When Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny announced his first-ever residency on the island, the news highlighted more than just his global success. It emphasized the island’s vibrant and thriving creative economy. Titled “No me quiero ir de aquí” (“I don’t want to leave here”), this 30-show residency at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico has captured global attention, showcasing Puerto Rico’s capacity to host large-scale, world-class cultural events and its influence on the global creative economy.
But this residency isn’t just about music—it’s about the future of Puerto Rico’s economy. According to Discover Puerto Rico, it will have an estimated $200 million in economic impact, 30,000 hotel room nights expected, and $25 million in media value, promoting the island as a top-tier destination. Bad Bunny’s residency is proof of the incredible potential of our creative industries and a testament to how Puerto Rico’s creative industries can serve as powerful engines of economic growth while elevating the island’s profile on the global stage.
A Thriving Creative Economy
Puerto Rico’s reputation as a dynamic hub for cultural and creative industries (CCIs) has never been stronger. Events like Bad Bunny’s groundbreaking residency serve as powerful examples of the island’s vibrant creative economy and cultural influence.
According to a study commissioned by Invest Puerto Rico to Sound Diplomacy, an international music policy consultancy and global expert in developing long-term and self-sufficient music strategies, the island’s creative sectors generate an impressive $8.7 billion in annual output and contribute $4.1 billion in annual added value to the economy. These industries are not just cultural assets but powerful engines of economic growth.
The study shows that Puerto Rico’s CCIs employ over 87,000 people across 4,125 companies and organizations. These include film production studios, design firms, cultural organizations, and media agencies, each contributing to the island’s significant economic activity and fostering sectoral innovation. Major sectors such as Audiovisual Media and Design Services stand out, with combined outputs of $5.1 billion and nearly 30,000 jobs.
At the heart of this success is Puerto Rico’s commitment to nurturing creative professionals and businesses. With over 1,900 graduates annually in creative disciplines, a bilingual workforce, and an environment that encourages innovation, Puerto Rico has positioned itself as a fertile ground for talent and collaboration. These factors make Puerto Rico not only a cultural powerhouse but also a globally competitive hub for the creative economy.
Innovation at the Core
Puerto Rico’s creative industries are integral to its broader economic development strategy, acting as catalysts for innovation across sectors. Creative professionals contribute to industries such as healthcare, finance, and technology, shaping new business models and value propositions. The island’s growing ecosystem of production studios, design firms, and cultural organizations provides the tools and resources creators need to thrive.
The island offers compelling advantages for both investors producing in Puerto Rico and local creators exporting their services in the creative sector. Puerto Rico’s competitive tax incentives for film, television production, animation, and post-production provide a significant financial edge. Additionally, its skilled bilingual and bicultural workforce ensures seamless integration into global markets. Complementing these advantages are cutting-edge tech infrastructure and a strong network of organizations, such as the Puerto Rico Institute of Culture, which together create an ecosystem primed for creativity and innovation.
A Global Stage for Creativity
From serving as a backdrop for blockbuster films like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and The Suicide Squad to nurturing globally recognized talent like Bad Bunny, Puerto Rico is making waves far beyond its shores.
For businesses, investors, and creative professionals, Puerto Rico offers more than just a platform—it provides unmatched opportunities to tap into a thriving creative economy that drives innovation and shapes cultural narratives worldwide.
Bad Bunny’s historic residency at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico serves as a prime example of the island’s creative prowess. From music to design and film, Puerto Rico continues to be a driving force in global innovation, making it an ideal destination for visionaries looking to define the future of creativity.
Discover more about Puerto Rico’s thriving creative industries and how they drive innovation and growth at Invest Puerto Rico’s Creative Industries page.
