cartography of south puerto rico

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTH PUERTO RICO
FERTILE REGION : CATALOGUE OF REGIONAL Assets and Territorial Identity
PONCE
TOURISM DAVID TALAVERA ALBARRAN JOSE A. REYES FELICIANO EDGAR VAZQUEZ COLON
HEALTH & WELLNESS OSCAR MISLA VILLABA FRANCISCO J. LLULL VERA
ENERGY JAIME SANABRIA HERNANDEZ
AGRO-INDUSTRY ELENA M. COLON PARRILLA FERNANDO L. CRUZ DOMINICCI ARNALDO COLON BERLINGERI
SPORTS HECTOR E. LOPEZ PALERMO JOSE E. COSTAS LOYOLA
LOGISTICS & TRANSPORTATION JORGE HERNANDEZ LAZARO PEDRO GOMEZ MOLINA
ARTS & CULTURE SUSANA SANTIAGO MARIN ARACELIS VIDAL RIVERA JESSICA FERNANDEZ MARISOL NAVAS OMAR ALFONSO TORRES
EDUCATION JOSE I. IRIZARRY DIAZ VIVIAM Y. PUIG GONZALEZ
EDITORIAL COMMITTEE ABEL E. MISLA VILLLALBA JAVIER DE JESUS MARTINES DAVID SOUTHGATE
CONSULTANTS ADAPTABLE PATHS STRATEGIES INVESTMENTS AND RESOURCES
REVIEW TEAM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS & MEMBERS
16461-00-camara sur interior r5.indd 1 2/23/12 4:36 PM
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTH PUERTO RICO
CARTOGRAPHY OF SOUTH PUERTO RICO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SOUTH PUERTO RICO
INDEX
PUERTO RICOTOWARDS THE INTERNATIONALIZATION OF SOUTH
WE ARE THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
06-07
04-05
08-09
10-29
CHAMBER HISTORY
02-03 INDEX
CHAPTER 01: FERTILE REGION: GROWTH THOUGH FOCUS RETENTION•ATTRACTION•SYNCHRONIZATION
CHAPTER 02: CARTOGRAPHY OF THE SOUTH: CATALOGUE OF REGIONAL ASSETS & TERRITORIAL IDENTITY
CHAPTER 03: MUNICIPAL ASSETS & ADDED VALUE RESOURCES : SOUTH REGION - ECONOMIC ACTIVITY ECOSYSTEM
STRATEGIC ACTIVITY SYNCHRONIZATION: STRATEGIC ACTIVITY SYNCHRONIZATION
123-148 SPONSORS & COLLABORATORS
149-164 MEMBERS DIRECTORY: INDUSTRY ENTERPRISE ECOSYSTEM
L A R A Z Ó N D E T R Á S D E T U É X I T O WEBPRINT MAIL
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTH PUERTO RICO
INDEX
PONCE
TOWARDS THE INTERNATIONALIZATION OF SOUTH
WE ARE THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS / VISION / MISSION / VALUES
32 - 41 42 - 51 52 - 61 62 - 71 72 - 81
82- 91 92 - 101 102- 111
10 - 13 14 - 17
06-07
04-05
08-09
10-29
CHAMBER HISTORY 125 YEARS
02-03 INDEX CONTENT BREAKDOWN
CHAPTER 01: FERTILE REGION: GROWTH THOUGH FOCUS RETENTION•ATTRACTION•SYNCHRONIZATION I. A NEW PARTNERSHIP: FOSTERING THE ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS OF THE SOUTH II. DISCOVERY: PRODUCTIVE AND COMPETITIVE ASSETS III. VISION: REGIONAL ENTERPRISE FRAMEWORK AND SOUTH INNOVATION BANK IV. STRATEGIC SCRIPT: THEMATIC FOCUSED CHARACTERIZATION OF THE REGION V. ORGANIZATION: COLLABORATIVE NETWORKS AND ALLIANCES
CHAPTER 02: CARTOGRAPHY OF THE SOUTH: CATALOGUE OF REGIONAL ASSETS & TERRITORIAL IDENTITY
TOURISM ART & CULTURE EDUCATION SPORTS AGRO-INDUSTRY HEALTH & WELLNESS ENERGY LOGISTICS & TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER 03: MUNICIPAL ASSETS & ADDED VALUE RESOURCES : SOUTH REGION - ECONOMIC ACTIVITY ECOSYSTEM
STRATEGIC ACTIVITY SYNCHRONIZATION: STRATEGIC ACTIVITY SYNCHRONIZATION
123-148 SPONSORS & COLLABORATORS
149-164 MEMBERS DIRECTORY: INDUSTRY ENTERPRISE ECOSYSTEM
L A R A Z Ó N D E T R Á S D E T U É X I T O WEBPRINT MAIL
TRANSCENDENCE
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTH PUERTO RICO
ORIGIN & PRINCIPLES
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF SOUTH PUERTO RICO CONNECTING YOU TO THE WORLD
125 YEARS OF HISTORY The origin of the organization today known as the Chamber of Commerce of South Puerto Rico relates back to the search for better economic conditions for Puerto Rico dating from 19th century. In 1877, Ponce was already an incorporated city under Spanish rule. The island was getting back on its feet after a long period of epidemics and hurricanes that deeply submerged the population in a terrible crisis. It was during this time that maritime-related commercial activities had grown in popularity due to the island’s geographic isolation from communications and transportation systems, those that mainland jurisdictions take for granted.
This was the backdrop for the successful Ponce Exhibition Fair of 1882. Agriculturists, merchants and artisans from all parts of the south region of the island and Ponce participated in the fair. The great success of this fair paved the way for business people to unite and form an organization that, above all, looked after their interests and helped the economic development of surrounding communities.
Oddly enough, there is no official document that marks the exact date that the Chamber of Commerce of South Puerto Rico was founded. However, a Spanish Royal Decree, signed by former Chamber president Ermelindo Salazar, confirms that the organization dates from at least December 19, 1885. At that time, the organization was known as the Chamber of Commerce and Navigation (CCN). Official organizational records from 1897 to 1929 were destroyed in a fire. Therefore there is no documented evidence of any of the organization’s activities during those years. In 2005, the century-old institution changed its name to simply the Chamber of Commerce of South Puerto Rico, reflecting that it still served business people from across the southern region of the island.
The Chamber of Commerce of South has maintained an impartial and apolitical position in local affairs, maintaining a positive relationship with local media as a way of communicating the advancement of strategic economic development interests. Annually the Chamber holds seminars, workshops, forums, business lunches and Commercial Expos with wide participation. The Chamber has a diverse membership that represents each of the sectors of Commerce, Enterprises, Industry, Banking and Agriculture.
SINCE 1885
TRANSCENDENCE
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTH PUERTO RICO
ORIGIN & PRINCIPLES
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF SOUTH PUERTO RICO
125 YEARS OF HISTORY The origin of the organization today known as the Chamber of Commerce of South Puerto Rico relates back to the search for better economic conditions for Puerto Rico dating from 19th century. In 1877, Ponce was already an incorporated city under Spanish rule. The island was getting back on its feet after a long period of epidemics and hurricanes that deeply submerged the population in a terrible crisis. It was during this time that maritime-related commercial activities had grown in popularity due to the island’s geographic isolation from communications and transportation systems, those that mainland jurisdictions take for granted.
This was the backdrop for the successful Ponce Exhibition Fair of 1882. Agriculturists, merchants and artisans from all parts of the south region of the island and Ponce participated in the fair. The great success of this fair paved the way for business people to unite and form an organization that, above all, looked after their interests and helped the economic development of surrounding communities.
Oddly enough, there is no official document that marks the exact date that the Chamber of Commerce of South Puerto Rico was founded. However, a Spanish Royal Decree, signed by former Chamber president Ermelindo Salazar, confirms that the organization dates from at least December 19, 1885. At that time, the organization was known as the Chamber of Commerce and Navigation (CCN). Official organizational records from 1897 to 1929 were destroyed in a fire. Therefore there is no documented evidence of any of the organization’s activities during those years. In 2005, the century-old institution changed its name to simply the Chamber of Commerce of South Puerto Rico, reflecting that it still served business people from across the southern region of the island.
The Chamber of Commerce of South has maintained an impartial and apolitical position in local affairs, maintaining a positive relationship with local media as a way of communicating the advancement of strategic economic development interests. Annually the Chamber holds seminars, workshops, forums, business lunches and Commercial Expos with wide participation. The Chamber has a diverse membership that represents each of the sectors of Commerce, Enterprises, Industry, Banking and Agriculture.
SINCE 1885
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTH PUERTO RICO
Retention•Attraction•Synchronization FERTILE REGION: GROWTH THROUGH FOCUS
GROWTH THROUGH FOCUS
Welcome to South Puerto Rico:
Please receive my warm greetings from the south region of Puerto Rico. Contemporary societies across the globe face economic challenges that require the participation of all sectors of commercial production and its economic players. Conscious of the challenges facing many regions and committed to doing our part, the Chamber of Commerce of South of Puerto Rico has initiated a strategic agenda to promote and to stimulate the economic development of the Enterprise Ecosystem of the region. The intention is to drive the internationalization of the region’s commercial assets and territorial resources in the interest of strengthening opportunities for economic growth – both at home and abroad.
