Para establecer el “Programa de Formación, Capacitación y Certificación de Guías Turísticos en Puerto Rico”, adscrito a la Compañía de Turismo de Puerto Rico, con el propósito de desarrollar un currículo de formación en historia, geografía, idiomas, técnicas de guiado, normativas de seguridad y emprendimiento; viabilizar la celebración de memorandos de entendimiento con universidades en Puerto Rico que ofrezcan programas de estudio relacionados con la industria turística; disponer la reglamentación de la certificación y licencia de guías turísticos en la Isla; fomentar el desarrollo de pequeñas y medianas empresas en el sector turístico; y para otros fines relacionados.”

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico establishes mandatory training, certification, and licensing program for tour guides to professionalize the industry, partner with universities, and support tourism-sector SMEs.

Retirada por su Autor

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 405 establishes a formal "Training, Certification, and Licensing Program for Tourist Guides in Puerto Rico" under the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. The program would develop curriculum covering history, geography, languages, guiding techniques, safety regulations, and entrepreneurship, while creating partnerships with universities and establishing official certification and licensing requirements for tour guides across the island.

Why is this important

Tourism is a major economic sector in Puerto Rico, and professionalizing the guide workforce could improve visitor experiences, standardize service quality, and create structured economic opportunities. The bill directly aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism sector, which are significant employers in local communities.

Potential points of contention

Compliance burden: Mandatory certification and licensing requirements could create barriers to entry for informal guides or those without formal education, potentially reducing employment opportunities for lower-income workers unless grandfather clauses or alternative pathways are included

Implementation costs: Universities and the Tourism Company would bear development and administration costs; unclear whether adequate public funding will be allocated or if costs would be passed to guides through fees

Curriculum standardization: Determining appropriate content and standards may prove contentious between tourism industry stakeholders, educational institutions, and government agencies with different priorities

Enforcement and regulation: Creating and enforcing licensing requirements requires institutional capacity and oversight mechanisms that may not currently exist or be adequately funded