Written by: Veronica Montalvo, Chief Experience Officer Amavi Stays, LLC
March 1, 2024 | San Juan, Puerto Rico
Being an STR and Boutique Hotel Operator in “La Isla Del Encanto”, for the last 7 years, has been both extremely rewarding and challenging. Ultimately, we are expected to be Hospitality Experts, Ambassadors for Tourism, Real Estate Investment Experts, Guides, and Experience Curators. For most of us, operating a successful vacation/corporate accommodation business in Puerto Rico requires a special type of entrepreneurial resilience, knowledge to navigate regulations and skills to meet operational demands that often, can help us forget that we are living in paradise.
As a former Educator and College Administrator, I subscribe and advocate for attending Masterminds, and Conferences such as Rebook, to acquire industry specific knowledge and stay ahead of the competition. Attending this year’s Rebook Conference was not just another industry event for me; It was a source of pride, as its THE only event dedicated to our industry in Puerto Rico to-date.
Prior to Viva PR Alliance’s initiative, our only opportunity to experience such events, required us to travel to the States or Internationally to experience what we enjoyed at this year’s conference. It was a holistic event that underscored the importance of community, innovation, and the enduring spirit of Puerto Rican tourism and hospitality. For those of us immersed in the world of STRs, such gatherings are not merely opportunities to learn about the latest trends, top technology, and regulations. These are fundamental experiences that shape our businesses, our approach to hospitality, and how Puerto Rico is perceived on the global stage.
The Rebook Conference, now held annually, has become a cornerstone event for STR operators in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, providing a platform to connect, learn, and grow. Of special note many Speakers and sessions were presented in Spanish for local attendees. I attended last year’s inaugural event and this year’s event surpassed my expectations. It brought together a diverse group of hosts, property managers, industry experts, and technology providers from around the globe, yet the spotlight remained firmly on our local community and the unique challenges and opportunities we face here in Puerto Rico.
FROM PUERTO RICO, TO THE WORLD
The ever growing Tourism industry in Puerto Rico is poised to become the lifeblood of Puerto Rico. Short term rentals play a crucial role in accommodating the growing number of visitors seeking to explore our island’s wonders.
By attending the Rebook conference, we continue to gain insights into how to better market our properties and destinations, ensuring that guests from around the world leave with positive, lasting impressions. This, in turn, boosts repeat visitation and word-of-mouth recommendations, further elevating Puerto Rico’s status as a premier travel destination. My discussions and exchanges at the conference also serve to unify our approach to hosting, creating a cohesive, island-wide effort to showcase the best of Puerto Rican hospitality. This collective endeavor is vital in ensuring that Puerto Rico is represented and viewed positively by international guests, influencing perceptions and decisions in our favor.
OUR NETWORK IS OUR NETWORTH
Networking with fellow operators, investors, industry leaders, and service providers at the Rebook conference has been instrumental in my continued development and the scalability of my business. These connections are not just professional; they are personal, built on shared experiences and a mutual passion for showcasing the best of Puerto Rico. Through these relationships, we share knowledge, support each other through challenges, and collaborate on initiatives that benefit not just our individual businesses but the broader community.
MY FIVE STAR REVIEW
In conclusion, the Rebook conference is more than just an event for Puerto Rican STR operators; It’s a catalyst for growth, innovation, and community in the Caribbean and beyond. It reinforces the importance of staying informed, connected, and proactive in an industry that is constantly evolving. For me, attending this conference was an investment in my business, a reaffirmation of my commitment to excellence in hospitality and my contribution to Puerto Rico’s thriving tourism industry. It’s an experience that I now eagerly anticipate each year, knowing that it holds the key to our continued success and the enduring allure of Puerto Rican hospitality on the world stage.
To my fellow operators, small business owners, and anyone passionate about investing in Puerto Rico’s future in tourism, I cannot overstate the importance of events like the Rebook conference. They are not just opportunities for growth; they are stepping stones to a brighter, more prosperous future for us all!
