Brugal takes a new step towards becoming the number one ultra premium rum in the world

Casa Brugal presented the investment project of its new aging complex to President Luis Abinader and his government officials, who visited the site where four aging cellars with a capacity of 20,000 barrels each and an operations building are being built in the first stage.

PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic – President Luis Abinader visited the site where Casa Brugal is building its new aging complex and unique facilities in the industry that will support his ambition to make Brugal the number one ultra-premium rum in the world.

On an 80,000 square meter site located in the municipality of Villa Montellano, Puerto Plata, four aging cellars will be built, with a capacity of 20,000 barrels each, and an operations building, where the alcohol reception, filling, and emptying of barrels, as well as the dispatch of aged products will take place.

Augusto Ramírez, president of Casa Brugal, emphasized that the investment is possible thanks to the confidence of the company and its shareholders in the Dominican Republic in its stability and the level of legality that the alcoholic beverage market has reached in the country.

“We are very proud of Brugal, its quality, and its position in the world, and we want to continue developing the country’s rum industry. As a government, we will continue strengthening stability and legal security and advancing in the fight against illegality,” said President Luis Abinader.

For his part, Ramírez said that having a stable and secure market of origin will be fundamental for a brand that has set out to conquer the world of luxury and the most demanding consumers. “We are on our way to becoming the number one ultra-premium rum in the world. That will be our greatest gesture of gratitude to the country that believed in Brugal and chose it as a sign of its identity,” he said.

The president of Casa Brugal emphasized that although the new facilities are a significant milestone in the company’s history, they are also an important milestone for the Dominican Republic, which will have a valuable leading global brand. “That is a pending matter in our country, to create brands of great value, which demonstrate the quality and authenticity that we are capable of achieving,” he added.

About the project

This new aging complex will put Casa Brugal on the map of distillate producers with the most modern aging facilities globally. For this project, the company was advised by leading architectural design and liquid operations process firms, such as Luckett & Farley and Allen Associates, allowing it to incorporate best practices and state-of-the-art technologies.

Dominican companies Hageco and Garcia-Goico also play an essential role in the project. Hageco, as the main contractor, was in charge of the execution of the civil works, while García-Goico was in charge of adapting the architectural and engineering design master plan to ensure compliance with Dominican regulations.

The new facility will comply with all local and international standards applicable to the industry, with particular attention to sustainability, safety, and quality. The unique aging complex will be certified under the primary ISO standards related to these issues and the LEED standard for energy and economic efficiency to ensure the project is environmentally friendly from

Grupo Puntacana has acquired all the shares of Grupo Diario Libre

Santo Domingo.- In an official statement released today, Grupo Puntacana made a momentous announcement, revealing its successful acquisition of all the shares of Grupo Diario Libre.

Addressed to the esteemed readers and valued clients of the Diario Libre Group, the communication expressed the utmost pleasure in informing them about the acquisition. However, the motivation behind this move extended beyond mere commercial reasons. Grupo Puntacana expressed a profound commitment to contribute to the strengthening of democracy, the advancement of the country, and the betterment of society through a free and independent press.

Emphasizing the significance of this investment, the organization viewed it as a moment of social reaffirmation, undertaken with a sense of responsibility and unwavering enthusiasm.

The statement conveyed sincere appreciation to Mr. Arturo Pellerano, the visionary founder and leader of the newspaper in both its print and digital versions. His dedication to objectivity and reputation within the information ecosystem set a benchmark for quality journalism. The recognition extended to his family, acknowledging their vital role in Diario Libre’s journey.

Director Inés Aizpún received heartfelt thanks for her unwavering dedication to the organization. Gratitude was also extended to all the journalists, employees, collaborators, and clients who had been part of Diario Libre over the years, and their continued support was acknowledged as they embarked on this new phase together.

A noteworthy commitment to journalistic excellence and professionalism was evident in the announcement as well. Journalist and diplomat Aníbal de Castro, co-founder and first director of DL, was announced as the new President of Grupo Diario Libre. Alongside him, Mrs. Haydée Kuret de Rainieri would serve as the Vice President. This administration’s foremost recognition of Diario Libre as a benchmark for quality journalism signaled the continued dedication to maintaining the informative rigor and integrity that have characterized the newspaper since its inception.

The message conveyed a resolute determination to continue delivering relevant, reliable, and timely content to readers and audiences. It highlighted that this transformation marked an opportunity to adapt and evolve to meet the challenges of today’s world while upholding the unwavering commitment to journalistic ethics and comprehensive event coverage that have defined Diario Libre.

