Puerto Rico Tourism Renews PGA Tour Commitment Through 2012

The PGA TOUR and Puerto Rico Tourism Company today announced a two-year tournament extension today that Puerto Rico's PGA TOUR stop in March continues through 2012. In conjunction with the agreement, the tournament will be renamed the Puerto Rico Open presented by seepuertorico.com.

By including the web site in the tournament name, the hope is to provide greater global exposure for Puerto Rico as a tourism destination, a release on the sponsorship renewal said. Banco Popular, which was the presenting sponsor during the tournament's first three years, will continue as a major partner of the tournament.

"For us it is extremely exciting to be the presenting sponsor of the Puerto Rico Open presented by seepuertorico.com," said Mario González Lafuente, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. "This type of world-class sporting event is an important and extremely cost effective investment for the island. On one hand this tournament gives Puerto Rico great media exposure in outlets all around the world. On the other, it generates revenue of 6,000 room nights, which strengthens our hospitality industry and our island's economy. Hosting events such as the Puerto Rico Open is essential in our mission to show the world that in the sports event arena, Puerto Rico Does it Better!"

"We are delighted that Puerto Rico Tourism has agreed to not just continue, but to elevate its commitment with the Puerto Rico Open," PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem said. "In its first three years, the tournament has provided an important playing opportunity and has become a popular destination for our members."