In order to promote the internationalization of the south region, the Chamber of Commerce decided to develop the Cartography of the South: Regional Catalogue of Commercial Assets and Territorial Resources. This document gathers and integrates all of the assets of our region into a coherent package, showcasing our region’s strenghts in Agro-industry, Education, Energy, Logistics, Health, Tourism, Education, Sports and Culture.
The document you are holding in your hands invites you to explore, contemplate and imagine how south Puerto Rico can become part of your strategy for business growth. South Puerto Rico is open for business and we invite you to seize the potential our region holds for your enterprise.
Sincerely,
Abel E. Misla Villalba
CARTOGRAPHY SOUTH PUERTO RICO
ABEL E. MISLA VILLALBA PRESIDENT 2010 - 2011 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SOUTH PUERTO RICO
PRESIDENT 2011 - 2012 WORLD MARKETS DIVISION CCSPR
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTH PUERTO RICO
Welcome to South Puerto Rico:
Please receive my warm greetings from the south region of Puerto Rico. Contemporary societies across the globe face economic challenges that require the participation of all sectors of commercial production and its economic players. Conscious of the challenges facing many regions and committed to doing our part, the Chamber of Commerce of South of Puerto Rico has initiated a strategic agenda to promote and to stimulate the economic development of the Enterprise Ecosystem of the region. The intention is to drive the internationalization of the region’s commercial assets and territorial resources in the interest of strengthening opportunities for economic growth – both at home and abroad.
In order to promote the internationalization of the south region, the Chamber of Commerce decided to develop the Cartography of the South: Regional Catalogue of Commercial Assets and Territorial Resources. This document gathers and integrates all of the assets of our region into a coherent package, showcasing our region’s strenghts in Agro-industry, Education, Energy, Logistics, Health, Tourism, Education, Sports and Culture.
The document you are holding in your hands invites you to explore, contemplate and imagine how south Puerto Rico can become part of your strategy for business growth. South Puerto Rico is open for business and we invite you to seize the potential our region holds for your enterprise.
Sincerely,
Abel E. Misla Villalba
CARTOGRAPHY SOUTH ABEL E. MISLA VILLALBA PRESIDENT 2010 - 2011 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SOUTH PUERTO RICO
PRESIDENT 2011 - 2012 WORLD MARKETS DIVISION CCSPR
*The minutes corresponding to years 1897 to 1929 where destroyed in a building fire at the Chamber Offices, for wich there is no registry of the names of presidents during those years.
PAST PRESIDENTS TIMELINE (1885-2011)
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTH PUERTO RICO
WE ARE THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF SOUTH PUERTO RICO! BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Become the main voice and representative action of the entrepreneurial community of our region, recruit the greatest number of members possible, offer better and more varied services and influence the processes of the creation of public policy towards the development of sustainable entrepreneurship.
Contribute to the sustainable development of enterprises participating in an advisory, support and service capacity, fulfilling all those activities that strengthen the socioeconomic activity and the entrepreneurial competitiveness of the southern region of Puerto Rico.
MISSIONVISION
SUSANA SANTIAGO MARIIN SECOND VICEPRESIDENT
MARIO R. SILVAGNOLI GUZMAN PAST PRESIDENT 2009 - 2010
ARACELIS VIDAL RIVERA SECRETARY
FREDDY MALDONADO PEREZ TREASURER
FERNANDO L. CRUZ DOMINICCI SUB-TREASURER
VIVIAM Y. PUIG GONZALEZ SUB-SECRETARY
PEDRO GOMEZ MOLINAHECTOR LOPEZ PALERMO EDGAR VAZQUEZ COLLON DAVID TALAVERA ALBARRAN JAIME L. SANABRIA HERNANDEZ RICARDO HATTON RENTAS FRANCISCO J. LLULL VERAJOSE A. REYES FELICIANOABEL E. MISLA VILLALBA PRESIDENT 2010 -2011
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*The minutes corresponding to years 1897 to 1929 where destroyed in a building fire at the Chamber Offices, for wich there is no registry of the names of presidents during those years.
PAST PRESIDENTS TIMELINE (1885-2011)
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTH PUERTO RICO
WE ARE THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF SOUTH PUERTO RICO! BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Become the main voice and representative action of the entrepreneurial community of our region, recruit the greatest number of members possible, offer better and more varied services and influence the processes of the creation of public policy towards the development of sustainable entrepreneurship.
Contribute to the sustainable development of enterprises participating in an advisory, support and service capacity, fulfilling all those activities that strengthen the socioeconomic activity and the entrepreneurial competitiveness of the southern region of Puerto Rico.
MISSIONVISION
JOSE I. IRIZARRY DIAZ SUSANA SANTIAGO MARIIN MARIO R. SILVAGNOLI GUZMAN ARACELIS VIDAL RIVERA FREDDY MALDONADO PEREZ FERNANDO L. CRUZ DOMINICCIVIVIAM Y. PUIG GONZALEZ PEDRO GOMEZ MOLINA DIRECTOR
HECTOR LOPEZ PALERMO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
EDGAR VAZQUEZ COLLON DIRECTOR
JAIME L. SANABRIA HERNANDEZ DIRECTOR
RICARDO HATTON RENTAS DIRECTOR
ABEL E. MISLA VILLALBA
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Networking at Archipiélago Restaurant, Ponce Historic District
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTH PUERTO RICO
The Chamber of Commerce of South Puerto Rico is implementing regional strategies that promote sustainable economic development in the region. With the help of a multi-sector collaboration, the Chamber of Commerce of South Puerto Rico's agenda to internationalize the region seeks to retain, attract and synchro- nize all local economic activity with global economic growth so as to improve the quality of life in the southern region.
To develop this agenda, we turned to collaborators across various sectors who joined us in supporting our international vision to advance competitiveness and productivity. The Chamber through its Committee on International Relations, Committee on Tourism, Committee on Economic Development, and its Infra- structure and Planning Committee, promote legislative initiatives, public policy and strategic investments that advance the socioeconomic sustainability and wellbeing of people living in south Puerto Rico, while promoting growth through international investment.
I - A NEW PARTNERSHIP: FOSTERING THE ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS OF THE SOUTH
As we developed the strategy, we established economic priorities focused on key areas of opportunity and the region's strengths, validated through extensive analysis and study. These priorities now form the plat- form for economic growth in the southern region. The key economic clusters of south Puerto Rico, the focus of the Cartography of the South are:
• Agribusiness • Tourism • Health and Wellbeing • Logistics and Transportation • Energy • Education • Arts & Culture • And Sports
SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 16461-00-camara sur interior r5.indd 10 2/23/12 4:36 PM
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTH PUERTO RICO
The Chamber of Commerce of South Puerto Rico is implementing regional strategies that promote sustainable economic development in the region. With the help of a multi-sector collaboration, the Chamber of Commerce of South Puerto Rico's agenda to internationalize the region seeks to retain, attract and synchro- nize all local economic activity with global economic growth so as to improve the quality of life in the southern region.
To develop this agenda, we turned to collaborators across various sectors who joined us in supporting our international vision to advance competitiveness and productivity. The Chamber through its Committee on International Relations, Committee on Tourism, Committee on Economic Development, and its Infra- structure and Planning Committee, promote legislative initiatives, public policy and strategic investments that advance the socioeconomic sustainability and wellbeing of people living in south Puerto Rico, while promoting growth through international investment.
I - A NEW PARTNERSHIP: FOSTERING THE ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS OF THE SOUTH
As we developed the strategy, we established economic priorities focused on key areas of opportunity and the region's strengths, validated through extensive analysis and study. These priorities now form the plat- form for economic growth in the southern region. The key economic clusters of south Puerto Rico, the focus of the Cartography of the South are:
• Agribusiness • Tourism • Health and Wellbeing • Logistics and Transportation • Energy • Education • Arts & Culture • And Sports
SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVANCING THE COMPETITIVENESS AND PRODUCTIVITY OF THE REGION
Banco Santander and the Chamber of Commerce of South Puerto Rico signed a memorandum of understanding, or MOU, to form a strategic alliance to strengthen international commerce between south Puerto Rico and Latin America.
Networking at the Art Museum of Ponce
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES SOUTH PUERTO RICO: RICHLY DIVERSE AND POWERFULLY EXCITING PLACE FOR BUSINESS.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTH PUERTO RICO
AREAS OF OPPORTUNITY AND STRENGTHS
The region's Energy production, combined with financial incentives and a legal framework supporting green energy production, invites investors to participate in the production of renewable and sustainable energy in the south. Museums, art galleries, theaters, art centers and conventions support a vibrant culture that embraces both the arts and history. In addition to this economic activity, the region has an international agenda that takes advantage of an extensive infrastructure devoted to Olympic Sports. Few local entities know this region like the Chamber of Com- merce of South Puerto Rico. And we have the contacts, collaboration and vision to attract new people and businesses to the region, helping to make such ventures fruitful and productive. With that, the Chamber of Commerce of South Puerto Rico is pleased to present the Cartography of the South, map- ping in depth what makes south Puerto Rico a richly diverse and powerfully exciting place to do business.
