Government Affairs Report - April 2010

Amendments to the Tourism Ground Transportation Act (SB 1467)

A proposal to transfer from the Puerto Rico Tourism Company to the Public Service Commission the power to regulate charter buses and motor coaches and enterprises dedicated to operate these types of vehicles was presented by Senator Larry Seilhamer.  Senate Bill 1467 establishes that the PRTC has not been able to regulate these forms of transportation and since the PSC has continued to do so, it is imperative that legislation be approved clarifying which agency will have jurisdiction to regulate these forms of tourism transportation.

New Regulation for the Paradores Program

The Puerto Rico Tourism Company announced its intention to amend the Puerto Rico Inns and Paradores Minimum Requirements Regulation (Regulation 5080) and to adopt a new Paradores’ Regulation. PRTC proposal eliminates Chapter Three, titled “Paradores of Puerto Rico” from Regulation 5080.  Said Chapter Three will serve as the base to create a new and separate Regulation for the Paradores.       

Among other things, it is interesting to note that the new Regulation requires Paradores to have security 24 hours a day; changes the application evaluation process and prohibits the installation and operation of gaming machines on its premises. The prohibition includes machines covered under the Games of Chance Act and adult entertaining machines. Written opinions on the proposed regulation and amendments will be received until May 7, 2010 and can be sent by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Opinions can also be sent by mail or personally hand delivered. Copy of the proposed Regulation and amendments are available at www.prtourism.com.

Tariffs and rates revision at the LMM International Airport

The Puerto Rico Ports Authority recently notified its intentions to revise the tariffs, rates, fees, rental and other charges for the use of the facilities and services at the Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport. A public hearing aimed at receiving testimonies and comments regarding the new structure of tariffs will be held on May 12, 2010 at Salón Puertos located at the LLM. Copies of the new tariffs are available to the public from 7:30am to 11:30am and 12:30pm to 4:00pm during working days, at the Tariff and Economic Research Office, located at the PRPA headquarters in Isla Grande.

Destination Weddings

PRHTA had the opportunity to review the bill drafted by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company intended to facilitate the development of Puerto Rico as a destination for weddings celebrations. Said proposal establishes that non residents will not be required to present blood tests in order to get married in Puerto Rico. We expect this bill to be presented as an Administration Bill during the course of the current Legislative Session This is tied to our efforts to facilitate the use of the maritime terrestrial zone.

Lion Fish        

It is important that you get informed on the invasion of Lionfish currently threatening Puerto Rico’s coastal waters. Sightings of this fish need to be reported to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment or to the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (www.reef.org). This voracious fish posed a threat to swimmers and beach goers and attempts against our entire coastal environment. It is fair to say that if this fish population is not controlled our fishery and tourism industry will suffer the consequences.  

Government Contacts

Contact the Government

Let Your voice be heard!

Let the government officials that represent you, know what you think. Below are the links you need to communicate with the Governor, your senator, your representative in the House, your mayor and the heads of a variety of agencies whose areas of purview directly affect your business:

On the site http://www.gobierno.pr you will find a great source of information and contacts related to all the government branches, including municipalities, as well as data such as employment statistics, the economy, the tourism industry and others.

At http://www.fortaleza.gobierno.pr you can make contact directly with the Fortaleza and everyone who works at the Executive Mansion.

If you wish to contact your senator, you may do so via: http://www.senadopr.us

You may contact your representative in the House at: http://www.camaraderepresentantes.org

If you would like to learn more about bills under consideration, obtain copies of them and send your recommendations to the authors of the bills, you may do so by going to: http://www.opinapr.com.

Your opinion is important and your suggestions are welcome throughout the processes of determining new laws and regulations. At PRHTA we encourage you to take an active role in helping those we elect, by giving them the feedback they need to make informed decisions on our behalf.