Discover Puerto Rico’s Visitor Profile data collected since 2022 shows that 30% of its visitors are Family Travelers with children under 18.
Many of them visit the Island when North American schools are on summer break. This is ideal for families with golfers as Puerto Rico requires no passport for U.S. citizens, is bilingual, uses American currency, enjoys tropical weather, and has 18 golf courses spread across the island.
According to the April issue of the “State of the American Traveler” from Future Partners, the upcoming family travel season kicks off from late May through Labor Day weekend. Families are planning to spend more than their non-family traveler counterparts, thanks in part to higher optimism about current and future finances.
Family travel peaks during the summer and end of the year. When asked which activities families will prioritize, golf fit seamlessly with the most popular answers –
spending time with loved ones, enjoying nature, and enjoying exciting outdoor activities.
“Golf is played year-round here, but some families only travel leisurely during summer,” said Leah Chandler, Chief Marketing Officer, Discover Puerto Rico. “We appeal to families for many reasons, including our culture, convenience, weather, welcoming atmosphere, natural beauty, and family activities.”
Family Travelers heading to Puerto Rico who play have an abundance of golf course and lodging options. Course types range from municipal to luxury resorts, including several rated among the “Top 50 Courses in the Caribbean, Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Atlantic Islands” (source: Golfweek’s Best Courses You Can Play, 2023).
Course designers represented on the Island include Arthur Hills, Tom Kite, Greg Norman, Tom and George Fazio, Gary Player, Rees Jones, Robert Trent Jones, Sr., and his son Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Many of the courses are amenities at or affiliated with resorts, including Royal Isabela, El Conquistador, Costa Caribe/Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino, The St. Regis Bahia Beach, Wyndham Grand Rio Mar, Wyndham Palmas, Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve, and Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
Discover Puerto Rico’s award-winning website is the most popular travel planning resource used before and during family trips among its visitors.
Families that leisurely traveled to Puerto Rico spent approximately $3,400 during their trip, not including airfare, and chose to visit Puerto Rico because of its pristine weather, scenic beauty, local culture, plentiful outdoor experiences, and cuisine.
The quality of Puerto Rico golf is confirmed by the top-echelon organizations that host events on the island, illuminating the golf destination’s merit. These include the PGA TOUR (Puerto Rico Open), NCAA Division I programs, Augusta National, United States Golf Association, and the R&A (the last three of which underwrote the Latin America Amateur Championship).
Many of the island’s most acclaimed golf courses are in the Northeast near San Juan and Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU).
Puerto Rico is an enchanting destination where history, music, gastronomy, nightlife, and natural wonders abound. There are more than 4,000 restaurants, and an array of award-winning experiences for everyone’s taste.
For more information visit discoverpuertorico.com