The island's Agribusiness infrastructure is strongest in the south. The south region's strong Tourism sector, with six eco-regions, has established new markets that if maximized, will make the south region a worldwide tourist destination. Add to these the economic activity of the Health and Wellbeing sector, a segment that integrates all the components of services and products for health and human welfare. Similarly, the economic activity of the Educational sector is vital and productive, with the presence of accredited institutions providing doctoral and research universities that contribute new knowledge bases relevant and valu- able to all economic activity present in the region. The southern region's excellent maritime, air and land transportation and logistic services provide a vital link to the global economy.
CREATING NEW MARKET OPPORTUNITIES COMPETITIVE INTELLIGENCE
HUMAN & ENVIRONMENTAL WELLBEING ECOSYSTEM
Banco Santander and the Chamber of Commerce of South Puerto Rico signed a memorandum of understanding, or MOU, to form a strategic alliance to strengthen international commerce between south Puerto Rico and Latin America.
Networking at the Art Museum of Ponce
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES SOUTH PUERTO RICO: RICHLY DIVERSE AND POWERFULLY EXCITING PLACE FOR BUSINESS.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTH PUERTO RICO
AREAS OF OPPORTUNITY AND STRENGTHS
The region's Energy production, combined with financial incentives and a legal framework supporting green energy production, invites investors to participate in the production of renewable and sustainable energy in the south. Museums, art galleries, theaters, art centers and conventions support a vibrant culture that embraces both the arts and history. In addition to this economic activity, the region has an international agenda that takes advantage of an extensive infrastructure devoted to Olympic Sports. Few local entities know this region like the Chamber of Com- merce of South Puerto Rico. And we have the contacts, collaboration and vision to attract new people and businesses to the region, helping to make such ventures fruitful and productive. With that, the Chamber of Commerce of South Puerto Rico is pleased to present the Cartography of the South, map- ping in depth what makes south Puerto Rico a richly diverse and powerfully exciting place to do business.
The island's Agribusiness infrastructure is strongest in the south. The south region's strong Tourism sector, with six eco-regions, has established new markets that if maximized, will make the south region a worldwide tourist destination. Add to these the economic activity of the Health and Wellbeing sector, a segment that integrates all the components of services and products for health and human welfare. Similarly, the economic activity of the Educational sector is vital and productive, with the presence of accredited institutions providing doctoral and research universities that contribute new knowledge bases relevant and valu- able to all economic activity present in the region. The southern region's excellent maritime, air and land transportation and logistic services provide a vital link to the global economy.
CREATING NEW MARKET OPPORTUNITIES
HUMAN & ENVIRONMENTAL WELLBEING ECOSYSTEM
Presentation before the Senate Special Committee on Puerto Rico Law 212, regarding investment tax credits for construction in urban zones.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTH PUERTO RICO
REGIONAL LEADERSHIP
The creation of the Cartography of the South reframed our understanding of what it means to be competitive with productive assets that define the south region of Puerto Rico. The Chamber of Commerce of South Puerto Rico created this document using a strategic methodology – the Strate- gic Synchronization Activity, a way of visualizing in the period of one year various high points of events of economic activity. The company Adaptable Paths designed the technique, enabling the Chamber to fully visualize the various regional and urban assets present in our business ecosystem, showing clearly the routes to socioeconomic growth.
I I- DISCOVER: PRODUCTIVE AND COMPETITIVE ASSETS THE CARTOGRAPHY HAS BEEN A PROCESS OF RE-DISCOVERING THE COMPETITIVE AND PRODUCTIVE ASSETS THAT DEFINE OUR SOUTHERN REGION
Each chapter in the Cartography of the South contains a Synchronization map, based on an analysis of the opportunities throughout the region and its urban zones. The Synchroniza- tion maps showcase the region's competitive strengths and productive commercial ecosystem. In providing these maps, the Chamber offers business people a fundamen- tal instrument typically employed in urban and regional economic planning processes. The goal is to help foreign investors spot the opportunities for capital investment across the region's diverse economic, industrial and commercial sectors.
Through these Synchronization maps, the Chamber also seeks to promote three basic goals: Retain, Attract and Sync economic activity in the region.
Presentation before the Senate Special Committee on Puerto Rico Law 212, regarding investment tax credits for construction in urban zones.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTH PUERTO RICO
REGIONAL LEADERSHIP
The creation of the Cartography of the South reframed our understanding of what it means to be competitive with productive assets that define the south region of Puerto Rico. The Chamber of Commerce of South Puerto Rico created this document using a strategic methodology – the Strate- gic Synchronization Activity, a way of visualizing in the period of one year various high points of events of economic activity. The company Adaptable Paths designed the technique, enabling the Chamber to fully visualize the various regional and urban assets present in our business ecosystem, showing clearly the routes to socioeconomic growth.
I I- DISCOVER: PRODUCTIVE AND COMPETITIVE ASSETS THE CARTOGRAPHY HAS BEEN A PROCESS OF RE-DISCOVERING THE COMPETITIVE AND PRODUCTIVE ASSETS THAT DEFINE OUR SOUTHERN REGION
Each chapter in the Cartography of the South contains a Synchronization map, based on an analysis of the opportunities throughout the region and its urban zones. The Synchroniza- tion maps showcase the region's competitive strengths and productive commercial ecosystem. In providing these maps, the Chamber offers business people a fundamen- tal instrument typically employed in urban and regional economic planning processes. The goal is to help foreign investors spot the opportunities for capital investment across the region's diverse economic, industrial and commercial sectors.
Through these Synchronization maps, the Chamber also seeks to promote three basic goals: Retain, Attract and Sync economic activity in the region.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTH PUERTO RICO
STRATEGIC OUTREACH TO INTERNATIONAL MARKETS
On the regional level, this provides the Region’s Value Proposition, adding discrete areas of opportunity that add to economic development plans from Central and Munici- pal Governments. Finally, the Chamber of Commerce conducted Strategic Outreach to International Markets to attract investment capital. We involved business players from throughout the region to play the role of South Puerto Rico regional ambas- sadors, as they travel to cities and strategic locations. In a natural and dynamic way, our voluntary regional ambassa- dors convey the Value Proposition of south Puerto Rico to the international business community – South Puerto Rico is open for business, with a clear and articulate vision and a road map for implementation.
Attracting investment capital has the end goal of providing a better quality of life for the residents of the region. The Chamber of Commerce of South Puerto Rico is inserting the region into the world of global opportunities with the understanding that we compete, not only with our geographic neighbors, but the entire world, in order attract and retain capital investment.
The Strategic Planning for Economic Growth in the region started with the Chamber's creation of Economic Councils representing each of the region's eight sectors previously men- tioned: Agro-business, Logistics, Energy, Sports, Education, Health, Tourism and the Arts. Extensive discus- sions among leaders from business, the academic world and government led to a synthesis of strategic objectives to promote sustainable economic development in the region. This phase culminated with the celebration of a Council on internationalization, leading to the development of a Strategic Vision of Eco- nomic Development and Thematic Platforms.
Next, the Chamber drew up the Car- tography of the South: A Regional Catalogue of Regional Business Assets and Resources, including infrastructure, natural, social and economic elements, presented at a regional level, with physical refer- ences to each municipality in the south region of Puerto Rico. Camarasur 2011 Convention: Economic Diversity at Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort Camarasur 2011 Convention: Economic Diversity at Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTH PUERTO RICO
STRATEGIC OUTREACH TO INTERNATIONAL MARKETS
On the regional level, this provides the Region’s Value Proposition, adding discrete areas of opportunity that add to economic development plans from Central and Munici- pal Governments. Finally, the Chamber of Commerce conducted Strategic Outreach to International Markets to attract investment capital. We involved business players from throughout the region to play the role of South Puerto Rico regional ambas- sadors, as they travel to cities and strategic locations. In a natural and dynamic way, our voluntary regional ambassa- dors convey the Value Proposition of south Puerto Rico to the international business community – South Puerto Rico is open for business, with a clear and articulate vision and a road map for implementation.
Attracting investment capital has the end goal of providing a better quality of life for the residents of the region. The Chamber of Commerce of South Puerto Rico is inserting the region into the world of global opportunities with the understanding that we compete, not only with our geographic neighbors, but the entire world, in order attract and retain capital investment.
The Strategic Planning for Economic Growth in the region started with the Chamber's creation of Economic Councils representing each of the region's eight sectors previously men- tioned: Agro-business, Logistics, Energy, Sports, Education, Health, Tourism and the Arts. Extensive discus- sions among leaders from business, the academic world and government led to a synthesis of strategic objectives to promote sustainable economic development in the region. This phase culminated with the celebration of a Council on internationalization, leading to the development of a Strategic Vision of Eco- nomic Development and Thematic Platforms.
Next, the Chamber drew up the Car- tography of the South: A Regional Catalogue of Regional Business Assets and Resources, including infrastructure, natural, social and economic elements, presented at a regional level, with physical refer- ences to each municipality in the south region of Puerto Rico. Camarasur 2011 Convention: Economic Diversity at Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort Camarasur 2011 Convention: Economic Diversity at Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort
INSERTING THE REGION INTO THE WORLD OF GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTH PUERTO RICO
OPEN INNOVATION COMMUNITY
Signing of Memorandum of Understanding Between the Autonomous Municipality of Ponce and the Chamber of Commerce of South Puerto Rico.
Globally competitive regions are those that build on the common denominator of innovation as a new business paradigm. Supporting this paradigm, the Chamber created a new Regional Enterprise Framework that consoli- dates the south region of Puerto Rico's regional and economic strengths to create the first South Innovation Bank, a meeting of the region’s best and brightest professionals and leaders who are focused on the region's future sustainable business climate. The New Regional Enterprise Frame- work is an alignment of Leadership, Human Capital, Resource Development, Performance Measurement, Organizational Structures and Formal Processes.
III- VISION: REGIONAL ENTERPRISE FRAMEWORK & SOUTH INNOVATION BANK
The first initiative was to link talent across sectors to form a cooperative and collaborative model of Open Innovation for the Entrepreneurial Eco- system. Strategic Alignment of organizations throughout the entrepreneurial ecosystem creates value chains that maximize productive synergies between industries in the southern region, reinforcing the region's international competitiveness.
For example, the value chain for Tour- ism and Sports categories combine to maximize international sports tourism. Similarly, where Agribusiness, Educa- tion and Health combine, Agribusiness and the research infrastructure of universities promote greater quality and productivity in food production, resulting in improved nutrition and a culture of wellness and preventive medicine.
CEIBA Awards Press Conference.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTH PUERTO RICO
OPEN INNOVATION COMMUNITY
Signing of Memorandum of Understanding Between the Autonomous Municipality of Ponce and the Chamber of Commerce of South Puerto Rico.
Globally competitive regions are those that build on the common denominator of innovation as a new business paradigm. Supporting this paradigm, the Chamber created a new Regional Enterprise Framework that consoli- dates the south region of Puerto Rico's regional and economic strengths to create the first South Innovation Bank, a meeting of the region’s best and brightest professionals and leaders who are focused on the region's future sustainable business climate. The New Regional Enterprise Frame- work is an alignment of Leadership, Human Capital, Resource Development, Performance Measurement, Organizational Structures and Formal Processes.
III- VISION: REGIONAL ENTERPRISE FRAMEWORK & SOUTH INNOVATION BANK
The first initiative was to link talent across sectors to form a cooperative and collaborative model of Open Innovation for the Entrepreneurial Eco- system. Strategic Alignment of organizations throughout the entrepreneurial ecosystem creates value chains that maximize productive synergies between industries in the southern region, reinforcing the region's international competitiveness.
For example, the value chain for Tour- ism and Sports categories combine to maximize international sports tourism. Similarly, where Agribusiness, Educa- tion and Health combine, Agribusiness and the research infrastructure of universities promote greater quality and productivity in food production, resulting in improved nutrition and a culture of wellness and preventive medicine.
CEIBA Awards Press Conference.
A COOPERATIVE AND COLLABORATIVE MODEL OF OPEN INNOVATION FOR THE ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEM
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTH PUERTO RICO
EXCHANGE OF IDEAS & COLLABORATION
The Chamber's alignment of Lead- ership, Human Capital Develop- ment and Resources, integrates the intellectual, investigative, productive, and technological capital of the region to boost profits throughout the business ecosystem. To accomplish this integration, the Chamber joined forces with organizations such as Desarrollo Integral del Sur, Inc. (DISUR), a regional con- sortium of 15 municipalities, the private and academic sectors and communities. The Chamber is also aligned with the Asociación de Industriales del Sur (the regional industrial association) and the Asso- ciation of Engineers and Surveyors, among other institutions, in order to develop new leadership to manage and accelerate innovation in the eight sectors that the Chamber of Commerce has identi- fied as strategic to the region's sustainable development.
The Chamber also realized that performance measurement and procedures are critical to international competitiveness. The region’s Performance Measurement framework comes from the Chamber's collaboration with Industry, Universities and the Public Sector to develop metrics that validate the capacity of innovation and ensure quality. The region's Research and Development (R & D) companies in strategic areas such as Health, Education, Energy, Logistics and Manufacturing, as well as Agribusiness provide a model for the open collaborative and innovative development of services and products that generate wealth for the south. In a world of globalized business and trade, innovative organizations require adaptable and scalable solutions that include communication technologies that facilitate the exchange of ideas, collaboration, flexibility and support for the development of new discoveries. The new Regional Enterprise Framework supports these organizations with structures and formal process that lead to success.
Presentation: Your Capital is in the South, La Concha Renaissance Resort en Condado. Puerto Rico Secretary of State Kenneth McClintock Seminar on Puerto Rico’s Economy.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTH PUERTO RICO
EXCHANGE OF IDEAS & COLLABORATION
The Chamber's alignment of Lead- ership, Human Capital Develop- ment and Resources, integrates the intellectual, investigative, productive, and technological capital of the region to boost profits throughout the business ecosystem. To accomplish this integration, the Chamber joined forces with organizations such as Desarrollo Integral del Sur, Inc. (DISUR), a regional con- sortium of 15 municipalities, the private and academic sectors and communities. The Chamber is also aligned with the Asociación de Industriales del Sur (the regional industrial association) and the Asso- ciation of Engineers and Surveyors, among other institutions, in order to develop new leadership to manage and accelerate innovation in the eight sectors that the Chamber of Commerce has identi- fied as strategic to the region's sustainable development.
The Chamber also realized that performance measurement and procedures are critical to international competitiveness. The region’s Performance Measurement framework comes from the Chamber's collaboration with Industry, Universities and the Public Sector to develop metrics that validate the capacity of innovation and ensure quality. The region's Research and Development (R & D) companies in strategic areas such as Health, Education, Energy, Logistics and Manufacturing, as well as Agribusiness provide a model for the open collaborative and innovative development of services and products that generate wealth for the south. In a world of globalized business and trade, innovative organizations require adaptable and scalable solutions that include communication technologies that facilitate the exchange of ideas, collaboration, flexibility and support for the development of new discoveries. The new Regional Enterprise Framework supports these organizations with structures and formal process that lead to success.
Presentation: Your Capital is in the South, La Concha Renaissance Resort en Condado. Puerto Rico Secretary of State Kenneth McClintock Seminar on Puerto Rico’s Economy.
PROMOTING
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTH PUERTO RICO
UNIQUE CITY-REGION STRUCTURE
IV- STRATEGIC SCRIPT: THEMATIC FOCUSED CHARACTERIZATION OF THE REGION
The Chamber developed a Strategic Script that gives us a common vision and a common language to characterize the region's strengths and resources, helping investors to see the region's opportunities. The Strategic Script also helps us explain to investors the scale of opera- tions that the present business ecosystem can support, putting new ventures in the context of the region's unique city-region structure. The eight sectors included in the Cartography have been characterized through the lenses of exist- ing infrastructure, geographic strengths, performance, incentives, and economic activities.
The global economy now dominates the dynamics of investment and production. It is a structure produced and sustained by a global network of city-regions. So it was only fitting that the Cartography of the South pro- vided the Strategic Script for the south region of Puerto Rico. In a world of city-regions, the most developed countries are those with the most qualified city-regions. The Chamber is highly aware that the city-regions that compete effectively in the global economy bring the most development and economic opportunities to their respective countries.
Multicultural Networking at Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort.
The Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Meeting with Senator Alejandro Garcia Padilla.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTH PUERTO RICO
UNIQUE CITY-REGION STRUCTURE
IV- STRATEGIC SCRIPT: THEMATIC FOCUSED CHARACTERIZATION OF THE REGION
The Chamber developed a Strategic Script that gives us a common vision and a common language to characterize the region's strengths and resources, helping investors to see the region's opportunities. The Strategic Script also helps us explain to investors the scale of opera- tions that the present business ecosystem can support, putting new ventures in the context of the region's unique city-region structure. The eight sectors included in the Cartography have been characterized through the lenses of exist- ing infrastructure, geographic strengths, performance, incentives, and economic activities.
The global economy now dominates the dynamics of investment and production. It is a structure produced and sustained by a global network of city-regions. So it was only fitting that the Cartography of the South pro- vided the Strategic Script for the south region of Puerto Rico. In a world of city-regions, the most developed countries are those with the most qualified city-regions. The Chamber is highly aware that the city-regions that compete effectively in the global economy bring the most development and economic opportunities to their respective countries.
Multicultural Networking at Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort.
The Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Meeting with Senator Alejandro Garcia Padilla.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTH PUERTO RICO
MULTI-SECTOR PARTICIPATION IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Meeting with Ponce Mayor, Dr. María “Mayita” Meléndez Altieri.
In Puerto Rico, current public policy is now posi- tioned to positively transform the traditional structures of government, providing new opportunities for multi-sector production. For example, new public-private partnership laws now allow various sectors such as education, environmental, social, urban and infrastructure to collabo- rate in projects that were previously inconceiv- able. Additionally, some government responsi- bilities for economic development are now the charge of regional organizations made up of private and public representatives. This has started to produce solutions to challenges that could not previously be resolved.
The Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Meeting with Governor Luis Fortuño.
Columbia Centro Universitario, The Economy of South of Puerto Rico: Economist Gustavo Velez.
By definition multi-sector initiatives are inclusive, so the opportunity to add knowledge and experience to solve problems is limitless. The Chamber recognizes the importance of multi- sector participation in economic development, as it creates new knowledge and allows for change to be implemented. Multi-sector participation in principle tends to cover an extensive geographic area and represent a com- plexity of interests that transcend the physical presence of a single, inde- pendent institution. The Strategic Script provides an ethic for Business and Eco- nomic interaction, as well as a guide for the interpretation of strengths and opportunities.
