Dynamic Tourism Industry: Puerto Rico is a vibrant tourist destination with a wide variety of attractions, including beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and historic sites. Students can gain firsthand experience in a thriving tourism market.
Practical Experience: Many programs in Puerto Rico offer hands-on learning experiences and internships with local businesses in the hospitality and tourism sectors. This real-world experience is invaluable and can enhance your resume.
Cultural Richness: Studying in Puerto Rico provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique blend of Spanish, African, and Taino cultures, which is integral to understanding hospitality and tourism management in diverse settings.
Language Skills: As a predominantly Spanish-speaking region that also uses English, Puerto Rico is an excellent place to improve or acquire language skills, which are crucial in the hospitality and tourism industries.
Networking Opportunities: Puerto Rico’s hospitality and tourism sectors are closely knit, offering students numerous networking opportunities with professionals and businesses that can lead to career opportunities both locally and internationally.
Affordability: Compared to many places in the United States, Puerto Rico can be more affordable in terms of living costs and tuition fees, making it an economically viable option for many students.
Location and Accessibility: Being a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico offers ease of travel without a passport for U.S. citizens, and its location in the Caribbean makes it an accessible hub for travel to other Caribbean destinations.
University |
Course Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
Universidad del Este (UNE) |
Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality Management |
Hospitality Management, Tourism Management, Event Management |
|
Universidad del Sagrado Corazón (USC) |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hospitality Management |
Tourism Management, Hospitality Operations, Event Planning |
|
Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico (UIPR) |
Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management |
Hotel Management, Restaurant Management, Tourism |
|
Universidad de Puerto Rico (UPR) - Carolina Campus |
Bachelor of Arts in Tourism |
Cultural Tourism, Eco-tourism, Sustainable Tourism |
|
Universidad Metropolitana (UMET) |
Bachelor in Hospitality and Tourism Management |
Hotel Management, Event Planning, Travel & Tourism Management |
|
Universidad del Turabo |
Bachelor of Business Administration in Tourism Management |
Tourism Development, Hospitality Operations, Event Management |
University |
Course Program |
Program Details |
|---|---|---|
|
Universidad del Este (UNE) |
Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality Management |
Program includes hands-on training, internships, and study abroad opportunities. Offers support services for international students. |
|
Universidad del Sagrado Corazón (USC) |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hospitality Management |
Focus on sustainable tourism and event planning. Offers English-language support and resources for international students. |
|
Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico (UIPR) |
Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management |
Program offers practical experience in Puerto Rico’s vibrant tourism sector. International student services available. |
|
Universidad de Puerto Rico (UPR) - Carolina Campus |
Bachelor of Arts in Tourism |
Includes specializations in cultural and eco-tourism. Offers exchange programs and support for international students. |
|
Universidad Metropolitana (UMET) |
Bachelor in Hospitality and Tourism Management |
Program emphasizes hotel management and event planning. Provides assistance with visa processes and housing for international students. |
|
Universidad del Turabo |
Bachelor of Business Administration in Tourism Management |
Strong focus on tourism development and hospitality operations. Offers comprehensive support for international students, including language assistance. |
University |
Course Program |
Program Duration |
Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Universidad del Este (UNE) |
Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality Management |
4 years |
Hands-on training, internships, study abroad opportunities, industry partnerships |
|
Universidad del Sagrado Corazón (USC) |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hospitality Management |
4 years |
Focus on sustainable tourism, event planning, English-language support |
|
Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico (UIPR) |
Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management |
4 years |
Practical experience in hotel and restaurant management, internships, industry connections |
|
Universidad de Puerto Rico (UPR) - Carolina Campus |
Bachelor of Arts in Tourism |
4 years |
Specializations in cultural tourism, eco-tourism, and sustainable tourism |
|
Universidad Metropolitana (UMET) |
Bachelor in Hospitality and Tourism Management |
4 years |
Emphasis on hotel management, event planning, travel & tourism management |
|
Universidad del Turabo |
Bachelor of Business Administration in Tourism Management |
4 years |
Focus on tourism development, hospitality operations, and event management |
University |
Course Program |
Program Duration |
Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Universidad del Este (UNE) |
Master of Business Administration in Hospitality Management |
2 years |
Focus on advanced hospitality management, strategic leadership, and global industry trends. Includes internships and research projects. |
|
Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico (UIPR) |
Master of Business Administration in Tourism Management |
2 years |
Emphasis on tourism planning, sustainable tourism, and international tourism markets. Offers industry-focused projects and internships. |
|
Universidad de Puerto Rico (UPR) - Carolina Campus |
Master in Sustainable Tourism |
2 years |
Specializes in sustainable tourism practices, cultural heritage management, and eco-tourism. Includes fieldwork and applied research. |
|
Universidad del Turabo |
Master of Business Administration in Tourism and Events Management |
2 years |
Combines tourism management with event planning and management. Focuses on strategic management and global trends in the industry. |
University |
Course Program |
Program Duration |
Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Universidad de Puerto Rico (UPR) - Carolina Campus |
PhD in Sustainable Tourism |
3-5 years |
Focus on advanced research in sustainable tourism, cultural heritage, and eco-tourism. Involves original research, dissertation, and potential teaching opportunities. |
|
Universidad del Este (UNE) |
PhD in Hospitality Management |
3-5 years |
Emphasizes strategic management, global hospitality trends, and academic research. Includes dissertation work and research publications. |
|
Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico (UIPR) |
PhD in Tourism and Hospitality Studies |
3-5 years |
Combines research in tourism, hospitality management, and sustainable practices. Offers opportunities for international research collaboration. |
Institution |
Course Program |
Program Duration |
Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Universidad del Este (UNE) |
Diploma in Hospitality Management |
1 year |
Focuses on foundational skills in hospitality management, including customer service, operations, and event planning. Includes practical training and internships. |
|
Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico (UIPR) |
Diploma in Tourism and Event Planning |
1 year |
Covers basic principles of tourism management and event planning. Emphasizes hands-on experience through projects and industry partnerships. |
|
Universidad de Puerto Rico (UPR) - Carolina Campus |
Diploma in Sustainable Tourism |
1 year |
Concentrates on sustainable tourism practices and eco-tourism. Offers fieldwork opportunities and practical exposure to local tourism initiatives. |
|
Universidad del Turabo |
Diploma in Tourism Operations and Management |
1 year |
Provides a comprehensive overview of tourism operations, with a focus on management practices and customer service excellence. Includes real-world projects. |
Institution |
Course Program |
Program Duration |
Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Universidad del Este (UNE) |
Certificate in Event Planning |
6-12 weeks |
Focuses on the fundamentals of event planning, including logistics, budgeting, and coordination. Practical exercises and project-based learning. |
|
Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico (UIPR) |
Short Course in Sustainable Tourism |
8 weeks |
Covers key concepts of sustainable tourism practices and eco-tourism. Includes case studies and fieldwork in local tourism projects. |
|
Universidad de Puerto Rico (UPR) - Carolina Campus |
Workshop in Hospitality Management |
4-8 weeks |
Intensive course on hospitality management principles, customer service, and operations. Ideal for professionals looking to upskill quickly. |
|
Universidad del Sagrado Corazón (USC) |
Short Course in Tourism Marketing |
6 weeks |
Focuses on marketing strategies for the tourism industry, including digital marketing and customer engagement. Practical projects and case studies. |
|
Universidad Metropolitana (UMET) |
Certificate in Hotel Operations |
8-10 weeks |
Provides training in hotel management operations, including front office, housekeeping, and food service management. Includes practical training components. |
University |
Course Program |
Degree Level |
|---|---|---|
|
Universidad del Este (UNE) |
Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality Management |
Bachelor’s Degree |
|
|
Master of Business Administration in Hospitality Management |
Master’s Degree |
|
|
Diploma in Hospitality Management |
Diploma |
|
|
Certificate in Event Planning |
Short-term Course |
|
Universidad del Sagrado Corazón (USC) |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hospitality Management |
Bachelor’s Degree |
|
|
Short Course in Tourism Marketing |
Short-term Course |
|
Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico (UIPR) |
Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management |
Bachelor’s Degree |
|
|
Master of Business Administration in Tourism Management |
Master’s Degree |
|
|
Diploma in Tourism and Event Planning |
Diploma |
|
|
Short Course in Sustainable Tourism |
Short-term Course |
|
Universidad de Puerto Rico (UPR) - Carolina Campus |
Bachelor of Arts in Tourism |
Bachelor’s Degree |
|
|
Master in Sustainable Tourism |
Master’s Degree |
|
|
PhD in Sustainable Tourism |
Doctorate Degree |
|
|
Diploma in Sustainable Tourism |
Diploma |
|
|
Workshop in Hospitality Management |
Short-term Course |
|
