Authorities and the tourism sector underscore the potential economic and hotel industry impact of hosting the international event under the direction of Raúl Rocha Cantú.
Puerto Rico’s interest in hosting the Miss Universe 2026 pageant has centered on the economic and tourism benefits that an event of this magnitude could generate for the island, particularly in sectors such as hotels, restaurants, transportation, and services related to the meetings and events industry.
According to estimates from the tourism sector, an international event of this scale brings together delegations, production teams, sponsors, and media from dozens of countries, resulting in strong demand for lodging, local consumption, and global exposure for the destination.
Raúl Rocha Cantú and the Economic Impact of the Pageant
Under the leadership of Raúl Rocha Cantú, President of Miss Universe, the organization has maintained an international operation that mobilizes hundreds of participants and operational staff at each host location.
Tourism experts note that events of this size typically increase hotel occupancy for several weeks, activate local value chains—from technical service providers to restaurants and retail businesses—and strengthen the host country’s image as a competitive destination for international events.
Benefits for the Hotel and Service Industries
Hosting the competition in Puerto Rico could generate positive impacts such as:
– Sustained increases in hotel occupancy during mid and peak seasons
– Greater demand for hospitality, transportation, and logistics services
– Creation of temporary jobs and engagement of local suppliers
International visibility for the destination in strategic markets
– Growth in the creative and audiovisual economy associated with the event
According to industry analysts, these effects often extend beyond the week of the event, reinforcing the country’s visibility and encouraging future visits.
Institutional context
Miss Universe is one of the world’s most recognized international pageants, with more than 75 years of history and a presence in 133 countries. Its annual event has been used by multiple host countries as a platform for tourism promotion and international positioning.
Puerto Rico continues to assess the institutional and logistical conditions required to host an event of this scale, prioritizing transparency, economic return, and tangible benefits for local productive sectors.
About the organization
Miss Universe is an international organization dedicated to producing global beauty pageants. Its flagship annual event brings together representatives from multiple countries and generates significant economic, media, and tourism impact in host cities.
