SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO — As the scandal plaguing the administration of Puerto Rico's Gov. Ricardo Rosselló continues to spark protests and calls for his resignation, it's also having a negative effect on one of the island's most important economic engines: tourism.
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- Cruise lines canceling stops at San Juan ports of call due to ongoing protests
- Estimated loss of more than $650,000 in economic impact within 24 hours
Protests occurred for the fifth day in a row as people lined up in front of the Fortaleza, or governor’s mansion, and called for Rosselló’s resignation.
At the heart of the scandal is Rosselló's participation in that Telegram group chat that disparaged political rivals, celebrities such as singer Ricky Martin, and even victims of Hurricane Maria.
The scandal is also occurring while former members of the Rosselló administration face federal charges for fraud.
The island, accustomed to boarding up before hurricanes, now prepares daily for the political storm that embroils Old San Juan, one of the island’s most visited tourist sectors. That preparation includes increased police presence.
Meanwhile, Puerto Ricans in the mainland are also protesting, led by celebrities such as Broadway star Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Leaders of the national Democratic Party have called for Rosselló to resign and supporters of his say they have lost faith in his leadership.
On Wednesday, Sen. Marco Rubio tweeted "it's become harder for Rosselló to govern as long as he's governor."
Fallout affecting tourism
The political scandal is already having an effect on the island's tourism.
Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas canceled its arrival to San Juan's Port on Wednesday.
Tourism officials cited the continued protests in Old San Juan as the reason for the change.
On Tuesday, the Empress of the Seas was diverted and did not make its port of call.
Altogether, the island lost out on more than $650,000 in economic impact within 24 hours, and the losses may continue.
The Allure of the Seas is scheduled to arrive Thursday, but that stop is in question.
If canceled, tourism revenue just from cruises would be out more than a million dollars.
Carnival Cruise Lines also operates and takes off from San Juan.
They'll have some ships in the coming days, but they told us at this time they are “monitoring the situation and will let guests know if there are any changes.”