As this new chapter unfolds, Grupo Puntacana and Grupo Diario Libre look forward to a promising future, upholding their values while exploring the possibilities this partnership brings. With renewed enthusiasm and dedication, they are poised to make a positive impact on the nation’s media landscape.

Ministry of Culture announces Arts Biennial for 17 August

The 30th Visual Arts Biennial will open at the Museum of Modern Art at Plaza de la Cultura in the capital city on 17 August 2023. The arts extravaganza this year is dedicated to painter Jorge Pineda.

Culture Minister Milagros German said that the art judges Carlos Sangiovanni, Pilar Llado and Fermin Ceballos chose 148 works from among 718 works presented by 388 artists. The list of the art works that will be on exhibit at the arts biennial is available at the Ministry of Culture website.

Read more in Spanish:
Ministry of Culture
Diario Libre

President Luis Abinader is back

President Luis Abinader returned to Santo Domingo via San Isidro Air Base at 7pm on 19 July 2023 after participating in the 1 European Union – Community of Latin America and the Caribbean meeting in Brussels, Belgium on 17-18 July. In Belgium President Abinader once again pressed for global support to end the multidimensional crisis in Haiti and participated in meetings with European Union officers to strengthen and modernize relations between Europe and the region.

Bill that declares San Cristobal as an Ecotourism province has been approved

Santo Domingo.- The Chamber of Deputies has declared urgency and passed a bill declaring San Cristóbal as an ecotourism province. The initiative was introduced by Senator Franklin Rodríguez and will now be sent to the Executive Power for review and subsequent promulgation.

The main objective of this legislation is to foster the conservation and sustainable utilization of natural resources and promote cultural activities in San Cristóbal. These efforts are expected to contribute to the economic and social development of the province.

As part of the new law, the San Cristóbal Province Ecotourism Development Council will be established as the governing body responsible for promoting and regulating ecotourism activities in the region. This council will operate as a decentralized public entity with administrative, technical, economic, and financial autonomy. It will have its own legal identity and full capacity to carry out its responsibilities.

“All operations are returning to normal,” Aerodom says of AILA flights Shares facebook sharing buttontwitter sharing buttonlinkedin sharing buttonemail sharing buttonwhatsapp sharing button

Santo Domingo.- Aeropuertos Dominicanos Siglo XXI (Aerodom) informed that as of 2:30 this Saturday afternoon, “all operations are returning to normal” at the International Airport of the Americas, José Francisco Peña Gómez (Aila).

The announcement was made after this morning that the entity restricted operations as a result of asphalt damage to the runway after the landing of an aircraft, which caused delays in the departure of several flights.

The delays caused discomfort and complaints from some passengers, many of whom said they had been waiting more than an hour for the situation to be resolved.

Due to the malfunction, Aerodom said it had mobilized its technicians to resume normal operations at the air terminal.

“We regret the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. Everyone’s safety is our priority,” the agency said in a statement.

Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy sees it as “necessary” to have an ambassador in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic is currently experiencing the longest period without a United States ambassador in the history of diplomatic relations between the two countries, with no immediate change expected in the near future. The US charge d’affaires, Isiah Parnell, expressed that he does not have a specific date for when a new ambassador will be appointed.

Parnell, who assumed the position in mid-May after the departure of Robert W. Thomas, emphasized his agreement with the importance of having a personal representative of the US president working as an ambassador in the Dominican Republic. He acknowledged the efforts of the embassy staff in maintaining relations between the two nations despite the absence of an ambassador.

Among the 196 countries with which the US maintains diplomatic relations, only seven currently lack a nomination for an ambassador, including the Dominican Republic. The others are Bolivia, UNESCO, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Belarus, and Afghanistan.

Haiti, which recently was in a similar situation, now has Dennis B. Hankins, a career diplomat, awaiting approval from the US Congress for his nomination as the US ambassador.

The previous US ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Robin Bernstein, left the country in January 2021. Since then, the diplomatic representation has been led by two Chargés d’Affaires, with Robert Thomas leaving in February and Parnell assuming the role several months later.

Russian TTOOs to expand flights to the Caribbean with Cuba as a link

Santo Domingo.- Cuba will be the starting point of the trips that Russian tour operators intend to expand to the Caribbean. The idea is also to reach destinations like the Dominican Republic and Mexico.

The company in charge of expanding flights to the Caribbean region is Intourist, which will offer tourist packages combining several destinations.

