“Conversemos Carolina” Fosters Connections and Growth Opportunities for Tourism Businesses
Once again, Discover Puerto Rico served as a facilitator in bringing together tourism industry businesses through “Conversemos Carolina,” an initiative designed to help industry partners learn more about the DMO’s services and responsibilities on the Island while, most importantly, encouraging the exchange of ideas and the development of strategic partnerships.
Held recently at Vivo Beach Club, the event brought together dozens of tourism entrepreneurs who actively participated in presentations, learned about the free tools available through Discover Puerto Rico, and took advantage of the opportunity to establish connections that can strengthen and expand their businesses.
Attendees included short-term rental owners, e-commerce entrepreneurs, artisans, and car rental companies. The event also welcomed representatives from specialized businesses, including Zulma Rivera of B Lux PR, a company focused on destination concierge services for small groups, and Phillip Ruiz of Iron Caribbean Sports Events, a Puerto Rican company specializing in sports event production.
Ruiz noted that participating in Conversemos Carolina allowed him to connect with entrepreneurs who can directly contribute to the growth of his business. During the event, he established relationships with a travel agency owner, outdoor activity and tour operators, and restaurant owners.
“I have what they need: people. And they have what I need: activities and experiences to offer. This event was fantastic,” Ruiz said.
Rivera agreed that networking and collaboration opportunities are among the greatest benefits of the Conversemos events held by Discover Puerto Rico across the Island.
“It’s an opportunity to explore new growth alternatives. It also allows us to build partnerships with short-term rentals and other businesses that complement our services. That networking is extremely important,” Rivera said.
During the event, participants also learned firsthand about several services and programs offered by the Municipality of Carolina to entrepreneurs and business owners, either free of charge or at a low cost.
CPA Daniel Redón Santiago, Economic Development Manager for the Municipality of Carolina, and Michelle Gil Cabral, Director of the Department of Tourism and Cultural Development, presented information about the Carolina Business Center, an initiative that centralizes services for individuals interested in establishing, expanding, or strengthening a business.
According to the presenters, the center provides support from the initial business concept stage through formal establishment, including assistance with business plans, market segmentation, permits, licenses, sales and use tax (IVU), and workshops on topics such as artificial intelligence, social media content creation, budgeting, and tax laws, among others.
The event also featured the participation of Niurka Vélez, Regional Director of Porta Capital – Metro Region for the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.
Through initiatives such as Conversemos, Discover Puerto Rico continues to bring information and resources to communities across the Island, fostering collaboration among tourism businesses and supporting the growth of Puerto Rico’s tourism industry.