Hoteliers Reject Claims Puerto Rico is a "Floating Island of Garbage"
With election season behind us and the coronation of Donald Trump as the next President of the United States looming, many marginalized communities around the world are still fuming from the misconceptions and unsubstantiated falsehoods that were spread about migrants from the West Indies and the conditions of specific islands in the Caribbean, most notably Puerto Rico,during this latest presidential election.
Mike Garcia, general manager of Caribe Hilton in San Juan. (contributed photo)One of the most egregious untruths made national headlines when comedian and podcast host Tony Hinchcliffe, a featured speaker at Trump’s presidential campaign rally on October 27th in New York City, referred to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage.”
The backlash was swift, with many people across the political spectrum denouncing the comments, including representatives from the state of Florida which currently has the largest population of Puerto Ricans in the United States. Senator Rick Scott said in the aftermath that, “Puerto Ricans are amazing people and amazing Americans.” He also condemned the joke, saying it “bombed for a reason. It’s not funny and not true.”
Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar stated that she was disgusted by the “racist comment.”
Industry leaders on the island itself also spoke out against the comments, including many in the hospitality sector, an industry vulnerable to the negative impact of the Trump administration’s rhetoric.
In 2023, Puerto Rico experienced their strongest year in tourism history on the island, with approximately $9.8 billion in revenue infused into their economy through travel and tourism and more than 96,000 people were employed in the industry according to the island’s marketing organization, Discover Puerto Rico. They also reported that more than 6.1 million travelers arrived at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport that same year to experience the island’s tropical climate, sandy beaches, and thriving culture.
Caribe Hilton in San Juan (contributed image)
As of July 2024, Puerto Rico has achieved one of the highest recoveries to prepandemic levels among U.S. States, with a 51% increase in overseas arrivals compared to 2019 according to the U.S. Travel Association Recovery Tracker. Airlines have responded to this demand by increasing 84,000 new seats on flights to Puerto Rico in December of this year compared to December 2023, according to Cirium.
All of that progress could be in jeopardy if travelers are led to believe they’re flying into a “floating island of garbage.”
Mike Garcia, general manager of one of Puerto Rico’s most popular destinations, Caribe Hilton in San Juan, was assuredly optimistic in light of the comments made by Hinchcliffe, stating:
Mark Frances, general manager of Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico (contributed image)"As a proud Puerto Rican, I couldn't be more honored to call this beautiful island home. Living, working, and thriving here is a dream, and every day I am reminded why Puerto Rico is known as 'The Enchanted Island.' Our culture, food, people, music, and incredible natural beauty—from pristine beaches to lush rainforests—make this a uniquely captivating Caribbean destination. Puerto Rico isn’t just a place you visit; it’s a place that leaves an imprint, calling you back time and again. Welcoming travelers with open arms is in our nature, and it brings me immense pride to share all that Puerto Rico has to offer with the world.”
Caribe Hilton, a beachfront staple in historic Old San Juan, is a great example of the history and elegance that makes Puerto Rico an ideal travel destination. Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, it boasts legendary distinctions such as being the birthplace of the piña colada and a hangout for celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren. That glitz and glam inspires the property today, which boasts an array of amenities that cater to a diverse mix of travelers.
The island’s beauty can be experienced approximately 19 miles from Old San Juan in the Rio Grande, where the oceanfront Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico is located on a protected natural peninsula at the foothills of the El Yunque rainforest. The allure of the island surrounds the property with a secluded beach, oceanfront swimming pools that include Puerto Rico’s largest lagoon-style pool, and colorful tropical gardens overflowing with local flora and fauna, creating a destination that encourages guests to explore the surrounding nature by day and unwind and indulge by night.
Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico (contributed image)
Regardless of what happens over the next four years, Puerto Rico’s hospitality industry will continue to thrive as long as native sons such as Garcia, and other leaders in travel and tourism on the island such as Mark Frances, general manager of Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico, keep striving to provide authentic experiences that entice travelers to visit the island in record numbers year after year.
As Frances concluded, “Isla del Encanto, is not only my island, but it is our island and your island. From the magnificence of the El Yunque rainforest to the countless coconut-lined beaches, the vibrant Puerto Rican culture, and the lure of the inland mountains, from the delicious pork trail to the world-famous Piña Colada, from the reggaeton vibes to the merengue beats, it is our home and we are proud to share it with you. No passport required, hop on a plane and come. We are waiting!”
