Business Perspective: San Juan, Puerto Rico
In this visit and business perspective insight to San Juan, Puerto Rico, we traveled there via the Mariner of the Seas in late July 2022. This visit to San Juan was the first for me as well as my wife. We chose this location because of San Juan's rich culture and renown historical sites.
But before we begin our business perspective of San Juan, a little historical background first...
Background: San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico, was founded by Juan Ponce de Leon in 1496 and is the capital city of Puerto Rico. The city is broken up into two segments; Old San Juan, which is the port city part that includes historical sites, shopping, and other activities. As for the new San Juan, this area is replete with ritzy hotels, high-end shopping, and beaches. In total, San Juan’s population is close to 400,000 people, and the city holds the title of the most visited port by cruise ships in the Caribbean.
Some interesting facts about the city would include:
- Atlantic Beach is the city’s most popular beach.
- The city’s average temperature is 80.1°.
- San Juan is home to several historical sites such as Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Castillo San Cristobal, and Museum of Art of Puerto Rico.
Business Perspective:
As the number one cruise ship destination in the Caribbean, San Juan’s entrepreneurs seem to take full advantage of the fact by offering blocks upon blocks of shopping, restaurants, and entertainment in their old San Juan district. Not only does the strategy make visiting the area easy for ship passengers, but it also creates dense competition, which may help with controlling prices for products and services paid by visitors. Affordable and convenient!
San Juan's Capital Building
In our first business perspective venture to San Juan, my wife and I enjoyed a leisurely tour that included exploring various sites in both new and old San Juan. The destination that stood out most, from a business perspective, was towards the end of our tour when we stopped at the capital building. For the exercise inclined, San Juan’s capital building is a 15-minute walk north of its cruise port. At this stop, we were able to take in the sights and sounds of the capital building. Also, across the street is Plaza San Juan Bautista, which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.
Business Perspective:
From a business perspective, during our visit, we noticed dozens if not hundreds of people milling around, taking pictures of the capital building, strolling across the street to Plaza San Juan Bautista, and then strolling down walkways headed in both directions next to the ocean. However, what we did not see were any shops, restaurants, or vendors providing refreshments or other memorabilia for a visit. What a missed opportunity for local entrepreneurs.
Summary
San Juan, Puerto Rico offers numerous activities and historical sites to visit for cruise ship passengers visiting the island. Sites to visit for most visitors include visiting popular beaches, shopping in Old San Juan, and enjoying local foods.
Author: Paul Borosky, Doctoral Candidate, MBA., Author. and Tishauna Borosky
Owner of: Quality Business Plan and Quality Business Consultant.
Date: 7/2022