For example, the current strategy designs the “Cuba plus Mexico” and “Cuba plus Dominican Republic” links. According to a market study, the company defined that the destinations have great acceptance by the Russian market.

This idea strengthened since July 1, when Russia and Cuba’s direct air connection was re-established. The trips between the two nations expand the exchange options and boost sun and beach tourism on the island. Regular flights are operated by Rossiya Airlines and include the Moscow-Varadero-Moscow route.

Demand for air tickets is on the rise
According to Directorio Cubano, Russia’s ambassador to Cuba, Viktor Koronell, said that the demand for flights between the two countries is very high.

The Eurasian diplomat recalled that tickets for this direct air connection cannot yet be purchased in Cuba. They can only be bought in the Russian Federation or through Rossiya’s Web site.

The company Pegas Touristik and Nordwind established flights from Moscow to Varadero and Cayo Coco. So far, travel occupancy forecasts have been met, although tour operators are not satisfied.

“If we are talking about prices, you should know that travel packages to Varadero are competitive. They include 10 to 11-night stays in four- or five-star hotels,” he added.

Meanwhile, direct flights from Rossiya scheduled for September have an average cost of 300,000 to 400,000 rubles for two people. Converting the figures into U.S. dollars averages $3 300.00 USD to $4 370.00 USD.

Presidents Abinader and Macron talk for several minutes at the EU-CELAC Summit

Homero Figueroa, the spokesperson for the Presidency, shared a video on social media platforms belonging to the Presidency and Communications, announcing that President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic and President Emmanuel Macron of France shared a handshake at the European Union-CELAC Summit in Brussels, Belgium.

During this significant event, which brings together leaders from Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean, both presidents had the opportunity to engage in a brief conversation. President Macron approached President Abinader, greeted him cordially, and the two leaders engaged in a dialogue for several minutes.

According to Figueroa, this summit has provided President Abinader with the chance to exchange ideas and opinions with prominent world leaders, which is advantageous for the Dominican Republic, especially during a time when bilateral relations, cooperation, and solidarity play a crucial role.

Furthermore, it is worth highlighting that President Abinader has also had fruitful exchanges with leaders from Jamaica, Barbados, Guyana, Spain, Ecuador, and other countries during the summit. These meetings have strengthened the ties between the Dominican Republic and these nations, creating new opportunities for collaboration across various areas.

The Presidency’s spokesperson emphasized President Abinader’s commitment to promoting the development and progress of the Dominican Republic. His participation in the EU-CELAC Summit reflects this commitment. Through dialogue and international cooperation, he aims to foster the prosperity and well-being of the Dominican population.

Figueroa emphasized that the Dominican Republic’s government values the meetings held during the summit and reiterates its dedication to active and constructive diplomacy. The country will continue to strengthen relationships with friendly nations and work together to address global challenges and achieve common goals.

Boca Chica potential for investment in tourism and industry highlighted

Boca Chica.- According to Tania Ramírez, the president of the Association of Industries and Companies of Boca Chica (Abocachica), the Boca Chica area holds the third position as the most significant industrial hub in the Dominican Republic and is the number one multisector with an investment of 1.7 billion dollars.

During a meeting with the Minister of Economy, Planning, and Development, Pavel Isa, Ramírez highlighted Boca Chica as a dynamic and rapidly growing commercial and economic center, making it an ideal location for attracting private, national, and international investments. The available areas for investment include tourism, industry, the communication system, technology, education, various services, and sports.

Ramírez emphasized that Boca Chica boasts several key assets, such as the country’s main international airport, the first natural gas terminal, AES Dominicana (an important electric power generator), and DP World Dominicana (the most significant port operator in the Caribbean region). Additionally, Boca Chica houses the first gas pipeline in the country and the Network Access Technology Center (Network), which stores vast amounts of information data from local and foreign companies.

Minister Pavel Isa described the meeting as of paramount importance, aiming to foster synergies between businesses, the government, and social actors to stimulate the productive ecosystem of Boca Chica. The meeting was attended by hoteliers, businessmen, industrialists from various sectors, representatives from service companies, special guests, and members of the Boca Chica community.

President of the European Union defines the Dominican Republic as her main trading partner

Santo Domingo.- According to the President of the European Union, Ursula Von Der Leyen, the Dominican Republic has been defined as the main trading partner of the European Union (EU). After meeting with President Abinader during the European Union-CELAC Summit in Brussels, Belgium, Von Der Leyen expressed this sentiment in a tweet.

