Bad Bunny's Concert Residency Boosts Puerto Rico's Tourism and Local Economy

Since Bad Bunny embarked on his sold-out 30-show residency in July, Véronica López has set up shop outside the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan, where she sells hand-held fans adorned with island-inspired designs and themes from Bad Bunny’s latest album, “Debí Tirar Mas Fotos.” Each night, she reports earnings around $5,000, attributing the increase in sales not only to concertgoers but also to locals who visit the area to enjoy the pre-concert atmosphere. With her profits, she aims to provide help for stray animals in need.

As the celebrated residency, named “No Me Quiero Ir De Aquí” or “I don’t want to leave here,” comes to a close this weekend, many Puerto Ricans have experienced its economic impact. The concerts are projected to have brought in nearly $200 million in tourism revenue, as evidenced by the bustling scene in Old San Juan, where tourists crowd cafes and bars, eager to snap photos in front of vibrant street murals celebrating Bad Bunny.

The series of concerts, along with the associated album and community festivities, serves as a tribute to Puerto Rico’s rich cultural heritage while also bringing to light pressing concerns related to the island’s economy, gentrification, and infrastructure. Despite occurring during the Atlantic hurricane season and wrapping up amid high demand, nearly 600,000 individuals have visited the island in the last two months, significantly boosting local tourism. Reports from Discover Puerto Rico indicate that short-term rental bookings in San Juan have skyrocketed by 130% to 175% in the months of August and September compared to a year prior, marking a notable shift for the region during a typically quieter summer season.