Senate Bill 878 Aims to Establish Coffee Tourism Route and Coffee Haciendas in the Puerto Rico, Boosting Their Agrotourism and Long-Term Growth

Published on December 30, 2025

Senate Bill 878, a new project that is soon poised to change the landscape of the tourist industry in Puerto Rico with the creation of ‘Coffee Tourism Route and Coffee Haciendas.” This proposed enactment seeks a comprehensive approach in the integration of coffee production in the island with the developments in the field of tourism. This is not only a testament to the importance of coffee production to Puerto Rico, but it also breaks a new ground in the development of the tourist sector.

By declaring the route as a tourist destination, the bill aims to encourage both local and foreign people to visit the area more regularly. This will link the coffee producers’ towns on the island with tourist attractions and the natural beauty found on the island, providing tourists with a distinct experience related to the agricultural aspect of Puerto Rico.

Building a Collaborative Framework for Tourism and Agriculture

A key component of the bill is the partnership between public and private sectors. The proposal outlines a cooperative agreement between the Puerto Rico Tourism Co. and the Agriculture Department, supported by other government agencies such as the Department of Transportation and Public Works, the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, and the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture. This multi-agency collaboration will help develop tourism routes, improve infrastructure, and preserve the island’s cultural and agricultural assets.

The creation of an executive board to oversee planning and implementation further ensures that the route’s development is handled with strategic foresight and long-term sustainability. The combined efforts of these agencies are poised to have a significant impact on the future growth of Puerto Rico’s tourism industry by tapping into new markets and improving the overall visitor experience.

Revitalizing Puerto Rico’s Coffee Heritage for Future Tourism Growth

Coffee has long been a central pillar of Puerto Rico’s economy and culture, with the island once ranking as the sixth-largest coffee exporter in the world. The bill highlights how integrating coffee tourism with agriculture can help sustain local producers and boost Puerto Rico’s position as a premium coffee destination. The route aims to reconnect the island’s coffee-growing municipalities, which include areas like Orocovis, Jayuya, and Ponce, with tourism experiences that will foster both economic recovery and future growth.

The legislation’s call to restore inactive coffee haciendas as cultural and tourism assets has the potential to bring long-term benefits. These historic estates, once central to Puerto Rico’s coffee industry, can be repurposed as museums, visitor centers, and event venues, preserving the island’s rich agricultural heritage while driving sustained tourism growth in the central mountain region.

Creating Sustainable Tourism Growth through Agrotourism

One of the bill’s central goals is to develop a sustainable tourism model that ties Puerto Rico’s agriculture and local culture with tourism. By promoting coffee-related tourism, the government aims to create a new, sustainable revenue stream for rural communities and help preserve the island’s natural resources and traditions. This agrotourism model provides a fresh opportunity for growth in Puerto Rico’s tourism sector by attracting visitors seeking authentic, eco-friendly travel experiences.

Moreover, agrotourism is increasingly popular among global travelers who are looking for ways to engage with local cultures and support sustainable practices. This shift in consumer demand presents Puerto Rico with an opportunity to position itself as a leader in the agrotourism sector. The Coffee Tourism Route is expected to contribute not only to cultural preservation but also to the development of new tourism infrastructure, creating a ripple effect that boosts local economies and job creation across the island.

Tourism Infrastructure: A Foundation for Future Growth

The development of tourism infrastructure plays a vital role in supporting future growth in the tourism sector. The bill’s proposals for new signage, improvements to transportation networks, and the restoration of coffee haciendas are crucial steps in enhancing visitor access and experience. Infrastructure improvements will make it easier for tourists to explore Puerto Rico’s coffee-growing regions, leading to increased tourism spending and job creation.

In addition, the strategic collaboration between agencies to improve utilities, cultural preservation, and transportation will ensure that the island is well-positioned to accommodate future tourism demand. With these enhancements, Puerto Rico can increase its competitiveness within the Caribbean tourism market and attract a growing number of international visitors who seek both cultural experiences and eco-tourism opportunities.

The Economic Impact of Coffee Tourism

Puerto Rico’s coffee tourism initiative offers immense potential to drive long-term economic growth. By creating an official coffee tourism route, Puerto Rico can generate new revenue streams from both local and international tourists. Additionally, the restoration and repurposing of historic coffee estates will create jobs, support small businesses, and contribute to the local economy in coffee-growing regions. The bill positions Puerto Rican coffee as a premium product, and integrating coffee production with tourism is a strategic way to increase exports and sustain the industry’s future.

In the broader tourism landscape, the proposal underscores the significant role that agrotourism can play in expanding Puerto Rico’s appeal to tourists seeking more authentic and sustainable travel experiences. This model will not only help sustain the island’s coffee industry but also diversify its tourism offerings, creating a more resilient and dynamic tourism economy.

Brewing a Future of Tourism Growth in Puerto Rico

With the passage of the Senate Bill 878, the island of Puerto Rico has now embarked on the biggest stride to realize the transformation of the tourism industry on the island through the utilization of the coffee history of the island. The island is developing the infrastructure to ensure the sustainable growth of the tourism industry.

The development of the Coffee Tourism Route not only looks to strengthen the economy of the region, but the project also looks to support the positioning of Puerto Rico in the global scenario as a premier tourist destination, not just for coffee lovers but for eco-tourists in general. The island of Puerto Rico has the opportunity to develop a sustainable tourism product through this initiative and look to the future with bright possibilities within the tourism sector.