In her tweet, Von Der Leyen highlighted that the Dominican Republic holds the position of the EU’s largest trading partner in the Caribbean. She also conveyed the EU’s support for a green transition that benefits everyone and mentioned the readiness of the #GlobalGateway to provide investments for vital infrastructure.

Prior to the tweet, the President of the European Commission had a half-hour meeting with President Abinader.

Exports from Free Zones exceed 4 billion dollars in the first half of 2023

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Association of Free Zones (ADOZONA) has hailed the historic performance of the sector in the first half of the year. According to data from the General Directorate of Customs, exports from free zones accounted for 64.8% of the total exported, reaching a value of $4 billion. This marks the first time that exports from free zones in the Dominican Republic have exceeded $4 billion in the first semester.

Luis José Bonilla Bojos, president of ADOZONA, emphasized the continuous growth of the sector and highlighted the significance of free zones in the Dominican economy. He expressed that surpassing $4 billion in exports from free zones in the first half of the year is a historic milestone.

The month of June saw an 8.4% increase in exports, reaching $767.47 million compared to $708.31 million in June 2022. This growth follows the record-breaking performance in May 2023, where exports grew by 10.61% and exceeded the previous year’s results.

The accumulated value of exports for the first semester showed a slight growth of 2.9% compared to the same period in the previous year, amounting to $4 billion. ADOZONA reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with its members and relevant authorities to create a favorable environment for the development of the free zone sector in the Dominican Republic.

Condé Nast Traveler - The 28 most beautiful places in the Caribbean

Altos de Chavón, Dominican Republic

For an uncanny slice of Europe in the Caribbean, head to Altos de Chavón, an exact replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village located in the Dominican Republic. This charming little village opened to the public in 1982 and remains a popular tourist attraction thanks to its restaurants and artisan shops, 5,000-seat amphitheater (Frank Sinatra and Elton John have held concerts here, among many others), and unparalleled views over the Chavón River.

Tony Raful holds an inter-institutional meeting with senior Italian representatives from different sectors

Ambassador Tony Raful recently conducted an inter-institutional meeting with prominent Italian representatives in the fields of culture, science, sports, and defense diplomacy. The meeting, led by the NGO Visionando and attended by lawyer Antonella Succi and Lic. Licia Colombo, aimed to foster joint initiatives and promote inter-institutional cooperation.

During the meeting, Ambassador Raful, accompanied by Michelle Guzmán from the commercial section and Joaquín Taveras from the cooperation and culture section, expressed gratitude to the attendees. They exchanged opinions and discussed collaborative projects for the development and implementation of actions to enhance inter-institutional cooperation.

Ambassador Raful presented a comprehensive overview of relevant aspects of cooperation for the Dominican Republic, including commercial, academic, and cultural projects outlined in the Mission’s operational plan. These projects encompassed initiatives such as the exhibition of the Cemí archaeological piece of Taino cotton from the University of Turin, cooperation and trade agreements, orange tourism, naval exchange in anticipation of the arrival of the Amerigo Vespucci at the port of Santo Domingo, and participation in upcoming sports events like the Milano Cortina Games in 2026.

The meeting was attended by various distinguished individuals, including Honorable Sandra Cioffi, a Deputy of the Republic, Professor Broz from the American University of Science and Technology, Vincenzo Sanasi d’Arpe, President of the World Food Program Italy (WFP Italy), Raimondo Astarita, Commissioner of the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Games, and members of the Grimaldi Alliance law firm, with lawyer Stefano Bianchi playing a significant role in the mediation. Lawyer Lieutenant Colonel Federica Mondani represented the Italian Armed Forces.

Possible pitfalls in your Real Estate purchase contract in the Dominican Republic

The most critical part of the real estate buying process in the Dominican Republic is reviewing the purchase contract. In the Dominican Republic, as with most countries, an agreement between two parties is binding as long as it does not violate the country’s laws. So, once you’ve signed the purchase contract, you’re obligated to whatever terms you’ve agreed to.

Many foreigners like to go the “Do it Yourself” or “DIY” route to save money when reviewing and negotiating purchase contracts. And if you’re going at this alone, especially buying property outside of your home country, you’ll ultimately end up agreeing to some unfavorable terms and clauses.

To avoid any issues, retain an attorney specializing in real estate in the DR.

Here are five purchase contract details that buyers and their attorneys must pay attention to:
1. The Contract Language
2. Force Majeure
3. Developer Penalties
4. One-Year Guarantee
5. Agreed To vs. Delivered Unit Size

The Contract Language

Developers in the Dominican Republic will often present English-speaking buyers with contracts in Spanish. Whether you have an attorney or not, you need to request an English version of the purchase contract. You’ve got to be able to read and understand what you are signing.

