When tourism grows, so do our communities. In Puerto Rico, dozens of local businesses have taken advantage of the tools and resources Discover Puerto Rico offers free of charge to build their presence, grow and connect with new audiences.
From small guesthouses to culinary, cultural and tourism experiences, these businesses have received support in areas such as digital promotion, access to statistics, educational workshops, brand consulting and international visibility opportunities.
We spoke with several business owners, who told us how working with Discover Puerto Rico has transformed their operations and outlook.
Through their voices, we want to show how tourism can become a genuine force for local development.
Stories with impact
Taller N'Zambi – From local bomba classes to a Puerto Rican cultural showcase
What began as a bomba dance workshop focused mainly on the local community is today an experience that draws tourists and locals alike every week.
Sheila Osorio, its founder, has been featured in several Discover Puerto Rico activations, including the most recent one at a Media Mission in Bogotá.
"Having Discover Puerto Rico as a partner has given me exposure I never imagined. Through them I've been able to appear on international stages like Bogotá, I've welcomed journalists who then tell our story to the world, and I've seen my bomba workshop grow beyond the local level".
"The most beautiful part is that it's not just me who grows: tourism feeds others in the community. We've built a living community that flourishes in this space, and I find that remarkable. But what matters most to me is that we're helping preserve the culture: every class, every gathering, keeps bomba alive as a symbol of our identity".
Sheila Osorio, founder of Taller N'Zambi.
💡Discover Puerto Rico's impact: Greater international exposure, participation in key events, positioning as a cultural reference, preservation of local traditions, new business opportunities and the strengthening of a local entrepreneurial community.
La Alcapurria Quemá – A stop for tourists and locals alike
Located in the heart of La Placita, La Alcapurria Quemá is more than a restaurant: it is a family tradition that has been serving Puerto Rican criollo food for 26 years, run by two generations and already on its way to a third.
Its participation in multiple FAM trips organized by Discover Puerto Rico has been key to its growth and visibility. Through these collaborations, they have welcomed journalists, content creators and international visitors who later share their experiences in outlets that reach global audiences.
"It is very gratifying for us at La Alcapurria Quemá to receive tourists every day who come to our business straight from the airport, suitcase in hand, to try our criollo food. The recognition and economic impact has been noticeable since we began working with the excellent team of executives at Discover Puerto Rico".
Sonia, owner at La Alcapurria Quemá
Working together has allowed them not only to grow their customer base and raise their profile, but also to strengthen their sense of cultural pride, share their family's story and act as informal ambassadors who point tourists toward the best places to visit on the Island.
💡Discover Puerto Rico's impact: Increased international visibility, media coverage, growth in tourist arrivals and consolidation as a landmark dining destination in San Juan.
Turismo Borincano – Inclusive adventures that celebrate nature and community
With a network of guides at various points across the island, Turismo Borincano offers experiences centered on preservation, conservation and sustainability.
As a distinguishing feature, its interpreted tours include ASL (American Sign Language) for the deaf community, reflecting a genuine commitment to inclusion.
“Through the Discover Puerto Rico platform, we have increased our visibility. We have been reviewed in some print media around the world: Canada, Mexico, Spain and also England.”
“I am very grateful for the approach that Discover Puerto Rico has taken with my project, for being a different project that provides completely different experiences from what we are used to seeing in Puerto Rico, in this case in ecotourism.”
Our purpose as Turismo Borincano is to be able to highlight municipalities like San Lorenzo, making participants aware of all the wonderful cultural, gastronomic and musical things it has to offer.”
Gloricel Escribano, founder of Turismo Borincano.
💡Impact of Discover Puerto Rico: Greater reach to diverse audiences, support in positioning and visibility at the national and international level, and promotion of inclusive and sustainable tourism.
Tourism as a driver of community development
These stories show that when local businesses receive the right support, they do not just grow individually: they strengthen the entire community.
From preserving la bomba to creating inclusive experiences, each business becomes a living ambassador for what makes Puerto Rico unique.
The success of these entrepreneurs sends a clear message: with the right tools and resources, small businesses can not only reach international markets, they also keep the Puerto Rican spirit alive.
In Puerto Rico, tourism is not just an industry: it is a driver that transforms lives, preserves culture and weaves new stories, one at a time.
Do you have a tourism business in Puerto Rico?
Learn more about the free services that Discover Puerto Rico offers to support local businesses, or visit the industry page to find out about all the opportunities available to Puerto Rican entrepreneurs.
Increase your visibility with Discover Puerto Rico
Check out the long list of tools Discover Puerto Rico offers you. The best part? They're completely free.
Learn more!This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
