Punta Cana.- Punta Cana International Airport, the busiest air terminal in the Dominican Republic with an average of 4.8 million passengers annually, anticipates up to an 8% increase in traveler arrivals by 2025, according to Frank Rainieri, founder and chairman of the Puntacana Group. The airport accounts for 70% of tourist arrivals to the country, significantly impacting the region’s tourism flow.
Rainieri emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to sustain the tourism industry’s growth. “Tourism is not just about hoteliers or governments. We must all work together to ensure social peace and a welcoming environment for visitors,” he stated. In November alone, the airport welcomed 407,748 tourists, representing 61% of the total 667,045 arrivals, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
Acknowledging the Dominican Republic’s strong position as a tourism leader in Latin America, Rainieri highlighted opportunities stemming from challenges in competing Caribbean destinations. He also praised the close partnership between the public and private sectors in developing new tourist areas, noting that collaborative decision-making has been key to the industry’s continued success.