How Bad Bunny Helped the Economy in Puerto Rico

Bad Bunny's concert residency has injected hundreds of millions of dollars into Puerto Rico's local economy, according to Invest Puerto Rico. Instead of touring the continental U.S., Bad Bunny performed exclusively in Puerto Rico, bringing an estimated $200 million to the island's economy.

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The residency, a 30-show run at the Coliseo in San Juan, boosted local businesses like hotels, restaurants, and even Bad Bunny-themed tours. Fans flocked from around the world, making the event a massive success during the normally quiet hurricane season. 

Puerto Rico had struggled economically after Hurricane Maria in 2017 and the COVID-19 pandemic, but this residency gave the island a major economic jolt. Local tourism official Jorge Perez noted that Bad Bunny's decision to focus on his home island was unprecedented, with no event of this scale in the island's history. The residency also highlighted the artist's dedication to Puerto Rican identity. Fans, especially those from the U.S. mainland, appreciated that Bad Bunny's decision to stay in Puerto Rico was partly motivated by his concern over the treatment of Latinx communities in the U.S., such as fears of immigration profiling.

The residency resonated deeply with Latinos worldwide, including fans from places like Peru and Chicago, who appreciated Bad Bunny's role in promoting Puerto Rican culture and tourism. 

On a personal level, young Puerto Ricans like freelance illustrator, Sebastian Muñiz Morales found new opportunities due to the residency, such as designing Bad Bunny's merchandise. The event also sparked a renewed sense of pride in Puerto Rico’s future, with many younger residents now considering staying and contributing to the island’s growth rather than leaving for opportunities elsewhere. 

Bad Bunny wrapped up his historic Puerto Rico residency with a final show on September 20, featuring a special performance with Marc Anthony. The last concert was livestreamed globally on Amazon Music and Twitch. The final night featured several guests, including Arcángel, Ñengo Flow, and De La Ghetto.

A standout moment was Bad Bunny’s emotional duet with Marc Anthony on “Preciosa,” a classic ode to Puerto Rico written in 1937 by Rafael Hernández Marín.