Force Majeure

Force majeure applies to acts of God like earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, or lightning strikes. However, some developers may include things like construction permit delays or sub-contractors not delivering on time in the force majeure clause in the contract. These types of incidents do not apply to force majeure, and your attorney should insist on getting these types of stipulations removed.

Developer Penalties

You want to purchase a unit, and the developer says they plan to deliver it by January 2024. What happens if construction is delayed for a year, and you get your unit in January 2025?

Your attorney should negotiate penalty terms with the developer if construction is delayed.

How would you calculate the penalty amount? If you were planning to use the unit as a short-term rental, you’re missing out on months of potential rental income. So, your attorney would use your projected monthly rental losses due to the delay to negotiate penalty terms with the developer.

One-Year Guarantee

In Dominican law, there is a one-year guarantee on new builds. So, suppose there are issues (structural, plumbing, electrical, etc.) within one year after the delivery of your unit. In that case, the developer is obligated to remedy and repair it regardless of the cost they incur.

However, in some instances, developers may have a construction guarantee clause in the purchase contract that goes up to 3 to 6 months. And, if you or your attorney misses that and you sign that contract, you’ve just agreed to give up 6 to 9 months of the guarantee period that the law allows to you.

Agreed To vs. Delivered Unit Size

There are some cases, specifically if you buy in preconstruction, where the developer will have a clause in the contract that says if there is variation in the size of the unit upon delivery, the price stays the same.

So, if you purchased (agreed to) a 300 square meter (3,229 square feet) condo unit at $120,000 or $400 per square meter in preconstruction and at delivery, your unit is 250 square meters (2,690 square feet), you’d still be on the hook for $120,000, and you’re getting 50 square meters (538 square feet) less than you agreed to. That’s a $20,000 loss in per-square-meter terms.

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Maria Abreu is the CEO and Managing Attorney of Abreu & Associates, a law firm practicing exclusively in Dominican Republic Immigration and Nationality law. She is also the founder of Retire and Invest DR. This organization hosts conference events for foreigners interested in living, retiring, and investing in the DR. You can contact Maria at: mabreu@abreuimmigration.com.

Government of the United States praises efforts of the Interior and Police in police reform in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- The Government of the United States has commended the Dominican authorities, specifically the Ministry of Interior and Police, for their significant efforts in implementing important and necessary police reforms. The U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic expressed its support and highlighted a meeting between its Business Manager, Isiah Parnell, and the Minister of Interior and Police, Jesús Vásquez Martínez.

In a series of tweets, the U.S. government expressed pride in its role of providing training, technological support, collaboration for supervision and accountability, and assistance to the polygraph unit as part of its support for police reform in the Dominican Republic. They used the hashtag #SeguridadparaTodos (Security for All) to emphasize their commitment to enhancing citizen safety.

During the private meeting between Parnell and Minister Vásquez Martínez, the latter provided detailed information about the progress of police reform. The minister explained initiatives such as the “Back to the Neighborhood” program and the training for a “Network of Community Leaders Mediating Conflicts for Peaceful Coexistence.” These programs aim to prevent and reduce crime, improve citizen security, and combat community violence.

The U.S. delegation accompanying Parnell included the deputy chief of narcotics, Paul Butki; the head of the political section, Tea Bryan; and Rebeca Latorraca, the country director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Minister Vásquez Martínez was accompanied by Víctor Benavides, the director of the ministerial Cabinet. The positive evaluations from the U.S. diplomatic mission reflect their recognition of the Dominican government’s efforts in police reform.

Real estate projects represent 42% of tourism investments in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- The business sector has recognized the evolving travel landscape, leading to a significant shift in investment patterns. Statistics from the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) indicate that real estate constructions account for 42% of investments in the travel and tourism sector, amounting to US$4.5 billion out of a total of US$10.7 billion as of July 2023.

Hotel investments follow closely at 41%, totaling US$4.4 billion, while undefined investments make up 10% with US$1,072 million. Infrastructure investments represent the remaining 7%, amounting to US$756 million, as reported by Mitur.

Minister of Tourism, David Collado, sees these figures as a testament to the private sector’s support for the sector’s growth. He concurs with Vice Minister of Tourism, Jacqueline Mora, who noted that there are 187 approved investment projects by the Tourism Promotion Council (Confotur).

