Spanish business delegation explores investment opportunities in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- The Embassy of the Dominican Republic in the Kingdom of Spain has announced the imminent arrival of a delegation of Spanish businessmen who will be exploring investment opportunities in the Caribbean nation. Comprising representatives from 12 companies and 2 institutions, the trade mission will be in the Dominican Republic from April 17 to 26, aiming to forge commercial relationships and pinpoint investment prospects.

The delegation will include executives from prominent companies such as Soltec Ingenieros SL, Aquética Ingeniería SL, Sabico Seguridad SA, Welgood Solutions Technologies, SL, and Sielvigo SL, all affiliated with the Cluster Association of Engineering, Consulting, and Technological Services Companies of Galicia (AGEINCO). Additionally, they will be accompanied by the Director of Internationalization of the Galician Institute for Economic Promotion (IGAPE).

Furthermore, six Galician companies will express their interest in investing in the development of real estate tourism in the Punta Cana region. Among the participants is Power Glen SL, associated with the Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations CEOE-CEPYME Guadalajara. This company will leverage its presence in the Dominican Republic to take part in the Dominican Republic Logistic Summit 2024, focused on exploring the opportunities presented by the country as the primary Logistics Hub in the region and establishing high-value strategic alliances.

The coordination of this trade mission stemmed from Ambassador Juan Bolívar Díaz’s visit to the Autonomous Community of Galicia in November 2023. During this visit, the ambassador conducted meetings with various unions and business associations, accompanied by the Head of the Commercial Section of the Embassy, Mr. José Manuel Vargas D’Oleo. It is anticipated that this gathering in the Dominican Republic will further fortify commercial ties between the two countries.

Mitur emphasizes essential role of territorial planning

Santo Domingo..- Minister of Tourism David Collado emphasized the critical importance of territorial planning to prevent uncontrolled expansion across the national landscape, citing the cautionary tale of Bávaro and Punta Cana.

“It’s imperative that we learn from the unchecked growth experienced in Bávaro and Punta Cana, ensuring that emerging tourist destinations like Miches avoid similar pitfalls,” Collado asserted. He underscored the necessity of implementing local and corrective measures in areas where rapid and disproportionate development has occurred.

In pursuit of this goal, Collado convened a meeting with the Dominican Federation of Municipalities (Fedomu) to establish an agreement on comprehensive territorial planning initiatives spanning the entire country.

Addressing the state of tourism in the Dominican Republic, the minister highlighted the government’s proactive approach in managing various challenges through robust international promotion efforts, underscoring the stability and tranquility prevalent across the nation’s tourist hotspots.

“Our tourism sector continues to show resilience and growth, buoyed by ongoing promotional efforts. For instance, next week, we are hosting the prestigious PGA Tour in Punta Cana, with a viewership exceeding 10.7 million Americans,” Collado stated. He emphasized that such high-profile events serve as testament to the nation’s stability, reinforcing confidence in its tourism offerings.

“Furthermore, tomorrow, we’ll present our quarterly tourism statistics during a meeting with Asonahores in Punta Cana. Preliminary indicators point towards sustained growth and stability,” Collado added.

Collado also provided an update on the Ministry of Tourism’s ongoing initiative to reclaim public spaces and beaches nationwide, underscoring the government’s commitment to preserving and enhancing the country’s natural assets for both residents and visitors alike.

Heavy rainfall triggers flooding in Samaná

Samaná, DR.- The Civil Defense issued a report this Monday indicating that the rivers of Las Terrenas and the Caño Seco ravine in Samaná have overflowed due to heavy rainfall caused by a trough.

As of the preliminary report released by the organization at 10:00 p.m., the extent of the impact on people and homes remains unknown.

Various State agencies are dispatching brigades to the affected area to provide assistance.

The Emergency Operations Center (COE) announced on Monday afternoon that 18 provinces are under alert due to the effects of the trough across several regions including the northeast, southeast, north, Central mountain range, and the border area.

Among these provinces, Greater Santo Domingo is under a yellow alert, while La Vega, Monseñor Nouel, Duarte, San Cristóbal, Espaillat, Santiago, La Altagracia, La Romana, El Seibo, Hermanas Mirabal, María Trinidad Sánchez, Puerto Plata, Hato Mayor, San Pedro de Macorís, Samaná, Sánchez Ramírez, and Monte Plata are also under alert.

Dominican Republic sees 3.2 million visitors in 1st quarter

Punta Cana, DR.- Tourism Minister David Collado announced on Tuesday that the Dominican Republic continues to smash visitor arrival records. In the first three months of the year alone, the country welcomed a staggering 3.2 million visitors.

That impressive number includes 1.1 million visitors in March, a 16% increase compared to the same month last year. Collado also revealed a breakdown of arrivals, with 836,502 tourists arriving by air and 267,768 by sea.

“We continue to reach spectacular figures: 1,104,270 visitors last month, which gives us the magic number of 3,226,484 in the first three months of this year, something never seen before in the history of Dominican tourism,” Minister Collado said when presenting the sector’s performance during an activity in Punta Cana, where the main players in the industry participated.