Universidad Metropolitana (UMET) |
Bachelor in Hospitality and Tourism Management |
Bachelor’s Degree |
|
|
Certificate in Hotel Operations |
Short-term Course |
|
Universidad del Turabo |
Bachelor of Business Administration in Tourism Management |
Bachelor’s Degree |
|
|
Master of Business Administration in Tourism and Events Management |
Master’s Degree |
|
|
Diploma in Tourism Operations and Management |
Diploma |
University |
Course Program |
Intake Periods |
|---|---|---|
|
Universidad del Este (UNE) |
Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality Management |
Fall (August), Spring (January) |
|
|
Master of Business Administration in Hospitality Management |
Fall (August), Spring (January) |
|
|
Diploma in Hospitality Management |
Rolling admissions, typically Fall (August) and Spring (January) |
|
|
Certificate in Event Planning |
Multiple intakes throughout the year |
|
Universidad del Sagrado Corazón (USC) |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hospitality Management |
Fall (August), Spring (January) |
|
|
Short Course in Tourism Marketing |
Multiple intakes throughout the year |
|
Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico (UIPR) |
Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management |
Fall (August), Spring (January) |
|
|
Master of Business Administration in Tourism Management |
Fall (August), Spring (January) |
|
|
Diploma in Tourism and Event Planning |
Rolling admissions, typically Fall (August) and Spring (January) |
|
|
Short Course in Sustainable Tourism |
Multiple intakes throughout the year |
|
Universidad de Puerto Rico (UPR) - Carolina Campus |
Bachelor of Arts in Tourism |
Fall (August), Spring (January) |
|
|
Master in Sustainable Tourism |
Fall (August), Spring (January) |
|
|
PhD in Sustainable Tourism |
Fall (August) |
|
|
Diploma in Sustainable Tourism |
Rolling admissions, typically Fall (August) and Spring (January) |
|
|
Workshop in Hospitality Management |
Multiple intakes throughout the year |
|
Universidad Metropolitana (UMET) |
Bachelor in Hospitality and Tourism Management |
Fall (August), Spring (January) |
|
|
Certificate in Hotel Operations |
Multiple intakes throughout the year |
|
Universidad del Turabo |
Bachelor of Business Administration in Tourism Management |
Fall (August), Spring (January) |
|
|
Master of Business Administration in Tourism and Events Management |
Fall (August), Spring (January) |
|
|
Diploma in Tourism Operations and Management |
Rolling admissions, typically Fall (August) and Spring (January) |
University |
Course Program |
Degree Level |
Approximate Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Universidad del Este (UNE) |
Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality Management |
Bachelor’s Degree |
$5,000 - $6,500 per year |
|
|
Master of Business Administration in Hospitality Management |
Master’s Degree |
$7,000 - $8,500 per year |
|
|
Diploma in Hospitality Management |
Diploma |
$2,500 - $3,500 total |
|
|
Certificate in Event Planning |
Short-term Course |
$1,000 - $2,000 total |
|
Universidad del Sagrado Corazón (USC) |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hospitality Management |
Bachelor’s Degree |
$5,000 - $6,000 per year |
|
|
Short Course in Tourism Marketing |
Short-term Course |
$1,500 - $2,500 total |
|
Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico (UIPR) |
Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management |
Bachelor’s Degree |
$4,500 - $6,000 per year |
|
|
Master of Business Administration in Tourism Management |
Master’s Degree |
$6,500 - $8,000 per year |
|
|
Diploma in Tourism and Event Planning |
Diploma |
$2,000 - $3,000 total |
|
|
Short Course in Sustainable Tourism |
Short-term Course |
$1,000 - $2,000 total |
|
Universidad de Puerto Rico (UPR) - Carolina Campus |
Bachelor of Arts in Tourism |
Bachelor’s Degree |
$4,000 - $5,500 per year |
|
|
Master in Sustainable Tourism |
Master’s Degree |
$6,000 - $7,500 per year |
|
|
PhD in Sustainable Tourism |
Doctorate Degree |
$7,000 - $9,000 per year |
|
|
Diploma in Sustainable Tourism |
Diploma |
$2,500 - $3,500 total |
|
|
Workshop in Hospitality Management |
Short-term Course |
$1,000 - $2,000 total |
|
Universidad Metropolitana (UMET) |
Bachelor in Hospitality and Tourism Management |
Bachelor’s Degree |
$5,000 - $6,500 per year |
|
|
Certificate in Hotel Operations |
Short-term Course |
$1,000 - $2,000 total |
|
Universidad del Turabo |
Bachelor of Business Administration in Tourism Management |
Bachelor’s Degree |
$5,000 - $6,500 per year |
|
|
Master of Business Administration in Tourism and Events Management |
Master’s Degree |
$7,000 - $8,500 per year |
|
|
Diploma in Tourism Operations and Management |
Diploma |
$2,500 - $3,500 total |
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
High School Diploma |
A high school diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED) is required. |
|
Minimum GPA |
Most universities require a minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. |
|
Language Proficiency |
For non-native Spanish speakers, some programs may require proficiency in Spanish or English (TOEFL/IELTS for English). |
|
Standardized Tests |
Some universities may require SAT or ACT scores, though this is not always mandatory. |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
Some programs may ask for letters of recommendation, typically from teachers or counselors. |
|
Personal Statement |
A personal statement or essay may be required, explaining the candidate's interest in the field. |
|
Interview |
Some universities may conduct interviews as part of the selection process. |
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Bachelor’s Degree |
A bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Hospitality Management, Tourism, Business) is typically required. |
|
Minimum GPA |
A minimum GPA of 2.8 to 3.2 on a 4.0 scale is often required. |
|
Language Proficiency |
Non-native Spanish or English speakers may need to provide proof of proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS for English). |
|
Work Experience |
Some programs prefer or require relevant work experience in hospitality, tourism, or events management. |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
Usually, 2-3 letters of recommendation are required, preferably from academic or professional references. |
|
Personal Statement |
A detailed personal statement or statement of purpose explaining your goals and interest in the field. |
|
Interview |
An interview may be part of the admission process, particularly for competitive programs. |
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Master’s Degree |
A master’s degree in a related field (e.g., Hospitality Management, Tourism, Business) is required. |
|
Minimum GPA |
A strong academic record, typically with a minimum GPA of 3.0 to 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. |
|
Research Proposal |
A research proposal outlining the intended area of study and research questions. |
|
Language Proficiency |
Proof of proficiency in English or Spanish, depending on the program's language of instruction. |
|
Work Experience |
Relevant professional experience in the field is often preferred. |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
Usually, 3 letters of recommendation from academic or professional references. |
|
Interview |
An interview is often required to assess the candidate’s suitability for the program. |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Coverage |
Application Period |
Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Puerto Rico Tourism Company Scholarship |
Students enrolled in Hospitality, Tourism, or related fields. |
Partial tuition fees, stipends. |
Varies (usually announced annually) |
Must demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to the tourism industry. |
|
PRHTA (Puerto Rico Hotel and Tourism Association) Scholarship |
Puerto Rican students enrolled in Hospitality or Tourism programs. |
Varies (typically covers tuition and fees). |
Usually early spring |
Preference for students with industry experience. |
|
Fundación Kinesis Scholarship |
High-performing students with financial need; open to various fields including Hospitality. |
Tuition assistance, mentorship programs. |
November to February |
Requires a minimum GPA and financial need assessment. |
|
Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) |
U.S. citizens, permanent residents of Hispanic heritage, including Puerto Rico; open to all fields. |
Up to $5,000 per year. |
December to February |
Must be enrolled in an accredited university and demonstrate academic merit. |
|
Banco Popular Foundation Scholarship |
Puerto Rican students pursuing higher education, including Hospitality and Tourism. |
Tuition support, financial aid. |
Annually (usually in the spring) |
Focus on students with financial need and strong academic records. |
Career Path |
Job Role |
Average Salary |
Skills Required |
Potential Employers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Hotel Management |
Hotel Manager, Front Office Manager |
$35,000 - $60,000 per year |
Leadership, customer service, operations management |
Luxury hotels, resort chains, boutique hotels |
|
Event Planning |
Event Coordinator, Wedding Planner, Conference Manager |
$30,000 - $50,000 per year |
Organization, communication, negotiation skills |
Event planning companies, hotels, resorts |
|
Tourism Management |
Tourism Director, Travel Consultant |
$30,000 - $55,000 per year |
Marketing, knowledge of tourist destinations, sales |
Government tourism boards, travel agencies |
|
Cruise Line Industry |
Cruise Director, Shore Excursion Manager |
$45,000 - $70,000 per year |
Multitasking, customer service, hospitality management |
International cruise lines, local tour operators |
|
Food and Beverage Management |
Restaurant Manager, Catering Manager |
$30,000 - $55,000 per year |
Food safety, budgeting, customer service |
Restaurants, catering companies, hotels |
|
Resort and Spa Management |
Spa Manager, Resort Operations Manager |
$35,000 - $60,000 per year |
Wellness industry knowledge, operations management |
Resorts, wellness centers, luxury spas |
|
Travel and Tourism Marketing |
Marketing Manager, Social Media Manager |
$35,000 - $60,000 per year |
Digital marketing, branding, social media management |
Tourism boards, travel agencies, resorts |
|
Eco-Tourism |
Eco-Tourism Guide, Sustainable Tourism Consultant |
$28,000 - $45,000 per year |
Environmental knowledge, customer service, education |
Eco-resorts, environmental organizations |
|
Casino Management |
Casino Manager, Gaming Manager |
$40,000 - $70,000 per year |
Compliance, customer service, operations management |
Casinos, resorts with gaming facilities |
|
Academic and Training |
Hospitality Trainer, Tourism Lecturer |
$35,000 - $55,000 per year |
Teaching, industry experience, communication skills |
Universities, vocational training institutes |
