Tourism Co. strengthens oversight following nautical tourism audit
Audit finds 68% of operators lacked valid certifications as Puerto Rico agency takes corrective steps.
The Puerto Rico Tourism Co. said it has taken “swift corrective action” following the release of a compliance audit by the Office of the Comptroller, which revealed widespread irregularities in the regulation of nautical tourism on the island.
The audit, covering July 1, 2021, to Jan. 31, 2025, found that 68% of businesses examined were operating without valid certifications as of March 27, 2025.
“This past April, we received the audit report on nautical tourism operations, with recommendations aimed at strengthening the work of our Office of Tourist Services and Oversight,” said Tourism Co. Executive Director Willianette Robles-Cancel. “Under this new administration, which began in January 2025, we have acted swiftly to meet the needs of the nautical tourism sector, a key component of our economic and tourism development strategy.”
The audit issued a qualified opinion — indicating significant but not widespread noncompliance — and cited deficiencies such as expired certifications listed as current, conditional certifications that had lapsed, and the absence of a public registry of certified nautical tourism companies and marinas, as required by Act 241-2010.
In response, the Tourism Co. said it has launched initiatives to improve transparency and compliance, including creating a public digital registry of certified companies and implementing a digital system to manage and share this data.
Robles-Cancel confirmed that field oversight is being reinforced to ensure all operators maintain valid certifications.
“In cases of noncompliance, the applicable fines and penalties are being imposed,” she said, adding that the agency has improved staff training, documentation procedures, designated a custodian for nautical tourism files and strengthened internal controls under Regulation 4284.
The agency is also working on a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA, in Spanish) and the Ports Authority to improve coordination and rigor in the certification process. Communications with the Legislative Assembly are underway to strengthen the regulatory framework.
The audit also pointed to weaknesses in recordkeeping, noting that the Office of Tourist Services and Oversight lacked a designated custodian, had no record of file access, and stored documents loosely, creating a risk of lost information.
“This situation affects planning, investment and the development of nautical tourism businesses,” the comptroller stated.
Despite the administrative shortcomings, audited financial statements show the Tourism Co. had $377.4 million in revenue and expenditures of $264.6 million between 2022 and 2023.
“We reaffirm our commitment to the safe, transparent and sustainable development of nautical tourism in Puerto Rico,” said Robles-Cancel. “We will continue to work responsibly to strengthen public trust and support the orderly growth of this sector.”
