Bad Bunny’s Musical Residency To Deliver Major Tourism Boom In Puerto Rico

Bad Bunny kicks off a 33-show residency in his native Puerto Rico tonight (July 11). The concert series at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan will run into September and as The San Juan Daily Star reported, will be a boon for the economy of Puerto Rico.

As The Star pointed out, a study by The Foundation of Puerto Rico found Bad Bunny’s residency will have an overall impact of $215 million on the economy with $170 million flowing into San Juan alone. The concerts are also expected to create more than 2,000 temporary jobs.

Airbnb reports that searches for accommodations have increased 140 percent, compared to the same time span in 2024. The searches aren’t just for San Juan. Inquires for Vega Baja, Guaynabo, San Sebastián, Cayey, Manatí and Mayagüez indicate an interest for lodging outside the capital.

The increase in tourism will provide a much needed infusion for these communities with “nearly 50% of hosts in Puerto Rico… using the platform to generate income amid rising costs of living,” as per The Star. “In 2023, guests staying through Airbnb generated $1.4 billion in economic impact, supported more than 25,000 jobs, and generated more than $815 million in wages, not including direct income for hosts.”

The benefits of Bad Bunny’s residency goe beyond the economic. U.S. cities with significant Puerto Rican communities such as New York, Chicago and Orlando were high among the Airbnb searches, suggesting a keen interest among the Puerto Rican diaspora.

It’s rare when an artist transcends music and becomes a cultural beacon. An example would be Bob Marley with the African diaspora in the 1970s. While Bad Bunny may not quite be on that level, his championing of Puerto Rican culture and his residency are a step in that direction.

Take a look at the scene at San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International airport hours away from Bad Bunny’s residency kickoff: