Bringing with it some of the leading carriers from North, Central and Latin America, the 9^th Route Americas event, will see over 700 delegates from over 75 airlines, 280 airports and over 40 tourism authorities come together for the only route development event for the entire Americas region.

Sponsored by Puerto Rico Tourism Company and partners Aerostar Airport Holdings and Meet Puerto Rico, the event will take place at the Puerto Rico Convention Center from 17 - 19 February. Puerto Rico’s geographical and cultural position as the bridge between the Americas makes it an ideal destination for the event, and the fact that it is a Commonwealth of the United States offers US delegates the added convenience of entering Puerto Rico without a passport.

San Juan is home to the largest airport and cruise homeport in the Caribbean and 2016 will mark the inauguration of the newly remodelled Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. A premier convention destination, Puerto Rico offers a unique positioning within the Caribbean, reachable via over 1,600 nonstop weekly flights from 43 destinations around the world. The strategic location of Puerto Rico coupled with outstanding connectivity makes it the best connected destination in the Caribbean.

“The options are as diverse as our culture. The mix of Taino, Spanish, African and American cultures make us the melting pot of the Caribbean, and the perfect connection between the Americas. With over 110 non-stop flights from 40 countries it is easier than ever to join us at Routes Americas 2016. Mark your calendars, set your meetings, pack your bags, and get ready for a 5-star convention experience.”

Ingrid I. Rivera Rocafort, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.

Located just above the Equator, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Puerto Rico is part of the Greater Antilles right at the heart of the Western Hemisphere. This strategic and uniquely centralised location makes it the perfect connection between north and south and continues to benefit from having the ‘best of both worlds’. Combining breathtaking natural beauty with a solid modern infrastructure Puerto Rico is a world-class tourist and business destination attracting many industries which have established operations there.

The Puerto Rico Convention Center accommodates groups of 10 to 10,000 people in true world-class style, with soaring interior and exterior function spaces. There are many hotel accommodations, surrounding shops and restaurants within walking distance from the centre and delegates can stroll to the vibrant city of San Juan, hit the beach, or take advantage of hundreds of sun-filled activities.

You can watch the full video interview with Mari Jo Laborde, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer, Puerto Rico Tourism Company from this year’s Routes Americas Handover Lunch on our webpage.

Watch the full interview