Dominican Republic looks to French bachata enthusiasts to boost tourism

Puerto Plata, DR.- Carlos Rodolí, president of the Association of Hotels and Tourism Enterprises of the North (ASHONORTE) in the Dominican Republic, has highlighted the potential of bachata to significantly boost tourism from France. While attending the 12th edition of the Paris Bachata Festival, Rodolí emphasized the global appeal of bachata and the strategic opportunity for the Dominican Republic to leverage this popularity to promote its destinations.

Given France’s status as the world’s most visited country and a thriving bachata scene with seven major events, Rodolí expressed his enthusiasm for inviting French bachata enthusiasts to experience the Dominican Republic firsthand. He extended an invitation to attend the upcoming ADN Bachata World Festival 2025, scheduled for January 23-26 in Puerto Plata and Santiago. This year’s festival will honor bachata pioneer Leonardo Paniagua and feature France as the guest of honor, thanks to a partnership with the French Embassy in the Dominican Republic.

The festival will take place at the Playa Dorada complex, with Emotion Hodelpa serving as the host hotel and V-Heavens, Gran Ventana and BlueBay as co-hosts. To welcome both international and local participants, a welcome party will be held at Puerto Plata’s Central Park, followed by the official opening ceremony at the Puerto Plata Amphitheater. The Playa Dorada complex will serve as the primary venue for parties, competitions, and the international competition.

Rodolí believes that bachata can serve as a powerful tool for promoting the Dominican Republic, much like Mexican ranchera music and films have boosted tourism in Mexico. By tapping into the passion of bachata fans worldwide, the country aims to attract more visitors to its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture.