TORONTO — Puerto Rico is easy to get to, has plenty of big-name commissionable hotels and is a foodie’s delight, as travel retailers, suppliers and more found out at a recent Discover Puerto Rico event.

Hosted by the tourism board at Toronto restaurant Silent H, the event was the latest initiative to keep Puerto Rico top of mind with the Canadian travel industry.

Puerto Rican flags in Old San Juan

Canadians can reach the island with seasonal flights from Toronto and Montreal with Air Canada and Air Transat. There are also convenient connections available through the U.S. including via New York City and Miami.

Agents who book airfare by March 10 with Air Canada or WestJet have the chance to win a $250 gift card. Travel must commence prior to May 5.

Also, agents can become a Puerto Rico travel expert, which means that their reservations will receive points and rewards. Puerto Rico Travel Expert graduates can access cash back, benefits and travel opportunities with the loyalty program.

Agents can earn valuable commissions when booking Puerto Rico hotels for clients. The following hotels pay travel consultants 12 – 15% for booking a minimum four-night stay, within defined booking and travel dates: Combate Beach Resort, Fairmont El San Juan, Four Points by Sheraton Caguas Real Hotel & Casino, O:live Boutique Hotel, O:LV Fifty Five, Parguera Plaza Hotel, Royal Sonesta San Juan, TRYP By Wyndham Isla Verde, Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest, Beach & Golf Resort and Wyndham Palmas Beach & Golf Resort.

Golfing at Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a delight for foodies with more than 4,000 restaurants representing every type of cuisine. Locally caught seafood can be found everywhere, while more traditional dishes, like roast pork served in lechoneras, are found in the mountain region.

Puerto Rico is also the ‘Rum Capital of the World.’ It produces around 80% of rum consumed in the world with over 70 brands under the ‘Rums of Puerto Rico’ quality seal. Tourists can visit a distillery, have a guided tour with rum tasting or enjoy a mixology class. Clients should be sure to visit Casa Bacardí, the ‘Cathedral of Rum.’ Puerto Rico is also the birthplace of the Piña Colada.

Beautiful beaches abound in Puerto Rico

Here are some selling tips when trying to position Puerto Rico for clients …

Ideal for explorers

Puerto Rico is a great self-drive destination. With U.S. standard highways and infrastructure, Discover Puerto Rico notes that many visitors feel it is more suitable for self-drives than other Caribbean islands.

Dance, dance, dance

Puerto Rico is the unofficial home of salsa.

All price points are covered

There’s a wide range of accommodation options available, from five-star luxury to small family-run inns.

Pre- and post-cruise

Every week, many cruises depart from San Juan.

Excellent for golfers

With 18 golf complexes on the island, many attached to luxury resorts, Puerto Rico is perfect for a golfing holiday.

To learn more visit DiscoverPuertoRico.com.