Carlos Deliz, Sports Tourism Director at Discover Puerto Rico, the event featured insights from Jason Gewirtz, Senior Vice President of Content, Meetings and Sports at Northstar Meetings Group, along with panel discussions featuring Jorge Medina, CEO of JoGi Sports, and Patrick O’Neill, President of the Puerto Rico Disc Golf Federation.
The event highlighted the growing importance of sports tourism as a driver of economic development. Industry data shared during the update showed that sports tourism generated $111.2 billion in direct spending, welcomed 339 million sports travelers, and produced $274.5 billion in total economic impact in 2025, reinforcing its position as one of the most valuable segments of the travel industry.
Speakers also emphasized the increasing competition among destinations to attract sporting events, particularly as major international events such as the FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games continue to fuel growth in sports-related travel worldwide.
Puerto Rico remains well-positioned to benefit from these trends thanks to its accessibility, modern infrastructure, year-round climate, and diverse sports offerings. As a U.S. destination with extensive air connectivity and no passport requirement for U.S. travelers, the Island provides a seamless experience for event organizers, athletes, and spectators alike.
Recent and upcoming events continue to demonstrate the strength of Puerto Rico’s sports tourism strategy. From youth and amateur tournaments to collegiate competitions and industry conferences, these events generate significant hotel demand, visitor spending, and destination exposure. The Island’s growing portfolio, including the inaugural Puerto Rico Bowl, further reinforces Puerto Rico’s reputation as a premier destination for sports events in the Caribbean and beyond.
As the industry continues to evolve, Discover Puerto Rico remains committed to attracting high-value sporting events that create economic impact, support local communities, and showcase the Island to new audiences. The message from this year’s update was clear: Puerto Rico is not only a world-class destination for competition, but also a strategic partner for organizations seeking unforgettable sports experiences and measurable results.
Discover Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a vibrant Caribbean destination made up of one main island, four smaller islands, and hundreds of cays and islets. Just 100 miles long and 35 miles wide, Puerto Rico may be compact in size, but it offers an incredible diversity of landscapes, experiences, and culture—all within easy reach. From beautiful beaches and tropical forests to historic cities and world-class sports venues, the island offers something for every type of traveler and event. What truly sets Puerto Rico apart is its people. Boricuas, as Puerto Ricans proudly call themselves, are known for their warmth, hospitality, energy, and passion. Our culture is a unique blend of Taíno, Spanish, and African influences, reflected in our food, music, traditions, and celebrations. Visitors can experience the island through its bold flavors, local cuisine, salsa and reggaetón rhythms, vibrant festivals, and the unmistakable pride of our people. For sports teams, events, and visitors, Puerto Rico offers much more than a place to compete. It’s a destination where competition meets culture, where unforgettable experiences extend beyond the playing field, and where teams can connect with the island and its people.  **Come for the event, stay for the culture, and leave with unforgettable memories of Puerto Rico.**
Want to post to the Playeasy network?
Create a post