MULTI-SECTOR PRODUCTION
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTH PUERTO RICO
MULTI-SECTOR PARTICIPATION IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Meeting with Ponce Mayor, Dr. María “Mayita” Meléndez Altieri.
In Puerto Rico, current public policy is now posi- tioned to positively transform the traditional structures of government, providing new opportunities for multi-sector production. For example, new public-private partnership laws now allow various sectors such as education, environmental, social, urban and infrastructure to collabo- rate in projects that were previously inconceiv- able. Additionally, some government responsi- bilities for economic development are now the charge of regional organizations made up of private and public representatives. This has started to produce solutions to challenges that could not previously be resolved.
The Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Meeting with Governor Luis Fortuño.
Columbia Centro Universitario, The Economy of South of Puerto Rico: Economist Gustavo Velez.
By definition multi-sector initiatives are inclusive, so the opportunity to add knowledge and experience to solve problems is limitless. The Chamber recognizes the importance of multi- sector participation in economic development, as it creates new knowledge and allows for change to be implemented. Multi-sector participation in principle tends to cover an extensive geographic area and represent a com- plexity of interests that transcend the physical presence of a single, inde- pendent institution. The Strategic Script provides an ethic for Business and Eco- nomic interaction, as well as a guide for the interpretation of strengths and opportunities.
UNDERSTANDING THE DYNAMICS OF INVESTMENT
MULTI-SECTOR PRODUCTION
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTH PUERTO RICO
BUILDING AN INTERNATIONAL IDENTITY
South Puerto Rico is an intensely organized region, enjoying a collaborative tradition in various areas of society and various political and economic structures, providing a welcoming environment for new entries from the global community.
Due to the political, economic and social realities of Puerto Rico as a Commonwealth of the United States, the island has strong ties to the federal government and North America. Additionally, the island has congressional representation through the Office of the Resident Commissioner in Washington and the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration. Relations with Europe are built on a historical, political, social and especially economic and commercial business sectors in Europe.
Links with the Caribbean and Latin America formed through common history, shared language and cultural traditions. U.S. Free-Trade Laws apply to Puerto Rico, further encourag- ing comercial exchange.
The best example of south Puerto Rico’s international tradition is the Chamber of Commerce of South Puerto Rico, itself, founded in 1885 under the Spanish regime. After the conclusion of the Exhibition Fair of Ponce in July 1882, traders, artisans and farmers from communities across south Puerto Rico formed the Chamber of Commerce to ensure that the environment for international economic trade from the region would continue into the future. Since then this organization, originally called the Chamber of Commerce and Navigation, has maintained an impartial and apolitical stand in local affairs. The Chamber holds annual seminars, forums, workshops, lunches, Business Fairs and Exhibitions, and meets with representatives of the Trade, Service Companies, Industry, Banking and Agriculture. Based on the region’s tradition of multi-sector collaboration leaders came together in 2006 to create Desarrollo Integral del Sur, Inc. (DISUR), a non-profit quasi-governmental organization that integrates the Private Sector, Local, State and Federal Government agencies, and Universities. Its strategic intent is to promote prosperity, create a better quality of life for people in the region and to promote and maximize the competitiveness and sustainable socioeconomic development of the southern region of Puerto Rico, integrating efforts and resources from public, private and academic sectors, and also area communities.
V- ORGANIZATION: COLLABORATIVE NETWORKS AND ALLIANCES
Presentation on the Future of the Panama Canal by Juan Carlos Navarro Past Mayor of Panama City.
The “Chamber of Commerce in Your City” at the Guayama Convention Center.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTH PUERTO RICO
BUILDING AN INTERNATIONAL IDENTITY
South Puerto Rico is an intensely organized region, enjoying a collaborative tradition in various areas of society and various political and economic structures, providing a welcoming environment for new entries from the global community.
Due to the political, economic and social realities of Puerto Rico as a Commonwealth of the United States, the island has strong ties to the federal government and North America. Additionally, the island has congressional representation through the Office of the Resident Commissioner in Washington and the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration. Relations with Europe are built on a historical, political, social and especially economic and commercial business sectors in Europe.
Links with the Caribbean and Latin America formed through common history, shared language and cultural traditions. U.S. Free-Trade Laws apply to Puerto Rico, further encourag- ing comercial exchange.
The best example of south Puerto Rico’s international tradition is the Chamber of Commerce of South Puerto Rico, itself, founded in 1885 under the Spanish regime. After the conclusion of the Exhibition Fair of Ponce in July 1882, traders, artisans and farmers from communities across south Puerto Rico formed the Chamber of Commerce to ensure that the environment for international economic trade from the region would continue into the future. Since then this organization, originally called the Chamber of Commerce and Navigation, has maintained an impartial and apolitical stand in local affairs. The Chamber holds annual seminars, forums, workshops, lunches, Business Fairs and Exhibitions, and meets with representatives of the Trade, Service Companies, Industry, Banking and Agriculture. Based on the region’s tradition of multi-sector collaboration leaders came together in 2006 to create Desarrollo Integral del Sur, Inc. (DISUR), a non-profit quasi-governmental organization that integrates the Private Sector, Local, State and Federal Government agencies, and Universities. Its strategic intent is to promote prosperity, create a better quality of life for people in the region and to promote and maximize the competitiveness and sustainable socioeconomic development of the southern region of Puerto Rico, integrating efforts and resources from public, private and academic sectors, and also area communities.
V- ORGANIZATION: COLLABORATIVE NETWORKS AND ALLIANCES
Presentation on the Future of the Panama Canal by Juan Carlos Navarro Past Mayor of Panama City.
The “Chamber of Commerce in Your City” at the Guayama Convention Center.
Retention•Attraction•Synchronization FERTILE REGION: GROWTH THOUGH FOCUS
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTH PUERTO RICO
GLOBAL NETWORK OF INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
As in any city and region, educational and cultural institutions play an important role in the social fabric of a society. The presence of universities, such as the Pontifical Catholic University, the University of Puerto Rico, InterAmerican University, University System Ana G. Mendez, Caribbean University and others consistently promote intellectual exchange with the university community to advance a global network of international partnerships that promote progress and innovation in our region. Ponce Art Museum and other cultural institutions add to the strength of cultural herit- age of the south region and encourage international intellectual exchange throughout world. This richly diverse tradition of collaboration is just part of the social fabric that makes up south Puerto Rico. The Chamber invites you to explore the information filled pages of the Cartography of the South and asks you to consider south Puerto Rico as part of your strategy for business growth. South Puerto Rico is open for business and we invite you to explore the potential our region holds.
DISUR includes 15 municipalities in the region, representing nearly 600,000 citizens. In a short time, this organization has received legislative appropriations and federal support, including a grant from the U.S. Envi- ronmental Protection Agency to plan the reuse of more than 1,300 acres of industrial Brownfields in southern Puerto Rico. The execution of this planning project, called PR#127- Guayalla-Peñuelas, holds excellent prospects for job creation, new industry and economic development of the region.
The Internationalization Initiative Council of the Chamber of Commerce, Old Ponce Casino.
SOUTH PUERTO RICO IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS AND WE INVITE YOU TO EXPLORE THE POTENTIAL OUR REGION HOLDS
Retention•Attraction•Synchronization FERTILE REGION: GROWTH THOUGH FOCUS
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTH PUERTO RICO
GLOBAL NETWORK OF INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
As in any city and region, educational and cultural institutions play an important role in the social fabric of a society. The presence of universities, such as the Pontifical Catholic University, the University of Puerto Rico, InterAmerican University, University System Ana G. Mendez, Caribbean University and others consistently promote intellectual exchange with the university community to advance a global network of international partnerships that promote progress and innovation in our region. Ponce Art Museum and other cultural institutions add to the strength of cultural herit- age of the south region and encourage international intellectual exchange throughout world. This richly diverse tradition of collaboration is just part of the social fabric that makes up south Puerto Rico. The Chamber invites you to explore the information filled pages of the Cartography of the South and asks you to consider south Puerto Rico as part of your strategy for business growth. South Puerto Rico is open for business and we invite you to explore the potential our region holds.
DISUR includes 15 municipalities in the region, representing nearly 600,000 citizens. In a short time, this organization has received legislative appropriations and federal support, including a grant from the U.S. Envi- ronmental Protection Agency to plan the reuse of more than 1,300 acres of industrial Brownfields in southern Puerto Rico. The execution of this planning project, called PR#127- Guayalla-Peñuelas, holds excellent prospects for job creation, new industry and economic development of the region.
The Internationalization Initiative Council of the Chamber of Commerce, Old Ponce Casino.
