
HACIENDA DON CARMELO CERTIFIED UNDER PRTC’S AGRICULTURAL TOURISM PROGRAM
25 September 2015, San Juan – Puerto Rico Tourism Compay’s (PRTC) Executive Director, Ingrid I. Rivera Rocafort awarded today the certification as part of the agency’s Agricultural Tourism Program to Hacienda Don Carmelo’s proprietor, Melba Figueroa. The Hacienda’s main agricultural activity is focused on breeding and training horses for equestrian performances.
“At PRTC we are very pleased to include this new feature as part of the Agricultural Tourism Program, which offers a different alternative for tourist and local visitors, to enjoy agricultural tourism within the Hacienda Don Carmelo’s beautiful natural environment”, said Rivera Rocafort at the event. She added “It’s gratifying to have this magnificent Hacienda, which provides 6 jobs within the livestock industry, as part of the Program and as a direct contributor to the local economy.”
The Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture (PRDA), Dr. Myrna Comas, stated that “With the announcement of this new certification under the Agricultural Tourism Program we continue to support the growth of the local economy.”
Hacienda Don Carmelo has approximately 50 horses, which the majority have been born and raised in the property, while other specimens have been brought all the way from Europe. The property includes quality facilities specially designed for the different horse breeding and training stages (stables, feeding grounds, training area, and bathing area, amongst others) which follow strict regulatory standards.
Hacienda Don Carmelo is a specialized facility for the exhibition of equestrian performances under the Puerto Rican School of Equestrian Art. The activities of this area are complemented by another area developed within the Hacienda dedicated to special equestrian events.
Hundreds of children have visited Hacienda Don Carmelo as part of federal proposals submitted by summer camps. During their visits, the youngsters enjoy a tour called “The World of the Horse”, in which they learn more about the different stages in the life of a horse.
Marcos Cruz Molina, Mayor of Vega Baja municipality, stated that “We are very proud of Mrs. Melba Figueroa’s achievement of obtaining the certification under the Puerto Rico Tourism Company’s Agricultural Tourism Program for Hacienda Don Carmelo. For our city, this certification brings great opportunities that will enable us to broaden our tourist offer for both local and international visitors. Our city has many wonderful natural attractions, such as the Tortuguero lagoon, the beautiful Puerto Beach, amongst other unique locations; and this certification gives us the opportunity to strengthen our reputation as a tourist destination for the rest of the world.”
Hacienda Don Carmelo is located on Route 670, Algarrobo ward, Km. 8.2 in the municipality of Vega Baja. For more information and reservations, please contact (787) -774-7978.
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