In a recent public hearing held by the Cámara de Representantes of Puerto Rico, discussions centered around a significant legislative proposal aimed at restoring the Puerto Rico Tourism Company to its original status as an independent public corporation. This initiative, known as Project 822, seeks to reverse a previous decision made during the 2017 government reorganization, which had placed the tourism agency under the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC).

The hearing featured testimony from Raúl Márquez, representing the Tourism Company, who highlighted the importance of this legislative change for the agency's future. He noted that the current economic and social landscape in Puerto Rico necessitates a reevaluation of past policies, particularly those that have impacted the tourism sector. Márquez emphasized that the agency had successfully met fiscal requirements without altering its corporate structure, suggesting that the previous reorganization was no longer suitable.

This proposal marks the third attempt to restore the Tourism Company’s independence since the original restructuring. Previous efforts in 2019, led by Senate President Tomás Rivera Schatz, aimed to maintain the agency's corporate structure but were ultimately blocked by the then-governor. The current proposal, backed by Representative Johnny Méndez and other majority members, reflects a growing consensus on the need to empower the tourism sector as a vital component of Puerto Rico's economy.

The discussions during the hearing underscore the ongoing challenges faced by the tourism industry and the importance of legislative support in fostering a robust recovery. As the representatives continue to deliberate on this proposal, the outcome could have significant implications for the future of tourism in Puerto Rico, a sector that plays a crucial role in the island's economic stability and growth.