SOUTH PUERTO RICO IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS AND WE INVITE YOU TO EXPLORE THE POTENTIAL OUR REGION HOLDS CONSIDER SOUTH PUERTO RICO AS PART OF YOUR STRATEGY FOR BUSINESS GROWTH
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTH PUERTO RICO
01 02 03 04 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS PROCEDURE CONCLUSION
TERRITORY, TIME & ECONOMY
8 THEMES STRUCTURAL COUPLING
GUANICA YAUCO GUAYANILLA PENUELAS PONCEADJUNTAS JAYUYA JUANA DIAZ VILLALBA COAMO SANTA ISABEL AIBONITO SALINAS GUAYAMA ARROYO PATILLAS
INTEGRAL STRATEGIES
INVESTIGATION TERRITORIAL ANALYSIS POLITICAL ANALYSIS SOCIOECONOMICAL ANALYSIS
RESEARCH SECTORIAL COUNCIL FOCUS GROUPS REGIONAL PUBLIC HEARINGS FOCUS GROUPS
(T) (AC) (E) (HW) (S) (AI) (E) (TL)
SAS
PROMOTERS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTH PUERTO RICO
01 02 03 04 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS PROCEDURE CONCLUSION
TERRITORY, TIME & ECONOMY
8 THEMES STRUCTURAL COUPLING
GUANICA YAUCO GUAYANILLA PENUELAS PONCEADJUNTAS JAYUYA JUANA DIAZ VILLALBA COAMO SANTA ISABEL AIBONITO SALINAS GUAYAMA ARROYO PATILLAS
INTEGRAL STRATEGIES
INVESTIGATION TERRITORIAL ANALYSIS POLITICAL ANALYSIS SOCIOECONOMICAL ANALYSIS
RESEARCH SECTORIAL COUNCIL FOCUS GROUPS REGIONAL PUBLIC HEARINGS FOCUS GROUPS
(T) (AC) (E) (HW) (S) (AI) (E) (TL)
SAS
PROMOTERS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
EXPERIENCE ECO-ADVENTUREENCHANTING WATERFRONTS GORGEOUS SCENERY & SIGHTSEEING
PONCE’S MERCEDITA AIRPORTPONCE’S MERCEDITA AIRPORT
DISCOVERING PONCE & THE SOUTH REGION PONCE’S MERCEDITA AIRPORT
DISCOVERING PONCE & THE SOUTH REGION DISCOVERING PONCE & THE SOUTH REGION
TOURISM SOUTHSOUTHSOUTH PUERTO RICO CATALOGUE OF REGIONAL ASSETS AND TERRITORIAL IDENTITY
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SOUTH PUERTO RICO
TOURISM CARTOGRAPHY OF THE SOUTH
EXPERIENCE THE SOUTH: DISCOVER, EXPLORE & LIVE
A TASTE OF HEAVEN A TASTE OF HETASTE OF HET IN THE CARIBBEAN
READY, SET:READY, SET: COME VISIT US!
SEASON IS ONSEASON IS ON ALL YEAR LONG
THE RIGHT DECISIONTHE RIGHT DECISION EVERYTHING THAT YOU NEED
ACTIVITYACTIVITY BEHAVIOR & SYNCHRONIZATION DIAGRAM
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SEASON IS ON MEDIASCAPE
SOUTH PUERTO RICO CARTOGRAPHY
Copa Marina Beach Resort & Spa, Guanica A secluded hideaway where tranquility and activity
meet Puerto Rico's undiscovered southwestern coast.
RECREATIONAL PARADISE
Cerro de Punta, Jayuya The highest point on the island,with an elevation of
4,389 feet (1,338 meters) above sea level.
Ponce Yacht and Fishing Club A sports complex located in Ponce, Puerto Rico The club is located on Isla de Gatas (Cats Island).
Toro Negro Rainforest & Waterfall Adventure, Jayuya a more intimate rainforest and cultural experience with
amazing views of mountains and landscapes.
The tourism industry plays a major role in job creation and economic regeneration, driving an estimated 6 percent of jobs in G20 economies with a strong multiplier effect on related services, manufacturing and agriculture, which depend on travel demand. In south Puerto Rico, tourism is no different. The south region of Puerto Rico is a recognized center of tourism on the island for its broad range of tourism assets – from pristine mountains and tropical beaches of world-wide recognition, to historical Spanish-colonial architecture and first-class museums. Set to become a key economic force in the region, now is the time to enter as a tourist and an investor. Through economic incentives and collaboration with the private and public sector, tourism projects, whether resorts, recreational or infrastructure-related, are all a welcome addition to the tourism eco-system.
EXPERIENCE ECO-ADVENTUREENCHANTING WATERFRONTS GORGEOUS SCENERY & SIGHTSEEING
PONCE’S MERCEDITA AIRPORT
DISCOVERING PONCE & THE SOUTH REGION
TOURISM SOUTH PUERTO RICO CATALOGUE OF REGIONAL ASSETS AND TERRITORIAL IDENTITY
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SOUTH PUERTO RICOCARTOGRAPHY OF THE SOUTH
EXPERIENCE THE SOUTH: EXPERIENCE THE SOUTH: DISCOVER, EXPLORE & LIVE
A TASTE OF HEAVEN IN THE CARIBBEAN
READY, SET: COME VISIT US!
SEASON IS ON ALL YEAR LONG
THE RIGHT DECISION EVERYTHING THAT YOU NEED
ACTIVITY BEHAVIOR & SYNCHRONIZATION DIAGRAM
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTH
TECHNOSCAPE
FINANSCAPE
TIMESCAPE
CARTOGRAPHY
Copa Marina Beach Resort & Spa, Guanica A secluded hideaway where tranquility and activity
meet Puerto Rico's undiscovered southwestern coast.
RECREATIONAL PARADISE
Cerro de Punta, Jayuya The highest point on the island,with an elevation of
4,389 feet (1,338 meters) above sea level.
Ponce Yacht and Fishing Club A sports complex located in Ponce, Puerto Rico The club is located on Isla de Gatas (Cats Island).
Toro Negro Rainforest & Waterfall Adventure, Jayuya a more intimate rainforest and cultural experience with
amazing views of mountains and landscapes.
The tourism industry plays a major role in job creation and economic regeneration, driving an estimated 6 percent of jobs in G20 economies with a strong multiplier effect on related services, manufacturing and agriculture, which depend on travel demand. In south Puerto Rico, tourism is no different. The south region of Puerto Rico is a recognized center of tourism on the island for its broad range of tourism assets – from pristine mountains and tropical beaches of world-wide recognition, to historical Spanish-colonial architecture and first-class museums. Set to become a key economic force in the region, now is the time to enter as a tourist and an investor. Through economic incentives and collaboration with the private and public sector, tourism projects, whether resorts, recreational or infrastructure-related, are all a welcome addition to the tourism eco-system.
EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
PONCE CONVENTION CENTER A 92,000 square foot convention center located at the former Multeado Estrella. The center will serve as an anchor for the development of a "Convention District".
A PHENOMENAL CULTURAL EXPERIENCE A CARIBBEAN DELIGHT
CARTOGRAPHY OF SOUTH PUERTO RICO
LANDMARKS
ETHNOSCAPE
What is Porta Caribe? Beautiful beaches, enchanted forests, amazing hotels, delicious restaurants, and much more!
TOURISM SOUTH PUERTO RICO
TOURISM 2020 VISION forecasts that international arrivals are expected to reach nearly 1.6 billion by the year 2020. UNWT’S
54% UNITED STATES PERCENT
33 ATTRACTION PERCENT
FACTS Puerto Rico is the easternmost of the Greater Antilles (18 15 N, 66 30 W), and the fourth largest island in the Caribbean after Cuba, Hispaniola (which comprises the Dominican Republic and Haiti), and Jamaica.
% 24 2
3.5 hours airtime from New York, 60 minutes from Caracas, and at only 4- days sailing from Atlantic ports in the U.S. and ports in the Gulf of Mexico.
TECHNOSCAPEREADY, SET : COME VISIT US!
The island, with an area of 3,435 square miles (9,000 sq. km)-110 miles long by 39 miles wide-has a mountainous interior and is surrounded by a wide coastal plain, where the majority of the population lives. Rainfall averages 69 inches (175 cm) per year and year-around temperatures range from 74°F (23°C) in the winter to 81°F (27°C) in the summer.
Leisure, recreation and holidays VFR, health and religion, other
Business and professional Not specified
51% 27%
15% 7%
NON-RESIDENTS 49,991 RESIDENTS 114,045 OCCUPANCY 53%
PASSENGER MOVEMENT YEAR PASSENGERS 2001 40,656 2002 27,364 2003 19,681 2004 20,732 2005 78,167 2006 196,445 2007. 249,044 2008 236,898 2009 194,942
2010 207,467
207,467 PASSENGERS
MARITIME PORTS PORT OF THE AMERICAS
$84.4 MILLION EXPANSION ANNUAL CONTAINER CAPACITY OF UP TO
500,000 TEUS
REGION MAIN PORT 250,000 TEUS TWENTY-FOOT EQUIVALENT UNITS (TEUS) PER YEAR YARD CAPACITY
FUTURE PORT DEVELOPMENT PHASES ENVISION A TERMINAL FACILITY WITH ANNUAL THROUGHPUT CAPACITY OF
2.2 MILLION TEUS
CRUISE SHIP TERMINAL
Fly time to San Juan New York - 3 1/2 hrs.
Atlanta - 3 1/2 hrs. Dallas - 4 1/2 hrs. Caracas - 2 hrs. Newark - 3 hrs.
Miami - 2 1/2 hrs. Madrid - 7 1/2 hrs.
Boston - 4 hrs. Philadelphia - 3 hrs. Mexico City - 3 hrs.
Flying time from San Juan is half an hour
HOTEL MELIA PONCE AT PONCE HISTORIC DISTRICT The Hotel Melia is a symbol of excelent service and hospitality in Ponce, Owned by the Melia family for more than a Century.
