Uber’s strategic efforts in Puerto Rico and Punta Cana aim to support the surge in tourism with tailored transportation options.
Uber is stepping up to improve travel experiences in the Caribbean as the region prepares for a busy Spring Break and Easter season. Carolina Coto, Communications Manager for Uber in the Caribbean and Central America, highlights the company’s commitment to boosting tourism through services like Uber Select.
“The Caribbean is a vital area for Uber, with Puerto Rico and Punta Cana being key destinations. We’re committed to enhancing the tourist experience through our services, introducing options like Uber Select that significantly contribute to local tourism,” said Coto.
Puerto Rico: A spring break hotspot
Since 2016, Uber has played a pivotal role in the seasonal buzz of Puerto Rico, enabling approximately 90,000 visitor rides during the peak months of March and April. The service enjoys popularity with tourists hailing from the US, Mexico, Colombia, Canada, the Dominican Republic and the UK. These visitors depend on Uber for convenient transportation to explore prominent destinations such as Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, La Plaza del Mercado de Santurce, Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Plaza Las Américas. Usage of Uber’s service typically peaks on weekends, experiencing a significant increase in the number of rides during the midday and early evening periods.
Cecilia Rodríguez, Market Research Manager at Discover Puerto Rico, anticipates a notable increase in tourism for 2024, with early bookings indicating strong growth in both hotel and short-term reservations. “It is a time of year with a lot to offer Puerto Rican tourism, especially if we promote a message of safety, enjoyment and prudence among visitors,” said Rodríguez.
In collaboration with Discover Puerto Rico, Uber launched The Explorer’s Guide in November 2023, a digital guide aimed at enhancing visitors’ experiences by offering insights on navigating the island’s attractions. This partnership underscores Uber’s dedication to promoting Puerto Rican tourism.
Punta Cana: A growing tourist destination
Punta Cana is experiencing a significant uptick in tourism, as reported by the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Tourism, particularly in March and April 2024. This surge continues the momentum from a robust beginning of the year, which saw hotel occupancy rates reach 75.9% in January and more than 330,000 tourists arriving via 2,128 international flights.
Uber has become an integral part of the travel experience in Punta Cana, especially for trips to the airport, downtown area and local resorts. The peak demand for Uber services during weekends highlights its integral role in the local tourism infrastructure. The introduction of Uber Select in 2022, which includes tourist taxis as partners, highlights Uber’s effort to improve travel experiences while offering local taxi drivers more opportunities.
Coto emphasizes Uber’s role in making travel safer and more convenient for tourists, reflecting the company’s focus on meeting the needs of visitors in these vibrant Caribbean destinations.
Also read:
- Solving for Impact: Komaza’s Farming Innovation Model
- CropIn is Using AI and ML to make Farming Efficient
- [Press Release] Rimba Raya’s Sustainable Peatland Farmer Field School
Header Image from Freepik
Press release link: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uber-enhances-caribbean-travel-in-peak-season-302089595.html
