Tourism Reports 12% Air Arrival Growth, $47.8 Million in Hotel Taxes and 1.27 Million Cruise Passengers

The Department of Tourism told lawmakers Monday that first-quarter air arrivals rose 12 percent from a year earlier, hotel tax collections reached $47.8 million through June and cruise traffic climbed above 1.26 million passengers, as the agency outlined new flights, resort developments and marketing initiatives while requesting $39 million for fiscal year 2027. Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King presented the figures during the department’s budget hearing before the Senate Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance. The territory recorded 303,388 arrivals during the first quarter of 2026, representing a 12 percent year-over-year increase and a 6 percent rise compared with 2024. Most of those arrivals were recorded on St. Thomas, which had received 464,289 visitors by June. Tourism officials also outlined planned expansions in air service and accommodations. The department is “excited” about the launch of daily Fly The Whale service between Puerto Rico and St. Thomas and Uni...