There seems to be a rumor, which may be totally unfounded and unsubstantiated, that there is a plan in the works to reopen some of the beaches sometime in the not to distant future. No details seem to be available. Just one of those rumors. There are many businesses that do not do business directly with tourists but who benefit from increased tourism indirectly. One example would be ferreterias.
More visitors mean more construction.
In a recent news article a Congressman from Iowa complained that his state could not develop up to it's potential because the major airlines did not provide adequate service to his state. Vieques is in a more difficult to reach location than Iowa by a long shot. The transportation situation here makes it very difficult for many tourists to get here. The new government has promised to work on this. American Eagle may be coming to Vieques soon.