PONCE HILTON GOLF & CASINO RESORT The Hotel Melia is a symbol of excelent service and hospitality in Ponce, Owned by the Melia family for more than a Century
HOTEL BELGICA at Ponce Historic District
HOWARD JOHNSON HOTEL PONCE Best Western Pichi's Hotel Conv. Ctr & Casino
BEST WESTERN HOTEL AT GUAYANILLA Best Western Pichi's Hotel Conv. Ctr & Casino
THE HOLIDAY INN & EL TROPICAL CASINO PONCE The hotel is located on top of a panoramic hill with a breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea
COAMO HOT SPRINGS Parador Baños de Coamo
GUÁNICA Parador Guanica 1929
ADJUNTAS Parador Villas Sotomayor
INBOUND TOURISM BY PURPOSE OF VISIT 2009PORTA CARIBE REGISTERED ROOMS AS OF 2005
PORTA CARIBE TOTAL REGISTRIES AS OF 2005
COPAMARINA BEACH RESORT & SPA at Guánica
EVENTS Plaza Las Delicias at Ponce Justas Inter Colegiales Archipielago Restaurant at Ponce
The south region of Puerto Rico, also known as Porta Caribe, has much to offer tourists — delightful attractions, top destina- tions and abundant activities. Ponce, the anchor city of the region, welcomes tourists with many places of interest, such as the Serralles Castle, the Ponce Museum of Art, Hacienda Buena Vista and the Serralles Rum Distillery. Guánica features one of the most spectacular natural harbors on the Puerto Rican coastine. Its beautiful beaches are a favored destination for watersport enthusiasts and sun lovers, while natural attractions, such as the Chorro de Oro waterfall and the Guilarte Forest are enjoyed by nature lovers. With beaches stretching along the clear blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, Peñuelas welcomes holiday makers to enjoy its many natural wonders, such as the Convento Caverns and the Soplaera water pool. Salinas features the Olympic Training Center for Puerto Rico and is home to a recreational water park.
Visiting Friends and Relatives
HOTEL RAMADA PONCE Discover a tropical paradise when you book into our Ramada Ponce hotel near Plaza de las Delicias.
EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
PONCE CONVENTION CENTER A 92,000 square foot convention center located at the former Multeado Estrella. The center will serve as an anchor for the development of a "Convention District".
A PHENOMENAL CULTURAL EXPERIENCE A CARIBBEAN DELIGHT
CARTOGRAPHY OF SOUTH PUERTO RICO
LANDMARKS
ETHNOSCAPE
What is Porta Caribe? Beautiful beaches, enchanted forests, amazing hotels, delicious restaurants, and much more!
TOURISM SOUTH PUERTO RICO
TOURISM 2020 VISION forecasts that international arrivals are expected to reach nearly 1.6 billion by the year 2020. UNWT’S
54% UNITED STATES PERCENT
33 ATTRACTION PERCENT
FACTS Puerto Rico is the easternmost of the Greater Antilles (18 15 N, 66 30 W), and the fourth largest island in the Caribbean after Cuba, Hispaniola (which comprises the Dominican Republic and Haiti), and Jamaica.
% 24 2
3.5 hours airtime from New York, 60 minutes from Caracas, and at only 4- days sailing from Atlantic ports in the U.S. and ports in the Gulf of Mexico.
TECHNOSCAPEREADY, SET : COME VISIT US!
The island, with an area of 3,435 square miles (9,000 sq. km)-110 miles long by 39 miles wide-has a mountainous interior and is surrounded by a wide coastal plain, where the majority of the population lives. Rainfall averages 69 inches (175 cm) per year and year-around temperatures range from 74°F (23°C) in the winter to 81°F (27°C) in the summer.
Leisure, recreation and holidays VFR, health and religion, other
Business and professional Not specified
51% 27%
15% 7%
NON-RESIDENTS 49,991 RESIDENTS 114,045 OCCUPANCY 53%
PASSENGER MOVEMENT YEAR PASSENGERS 2001 40,656 2002 27,364 2003 19,681 2004 20,732 2005 78,167 2006 196,445 2007. 249,044 2008 236,898 2009 194,942
2010 207,467
207,467 PASSENGERS
MARITIME PORTS PORT OF THE AMERICAS
$84.4 MILLION EXPANSION ANNUAL CONTAINER CAPACITY OF UP TO
500,000 TEUS
REGION MAIN PORT 250,000 TEUS TWENTY-FOOT EQUIVALENT UNITS (TEUS) PER YEAR YARD CAPACITY
FUTURE PORT DEVELOPMENT PHASES ENVISION A TERMINAL FACILITY WITH ANNUAL THROUGHPUT CAPACITY OF
2.2 MILLION TEUS
CRUISE SHIP TERMINAL
Fly time to San Juan New York - 3 1/2 hrs.
Atlanta - 3 1/2 hrs. Dallas - 4 1/2 hrs. Caracas - 2 hrs. Newark - 3 hrs.
Miami - 2 1/2 hrs. Madrid - 7 1/2 hrs.
Boston - 4 hrs. Philadelphia - 3 hrs. Mexico City - 3 hrs.
Flying time from San Juan is half an hour
HOTEL MELIA PONCE AT PONCE HISTORIC DISTRICT The Hotel Melia is a symbol of excelent service and hospitality in Ponce, Owned by the Melia family for more than a Century.
PONCE HILTON GOLF & CASINO RESORT The Hotel Melia is a symbol of excelent service and hospitality in Ponce, Owned by the Melia family for more than a Century
HOTEL BELGICA at Ponce Historic District
HOWARD JOHNSON HOTEL PONCE Best Western Pichi's Hotel Conv. Ctr & Casino
BEST WESTERN HOTEL AT GUAYANILLA Best Western Pichi's Hotel Conv. Ctr & Casino
THE HOLIDAY INN & EL TROPICAL CASINO PONCE The hotel is located on top of a panoramic hill with a breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea
COAMO HOT SPRINGS Parador Baños de Coamo
GUÁNICA Parador Guanica 1929
ADJUNTAS Parador Villas Sotomayor
INBOUND TOURISM BY PURPOSE OF VISIT 2009PORTA CARIBE REGISTERED ROOMS AS OF 2005
PORTA CARIBE TOTAL REGISTRIES AS OF 2005
COPAMARINA BEACH RESORT & SPA at Guánica
EVENTS Plaza Las Delicias at Ponce Justas Inter Colegiales Archipielago Restaurant at Ponce
The south region of Puerto Rico, also known as Porta Caribe, has much to offer tourists — delightful attractions, top destina- tions and abundant activities. Ponce, the anchor city of the region, welcomes tourists with many places of interest, such as the Serralles Castle, the Ponce Museum of Art, Hacienda Buena Vista and the Serralles Rum Distillery. Guánica features one of the most spectacular natural harbors on the Puerto Rican coastine. Its beautiful beaches are a favored destination for watersport enthusiasts and sun lovers, while natural attractions, such as the Chorro de Oro waterfall and the Guilarte Forest are enjoyed by nature lovers. With beaches stretching along the clear blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, Peñuelas welcomes holiday makers to enjoy its many natural wonders, such as the Convento Caverns and the Soplaera water pool. Salinas features the Olympic Training Center for Puerto Rico and is home to a recreational water park.
Visiting Friends and Relatives
HOTEL RAMADA PONCE Discover a tropical paradise when you book into our Ramada Ponce hotel near Plaza de las Delicias.
LOLA ECLECTIC CUISINE A sensual, delicious, passionate fusion of flavors and colors, this eclectic cuisine pleasantly surprises the visitor with its vibrant atmosphere.
CAFE MELAO A sensual, delicious, passionate fusion of flavors and cuisine pleasantly surprises the visitor with its vibrant
LA BODEGA DE MÉNDEZ
CABUQUI RESTAURANT & BAR Ponce Historical District
LA CASA DEL CHEF Ponce Historical District
EL RINCON ARGENTINO Ponce Historical District
LA GUARDARRAYA RESTAURANT, GUAYANILLA Home to the Famous Chuletas Can Can
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MILLION MILLION MILLION 65.8%ROOMS RATES MILLION % HOTEL & RESTAURANT BILLION
AS OF 2008
INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCE AUTHORITY
PUERTO RICO INDUSTRIAL, TOURIST, EDUCATIONAL, MEDICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL FACILITIES FINANCING AUTHORITY
"TOURISM INCENTIVES FOR THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF MUNICIPALITIES ACT" (ACT NO. 118 OF 2010)
"TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ACT OF PUERTO RICO" (ACT NO. 74 OF 2010)
ACT NO. 212 OF AUGUST 29, 2002, KNOWN AS THE " LEY PARA LA REHABILITACIÓN DE LOS CENTROS URBANOS"
Investment of $500 MM - fixed tax rate of 25%
Investment of $1.0 B - fixed tax rate of 10%
100% exemption on municipal construction excise tax
100% exemption on taxes on imported goods and sales tax
100% exemption on municipal licenses
90% exemption on income tax
90% exemption on property tax
PLAIN SIMPLE, YOU WILL LOVE THE EXPERIENCE! BEST CUSTOMER SATISFACTION LEVELS
Salinas
MEDIASCAPE
THE RIGHT DECISION FINANSCAPE
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
VISITOR ARRIVALS ACCOMMODATION STATISTICS VISITOR PROFILE TOURISM AND OTHER RELATED SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATISTICSTOURIST ARRIVALS BY PLACE OF STAY
3.6 1.20 1.3 13,311 36.0% 64 % $3.535 BILLION $104 .9 $92.93
AS OF 2010JOBS CREATED DIRECT, INDIRECT & INDUCED61,556
BLUE FLAG BEACH CERTIFIED
1. FINANCING 2.INCENTIVES/TAX CREDITS
DIS CO
VE R
EX PL
OR E
REL AXA
TIO N
AD VEN
TUR E
ISLAND OF CAJA DE MUERTOS, PONCE
ARCHIPIELAGO RESTAURANT AND BAR A two-floor structure designed to enjoy the most spectacular view of Ponce and taste the exquisite cuisine of the Islands.
