An increase in the number of agricultural businesses certified by the government to join Puerto Rico´s tourist offers shows new ways to encourage the development of the tourism economy.

The interest of the agricultural sector in welcoming tourists has translated into twenty farms certified by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company and fifteen other applications in the process of approval. These businesses are in Adjuntas, Barceloneta, Manatí, San Lorenzo, Jayuya, Mayagüez, Aguada, Ponce, Hatillo, Lares, Las Marías and Vega Baja.

This is good news. It is time for rural areas to become part of the island’s tourist attractions, because of the rich range of unique activities they can offer to both international and domestic tourists.

Developing the combination of agriculture and tourism, including ecotourism and adventure tourism offers, can also provide for the revitalization of rural areas if a greater flow of tourists moved to these areas. It is the responsibility of the government to promote this new agro-tourism offer, along with the tourism industry.

Puerto Rico should capitalize on new trends, marked by a greater awareness and sensitivity to the environment and by the will to share authentic experiences with the people who live in the destinations selected.

The Parque de Aventuras Toro Verde, in Orocovis, is an example. Its main attraction, the 2.5-kilometer zipline over the mountains, called “El Monstruo,” (The Monster), the longest zipline in America and the second in the world ,is one of the most visited attractions. The Tonight Show Starring team Jimmy Fallon included The Monster when they brought the show to Puerto Rico. Two million people in the United States saw those beautiful mountain views. 90 percent of our visitors come from the United States.

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