The Minister emphasized that real estate stands out as the primary focus of investment. He stated, “Construction has played a vital role in recent years; infrastructure is indispensable for tourism, and Ciudad Corazón has been at the forefront of real estate tourism.”

APORDOM closes the first half of 2023 in record numbers with the arrival of cruise ships to the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- In June 2023, cruise tourism in the Dominican Republic reached remarkable heights, as reported by the Dominican Port Authority (APORDOM). A total of 144,525 cruise passengers arrived on 44 vessels during the month, contributing to a robust first semester with a total of 1,266,732 passengers by sea.

These results showcase the enduring appeal of Dominican destinations, effective management in collaboration with the private sector, substantial investments in terminals, and the trust placed by major cruise lines in the country.

Throughout June, the Dominican port terminals welcomed diverse ships from various parts of the world. Among the 44 cruise ships, 15 docked at the Amber Cove terminal, 12 at Taíno Bay, 4 at La Romana, and 14 ferries arrived in Santo Domingo. These terminals are favored by cruise lines due to their modern infrastructure and the authentic experiences they offer to passengers.

The figures for June 2023 are particularly noteworthy when compared to the same period in the previous year. In June 2022, the Dominican Republic received 78,279 cruise passengers, indicating a significant growth of 84% in visitor numbers choosing the country as a destination for their cruise vacations.

Furthermore, it is important to highlight that the total number of cruise passengers in 2022 amounted to 1,325,442. With the impressive performance in the first half of 2023, the country is on track to surpass these figures and sustain the growth of cruise tourism in the Dominican Republic.

Jean Luis Rodríguez, the executive director of the Dominican Port Authority, expressed satisfaction with the June report and emphasized the significance of cruise tourism for the country’s economy. He stated, “We are delighted to witness the continuous growth of cruise tourism in the Dominican Republic. These record-breaking numbers and the 84% increase compared to June last year underscore the allure and quality of our terminals and destinations. Working closely with Minister David Collado, we will continue our dedicated efforts to provide exceptional experiences to our visitors and solidify our position as the most appealing and hospitable destination in the Caribbean.”

Dominican Republic reaches historical record of 5.3 million tourists in the first semester

Santo Domingo.- Minister of Tourism, David Collado, announced that the Dominican Republic has achieved a significant milestone by receiving over 5.3 million visitors in the first six months of 2023. This accomplishment, according to Collado’s projections, indicates that the country is on track to achieve its goal of welcoming 10 million tourists.

During a lunch event attended by the governor of the Central Bank, Héctor Valdez Albizu, Collado presented the tourism performance results for the first half of the year. He revealed that in June alone, the country received 707,283 tourists, reflecting a growth of 21% compared to 2018, 20% compared to 2019, and 10% compared to 2022.

Collado emphasized that from January to June, the Dominican Republic welcomed 4,086,675 tourists by air, marking the highest number of visitors in a six-month period in the country’s history.

Additionally, Collado highlighted the sustained growth in the arrival of cruise passengers through various ports. He noted that during the first six months of the year, the country welcomed 1,267,451 cruise passengers, a record figure.

Combining the numbers of visitors by air and sea, the Dominican Republic received a historic total of 5,354,126 people, as stated by the minister.

Collado reiterated his confidence in reaching the goal of 10 million visitors, emphasizing that achieving the arrival of 5.3 million tourists by mid-year sets a strong foundation for this target.

The population of the Dominican Republic has grown around 11.7 times in almost 100 years

Santo Domingo.- The population of the Dominican Republic has experienced significant growth since the first national census was conducted. From the initial census in 1921, which counted approximately 895,000 people, to the most recent census in 2010, the population has grown around 11.7 times its original size.

In the 1920s, under the governance of General Thomas Snowden, the first national census was ordered, revealing a population of around 895,000 Dominicans. Over the following years, successive censuses showed a rapid increase in the Dominican population, reaching over one million people during the rule of Rafael Leónidas Trujillo Molina.

By the time of the 2010 census, conducted during the last term of government under Leonel Fernández, the population had reached 10 million people.

In November 2022, the Tenth National Population and Housing Census was conducted. However, the official results are still pending. The National Statistics Office (ONE) announced that the post-registration stage would conclude by the end of the first quarter of 2023, with preliminary results expected to be available in the third quarter.

The ONE reported the successful completion of the initial post-registration stage, which involved reviewing and integrating the census database. They are now focused on evaluating the coverage and quality of the census in preparation for the release of preliminary results.