RESTAURANT COSTA CARIBE ALSUR RESTAURANT AT THE MUSEUM
EL NEGOCIO DE PANCHI Ponce
CHEF ROBERTO OQUENDO QLANTRO Yauco
EL LEGADO GOLF RESORT Guayama
AGUIRRE GOLF CLUB Salinas
COSTA CARIBE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Ponce
KAYAKING Ballena’s Cay, Guánica
SNORKELING & SCUBA DIVING Guanica Gilligan's Island
COSTA CARIBE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
NATURAL ECOSYSTEM
MIRADOR PIEDRA DEGUETAU Aibonito
DRY FOREST RESERVE Guánica
BALLENA BEACH Guánica
COASTLINE BEACHES, SCENERY
The south coast of Puerto Rico spans some 100 miles of pristine coastlines, bays and beaches, ideal for watery adverntures. Scuba dive a coral wall, snorkle among tropical fish, kayak through luminescent bays, sail on teal blue waters, fish, or simply enjoy a fun-filled day with the family.
The south region of Puerto Rico is a hidden paradise of gorgeous scenery and spectacular sunsets. A romantic get away for couples, the coast’s secluded beaches, panoramic vistas, and crystaline waters wash the stress away.
The natural ecosystem of the region has an internation- ally recognized bio-diversity. In 30 minutes go from a lush jungle-like mountainous area to the Guánica Dry Forest, where more than 700 plant species and natural wildlife make for great hikes, bird watching and photography.
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South Puerto Rico boasts a culinary offer thats as diverse as it is delicious, in a boutique dining atmosphere perfect for people with discerning tastes. Here criole cuisine bursts flavorful with the freshest tropical ingredients.
CULINARY ARTS 5
CHEZ MADEMOISELLE COCO Juana Diaz
In recognition of the importance of tourism to Carib- bean economies, many of our neighbors have developed and implemented tourism programs that raise the awareness and profile of their distinctive offers. We’ve gone one better. The south region of Puerto Rico is a place for adventure, relaxation, exploration and discovery. For every occasion – weddings, business incentive travel and conferences, and family vacations – the season is on. With the caribbean sea and spectacular mountain ranges as the backdrop, tourists come for the golf, a natural ecosystem, extreme sports, fishing and even high culture. It’s all here in Porta Caribe, ready to embrace you with tropical weather all year long.
Puerto Rico Tourism Company offers a multitude of custom financial incentives to make tourism investment an arractive prospect. Leverage tax credits, exemptions on income and construction tax, take advantage of employment incentives and Puerto Rico’s Government Development Bank, offering preferred interest rates and terms for qualified investors.
A sanctuary when it comes to wine. Here the most demanding palates can find wines from around the world.
Banos de Coamo offers the most ancient hot thermal baths in the Americas. According to legend the springs are the fountain of youth that Juan Ponce de León was seeking.
An explosion of flavors and a high concept cuisine at Ponce MAP.
Enjoy the most spectacular view of Ponce and taste the exquisite cuisine of the Islands.
Just five miles south of Ponce you will find a beautiful little island known as Caja de Muertos Island. This small island is only about 2.75 km long and 1.85 km wide but it is home to an abundance of animal life. All 202 hectares of the island is a nature reserve.
LOLA ECLECTIC CUISINE A sensual, delicious, passionate fusion of flavors and colors, this eclectic cuisine pleasantly surprises the visitor with its vibrant atmosphere.
CAFE MELAO A sensual, delicious, passionate fusion of flavors and cuisine pleasantly surprises the visitor with its vibrant
LA BODEGA DE MÉNDEZ
CABUQUI RESTAURANT & BAR Ponce Historical District
LA CASA DEL CHEF Ponce Historical District
EL RINCON ARGENTINO Ponce Historical District
LA GUARDARRAYA RESTAURANT, GUAYANILLA Home to the Famous Chuletas Can Can
4
MILLION MILLION MILLION 65.8%ROOMS RATES MILLION % HOTEL & RESTAURANT BILLION
AS OF 2008
INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCE AUTHORITY
PUERTO RICO INDUSTRIAL, TOURIST, EDUCATIONAL, MEDICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL FACILITIES FINANCING AUTHORITY
"TOURISM INCENTIVES FOR THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF MUNICIPALITIES ACT" (ACT NO. 118 OF 2010)
"TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ACT OF PUERTO RICO" (ACT NO. 74 OF 2010)
ACT NO. 212 OF AUGUST 29, 2002, KNOWN AS THE " LEY PARA LA REHABILITACIÓN DE LOS CENTROS URBANOS"
100% exemption on municipal construction excise tax
100% exemption on taxes on imported goods and sales tax
100% exemption on municipal licenses
90% exemption on income tax
90% exemption on property tax
PLAIN SIMPLE, YOU WILL LOVE THE EXPERIENCE! BEST CUSTOMER SATISFACTION LEVELS
Salinas
MEDIASCAPE
THE RIGHT DECISION FINANSCAPE
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
VISITOR ARRIVALS ACCOMMODATION STATISTICS VISITOR PROFILE TOURISM AND OTHER RELATED SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATISTICSTOURIST ARRIVALS BY PLACE OF STAY
3.6 1.20 1.3 13,311 36.0% 64 % $3.535 BILLION $104 .9 $92.93
AS OF 2010JOBS CREATED DIRECT, INDIRECT & INDUCED61,556
BLUE FLAG BEACH CERTIFIED
1. FINANCING 2.INCENTIVES/TAX CREDITS
ISLAND OF CAJA DE MUERTOS, PONCE
ARCHIPIELAGO RESTAURANT AND BAR A two-floor structure designed to enjoy the most spectacular view of Ponce and taste the exquisite cuisine of the Islands.
RESTAURANT COSTA CARIBE ALSUR RESTAURANT AT THE MUSEUM
EL NEGOCIO DE PANCHI Ponce
CHEF ROBERTO OQUENDO QLANTRO Yauco
EL LEGADO GOLF RESORT Guayama
AGUIRRE GOLF CLUB Salinas
COSTA CARIBE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Ponce
KAYAKING Ballena’s Cay, Guánica
SNORKELING & SCUBA DIVING Guanica Gilligan's Island
NATURAL ECOSYSTEM
MIRADOR PIEDRA DEGUETAU Aibonito
DRY FOREST RESERVE Guánica
BALLENA BEACH Guánica
GASTRONOMY
WATERSPORTS
RECREATION
COASTLINE
The south coast of Puerto Rico spans some 100 miles of pristine coastlines, bays and beaches, ideal for watery adverntures. Scuba dive a coral wall, snorkle among tropical fish, kayak through luminescent bays, sail on teal blue waters, fish, or simply enjoy a fun-filled day with the family.
The south region of Puerto Rico is a hidden paradise of gorgeous scenery and spectacular sunsets. A romantic get away for couples, the coast’s secluded beaches, panoramic vistas, and crystaline waters wash the stress away.
The natural ecosystem of the region has an internation- ally recognized bio-diversity. In 30 minutes go from a lush jungle-like mountainous area to the Guánica Dry Forest, where more than 700 plant species and natural wildlife make for great hikes, bird watching and photography.
1
2
3
4
WORLDS BEST COFFEE, FOOD & DRINKS South Puerto Rico boasts a culinary offer thats as diverse as it is delicious, in a boutique dining atmosphere perfect for people with discerning tastes. Here criole cuisine bursts flavorful with the freshest tropical ingredients.
CULINARY ARTS 5
CHEZ MADEMOISELLE COCO Juana Diaz
In recognition of the importance of tourism to Carib- bean economies, many of our neighbors have developed and implemented tourism programs that raise the awareness and profile of their distinctive offers. We’ve gone one better. The south region of Puerto Rico is a place for adventure, relaxation, exploration and discovery. For every occasion – weddings, business incentive travel and conferences, and family vacations – the season is on. With the caribbean sea and spectacular mountain ranges as the backdrop, tourists come for the golf, a natural ecosystem, extreme sports, fishing and even high culture. It’s all here in Porta Caribe, ready to embrace you with tropical weather all year long.
Puerto Rico Tourism Company offers a multitude of custom financial incentives to make tourism investment an arractive prospect. Leverage tax credits, exemptions on income and construction tax, take advantage of employment incentives and Puerto Rico’s Government Development Bank, offering preferred interest rates and terms for qualified investors.
A sanctuary when it comes to wine. Here the most demanding palates can find wi

cartography of south puerto rico

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