Deal Could End Puerto Rico Crisis

Puerto Rico's governor and legislative leaders say they have inked a deal to end the island's fiscal crisis and send government employees back to work.

Under an agreement that included input from the commonwelath's Catholic archbishop, a four-member commission has been set up to recommend a solution to the crisis by the end of the day today. Lawmakers have agreed to enact whatever plan the panel recommends. The deal was reached as labor unions were poised to launch massive and disruptive strikes, and as some of Puerto Rico's bonds were reduced to junk status because of the crisis. Shops in San Juan stores and throughout the island were said to be sufferng from a lack of business because so many government workers were not get paid and not spending money.

Noting the prospects for an imminent deal, the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) urged tourists not to change their plans for visiting the island.

"PRTC is pleased to report that no major effects to tourist services have been experienced, nor have there been cancellations by international tourists and relatively few cancellations by local tourists," the PRTC said in a May 9 statement. "In fact, last week occupancy rates for San Juan Metropolitan area saw an increase of 5 percent compared to the same period in 2005."

PRTC has been monitoring the situation day-to-day and taking the necessary measures to ensure that tourists feel comfortable keeping their travel plans and that they are welcomed with open arms upon arrival in Puerto Rico. For updated information, tourists and their travel specialists can visit the PRTC website or call the consumer hotline at 800-866-7827.