by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 3:37 PM ET, Tue November 14, 2017
Puerto Rico's struggle to recover from Hurricane Maria has left many around the country, and the world, wondering what they can do to help the beleaguered island.
Day after day, headlines paint a picture of a destination still working to fully restore basic necessities ranging from electricity to water, cell phone towers, roads and bridges.
And none of this touches upon the impact Hurricane Maria had on the psyche of island residents.
The New York Times reported yesterday the population is showing signs of a full-fledged mental health crisis, with large numbers of people appearing to have post-traumatic stress.
For those seeking a way to step in and be part of the island's comeback, the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) has just announced a unique holiday season opportunity to help, while also making the most of any remaining, unused vacation days.
The PRTC will host a series of "Rebuild Days" at attractions around the island, from parks to historic sites.
From November 16 through November 18, there will be a cleanup at Camuy Cave Park, the third largest underground cave system in the world. A similar cleanup will be hosted November 27 through November 29 by the PRTC at Crash Coast Beach, one of the hidden gem beaches along the northwest coast of the island.
The opportunities are aimed at locals, Puerto Ricans abroad and anyone else looking for a meaningful travel opportunity this holiday season as the island continues its repair and rebuild efforts.
"Tourism continues to be vital to Puerto Rico's road to recovery, and we look forward to welcoming visitors soon, especially those who want to give back this holiday season," Jose Izquierdo, PRTC's executive director, said in a statement. "Continuing to visit us, staying at our hotels, eating at our restaurants, buying from local businesses and giving back through rebuilding efforts is the best way to support us right now."
The majority of San Juan's hotels are operating and welcoming visitors. Prior to the hurricane, tourism had been a rare thriving sector for Puerto Rico. In the wake of Hurricane Maria, however, the industry has been in a significant slump, the Associated Press reported.
Part of the island's recovery from the hurricane will be tied to how quickly visitors reappear.
The government is now focused on reactivating the local economy, with tourism at the forefront of that economic development effort.
With the holiday season around the corner, the hope is that meaningful travel and rebuild days will attract those interested in giving back.
"Our travel advisor members have been receiving many inquiries from travelers loyal to Puerto Rico who want to visit and join in on its rebuilding efforts," Zane Kerby, president and CEO of the American Society of Travel Agents, said in a statement.
Those seeking more information about meaningful travel to the island, including details about open attractions and hotels, can find it at SeePuertoRico.com. Additional details on "Rebuild Days" will be added to the site throughout the end of the year.
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