Regional Destination Management Program for Puerto Rico’s El Yunque National Forest

Local capacity building and professional education

A multidisciplinary coalition of Puerto Rican professionals — from tourism operators and hospitality businesses to local government and community organizations — is planning the future of sustainable tourism and destination management in the region. Cornell is providing professional training, technical support and proven sustainable tourism frameworks to strengthen the ecosystem.

Drawing on insights from the five integrated analyses already completed, the next phase of work will focus on developing market-ready tourism products, building operator capacity and quality standards and connecting local businesses to buyers and peer networks. Together, we’re creating the conditions for high-value, low-volume tourism experiences that distribute economic and social benefits to communities and local entrepreneurs.

Technical asistance for sustainable tourism development

Tourism in northeastern Puerto Rico continues to rise, with more than one million people visiting El Yunque annually. A key emphasis of the project is to identify opportunities for tourism development that are most likely to generate local economic, social, and environmental value for the El Yunque region.

From April 2025-March 2026, our multidisciplinary team completed five integrated analyses to guide tourism development and management along PR-186, a scenic byway running through Río Grande and Canóvanas that connects key El Yunque assets and represents a major opportunity for sustainable tourism development. Download each report in English or Spanish.

Our reports

Developing High-Value Low-Volume Alternative Tourism

Alternative Tourism Market Analysis

Analysis of the market for high-value, low-volume tourism including analysis of market segments and products with strong demand for local nature-based experiences.

Alternative Tourism Supply Chain Analysis

Analysis of gaps and opportunities in the local tourism operator ecosystem, from guides and accommodations to partnerships with artisans and community organizations.

Report coming soon.

Developing Local Capacity for Destination Management

Sustainable Tourism Regional Planning Hub and GIS Baselines Analysis

A geospatial analysis establishing baseline data on tourism infrastructure, natural resources and land use across the region, creating the foundation for evidence-based destination planning and impact monitoring.

Sustainable Infrastructure Analysis

An evaluation of existing tourism infrastructure and recommendations for development that balances visitor access with environmental protection and community needs.

Tourism Policy and Governance Analysis

A review of current policies and institutional frameworks governing tourism development in the region, with potential pathways for strengthening local leadership and decision-making.

Report coming soon.

Collaborative steering committee

STAMP has established a Collaborative Steering Committee to support its work in Puerto Rico. The Committee is composed of experts from key tourism organizations and businesses, NGOs, local municipalities, universities and economic development organizations based in Puerto Rico.

Representatives from the following organizations serve as members of the Committee:

• Canóvanas Municipality
• Citizens’ Collaboration Committee (CCPP)
• Corazon Latino
• Discover Puerto Rico
• Dos Aguas Bed and Breakfast
• Foundation for Puerto Rico
• Fundación Amigos de El Yunque
• Puerto Rico Trails Conservancy of Puerto Rico
• Para La Naturaleza
• PR Soar
• Puerto Rico Bed and Breakfast Association
• Puerto Rico Tourism Company
• Río Grande Municipality
• Universidad del Sagrado Corazón
• Vitrina Solidaria