Pedernales.- Jean Luis Rodríguez, Director of the Dominican Port Authority, addressed the second edition of “Tourism and Attractions 2025” in Pedernales, emphasizing the significant impact of the cruise sector on the province’s economy. He highlighted the transformation of the Cabo Rojo port into a cruise terminal, which has fueled exponential growth in visitor arrivals.
Rodríguez noted that cruise passenger arrivals in the Dominican Republic have surged from 1.1 million in 2019 to nearly 2.8 million today, marking a 145% growth. In 2024, over 20,000 passengers visited Cabo Rojo, contributing US$2 million to the local economy. By 2025, this number is expected to rise to over 100,000 visitors, generating $15 million in revenue for the region.
The director also pointed out the capacity of the Cabo Rojo terminal to accommodate large ships, such as the Oasis-class vessels, and the confirmation of four new cruise lines for 2025. He stressed the importance of promoting Pedernales as a top Caribbean destination and forecasted the port could reach one million passengers by 2028 with continued growth.