The official said that the arrival of 836,502 tourists by air last month is only comparable to the Christmas season.

He expressed that this figure reflects a growth of 13% compared to March of last year, 35% compared to 2022 and 24% compared to 2019.

Collado pointed out that this historic growth is also reflected in the cruise ship area, with the arrival of 267,768 visitors by sea in March alone, rising to 1,104,270 cruise passengers in the January-March 2024 period.

He explained that the countries that contributed the most tourists in March and the first quarter of this year were the United States with 49%, Canada with 23%, Colombia and Argentina with 3%.

The airports that received the most tourists were Punta Cana with 61%, Las Américas 21%, Cibao 10%, Puerto Plata 7% and La Romana with 1%.

Arajet: over 250,000 passengers flown in first quarter of 2024

Santo Domingo.- In March, Arajet, the Caribbean’s budget airline, transported over 64,000 passengers, excluding transit passengers, according to the report on Dominican airline traffic released by the Civil Aviation Board of the Dominican Republic.

With these figures, Arajet reinforces its position as the leading airline in the Dominican market, having transported over 250,000 passengers, including transit passengers, in the first quarter of 2024.

Arajet emphasized, in a statement to the media, that the JAC report underscores its status as the national airline with the highest air activity, accounting for 79% of operations in the Dominican Republic. This achievement is attributed to its extensive network linking the American continent with 23 routes across 16 countries.

Victor Pacheco Méndez, CEO & Founder of Arajet, stressed that achieving these numbers reflects the airline’s commitment to providing quality service with international standards, ensuring passengers a memorable travel experience.

“We extend our gratitude to the passengers who have chosen Arajet as their preferred airline for connecting with other cities across the continent aboard our modern and comfortable aircraft,” said Pacheco Méndez. He further noted that when transit passengers are included, the total for March surpassed 80,000 passengers, marking the second-best month in the airline’s history, surpassed only by January 2024.

Additionally, Arajet has solidified its position as the second airline with the highest passenger traffic at Las Américas International Airport, surpassing major traditional airlines.

According to the JAC report, SkyHigh Aviation ranked as the second busiest Dominican airline, transporting 11,624 passengers, while Air Century came in third with 3,903 passengers.

6th edition of the National Awards for Dominican Gastronomy

Santo Domingo.- On April 16, the National Awards for Dominican Gastronomy will take center stage as the AGH (National Association of Gastronomy and Hospitality) hosts the prestigious event. Invitations have been extended to nominees, media representatives, and associates of the industry.

These awards, known as PNGD, represent the highest accolades within the gastronomic and hospitality sector, conferred by the AGH. Renowned professionals, business leaders, and influential figures from both the social and gastronomic realms are expected to grace the ceremony. Endorsed by key organizations and segments within the Dominican Gastronomic Industry, the awards reflect excellence and innovation in culinary endeavors.

The selection process spanned three months, involving digital nominations from the general public, industry professionals, and companies. With an active participation exceeding fifteen thousand votes, the trends were subsequently reviewed and voted upon by a committee comprising over 50 recognized experts from the country’s gastronomic sphere.

The awards encompass four primary categories, each celebrating distinct aspects of gastronomic achievement:

1. Gastronomic Excellence Award: Recognizing excellence in gastronomic offerings and operations.

2. Gastronomic Communication Award: Honoring media outlets distinguished for their gastronomic content across various platforms.

3. Award for Initiative in Gastronomy: Acknowledging individuals, companies, or institutions driving innovation and positive impact within the gastronomic sector.

4. Lifetime Achievement Award: Commending the significant contributions and careers of individuals and institutions in the gastronomy and food and beverage industry.

Additionally, there are several subcategories encompassing diverse facets of the culinary landscape, including restaurants, hotels, chefs, bartenders, and specialized services.

Established in 2014, the PNGD aims to fortify the gastronomic sector by amplifying the voices of enthusiasts, professionals, and industry players. Hosted by Host 360 Marketing Group and sponsored by Propagas, NTD Ingredientes, Hotel Catalonia, and Carballo, with the collaboration of El Catador, Barceló, Alorens Foods, and Arla Foods, the event promises to showcase excellence and innovation in Dominican gastronomy.

For a comprehensive list of nominees and winners, visit the AGH website at www.aghrd.com.

Expo Construcción Puerto Plata fosters business opportunities

Puerto Plata.- The fourth edition of the Expo Construcción Puerto Plata kicked off on Friday at the Blue Jack Tar Convention Center in Playa Dorada. Professionals and over fifty brands from the construction sector across the Dominican Republic will gather there until Sunday.

Dedicated to the distinguished career of engineer Rafael (Kuky) Silverio, the event aims to showcase industry trends, promote knowledge sharing, and foster business opportunities. It also seeks to enrich the participant experience by presenting the current landscape of the construction sector, which continues to gain prominence within the Dominican economy.

Aneury Pilar, the Expo president, expressed his gratitude to all the brands supporting the initiative to promote Dominican productive dynamism. He also presented several awards, including one to the Minister of Public Works, Deligne Ascención Burgos, Andrés Marranzini (director of the Punta Bergantín project), Isely Almanzar (real estate advisor and businesswoman), and Daniel Fernández Delgado (director of Green One, a socio-commercial project launched during the ceremony).

The event drew the participation of prominent figures, including provincial governor Claritza Rochtte de Senior, Senator Ginette Bournigal, and Mileyka Brugal, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Free Zone of Puerto Plata. These authorities and influential personalities from both the public and private sectors acknowledged the importance of continuing to support the development of the North region through specialized events like Expo Construcción Puerto Plata.

On Saturday and Sunday, starting at 10:00 AM, the Expo will offer master classes featuring specialized training and workshops provided by participating brands and institutions.

The fourth edition of Expo Construcción Puerto Plata enjoys the support of numerous companies, including Autozama, Reidco Equipos Pesados, IMCA CAT, Teselta RD, Grupo Bonanza RD, Equimax RD, PanelDom, Tecnimetro, Lanco Dominicana, Plásticos Comerciales, Grupo KSI, Opal Project, Colchones del Yaque, Constructora Dualma, Cype Dominicana, Grupo Grabo Estilo, Constructora MAR, Ministry of Public Works and Communications, Green One, Constructora Incsa, APROCOVICI, ASODAGRIM, CODIA, AEI Zona Norte, and Kinoxx.

Tourism leads in attracting foreign direct investment in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo—Tourism and energy activities represent the main sources of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the Dominican Republic. FDI reached US$4.39 billion in 2023, surpassing Costa Rica’s leadership in 2020, 2021, and 2023.

Statistical data from the Export and Investment Center of the Dominican Republic (ProDominicana) show a growth in foreign investments in the tourism sector between 2022 and 2023, going from US$1,050 million to US$1,182.1 million.

The energy sector increased significantly from US$749 million to US$1,071.1 million between 2022 and 2023.

The growing sectors are commerce, real estate, free trade zones, mining, and finance.

The most significant foreign investments in the country come from the United States, followed by Spain, Mexico, and Canada.

The Foreign Investment Law 16-95 is applied in the country. The total amount of FDI reached by the government in 2023 was US$4,390.2 million, equivalent to a growth of 7.11 % in 2022.

Costa Rica registered an amount of US$3,921 million of foreign investment, for a growth of 131 % concerning the US$3,000 million obtained in 2022, according to Listín Diario.

INFOTEP certifies 35 to fuel Pedernales’ tourism boom

Pedernales, DR.- The National Institute of Technical and Vocational Training (INFOTEP) and the Genera ITM Foundation joined forces to certify 35 participants in six training programs designed to equip them for the burgeoning tourism sector in Pedernales.

These newly certified professionals completed courses in areas like “5S Techniques for Continuous Improvement,” “Development of Essential Skills for Customer Service,” and “Hygiene, Handling, and Food Safety,” ensuring they possess the skills necessary to meet the rising demand for qualified labor in the province.

Elvis Céspedes, deputy head of INFOTEP’s Southern Regional Directorate, emphasized that these training initiatives directly support President Luis Abinader’s vision for the Enriquillo region, encompassing the provinces of Barahona, Pedernales, Bahoruco, and Independencia.

The collaboration with Genera ITM specifically aims to prepare the local workforce for the job opportunities emerging from the development of Cabo Rojo and the overall growth of Pedernales’ tourism sector. Lludy Terrero, director of the Genera Foundation, expressed confidence that these graduates possess the necessary qualifications to be competitive in the local job market, including potential employment with the Port Cabo Rojo project.

INFOTEP’s commitment to Pedernales extends beyond this recent certification. Between 2021 and 2023, the institute has delivered over 350 training programs, impacting more than 6,480 participants and providing over 38,454 hours of instruction. The areas of greatest focus have included Hospitality and Tourism, Administration, Food Preparation, and various technical skills.

Furthermore, a comprehensive training program was developed in 2023 in partnership with ITM, the company leading the construction of Cabo Rojo Port. This program specifically targeted individuals from local communities, equipping them for various port-related roles and complementing the existing workforce. Training modules included Bar and Restaurant Management, Food and Beverage Preparation, and essential safety certifications.

The Genera ITM Foundation, a non-profit organization, plays a crucial role in these initiatives. Their mission centers on environmental and cultural preservation, alongside promoting economic development and fostering decent employment opportunities within the communities they serve. Their strategic programs prioritize human rights with a cultural focus, while also encouraging the creation of small and medium-sized businesses.

With a skilled and prepared local workforce, Pedernales positions itself to thrive within the Dominican Republic’s growing tourism sector.

How does the Dominican Republic find National Coffee Day?

Santo Domingo — The director of the Dominican Coffee Institute (INDOCAFE), Leonidas Batista, reported that 49.3 million coffee plants have been planted in this administration, 18.43% more than in the 2016-20 period, when 40.7 million plants of that crop were planted.

He said that this increase in coffee plantations, 9.3 million plants, was supported by the loans granted by the Agricultural Bank to coffee growers at zero rates and 6% and 8%, just in time to plant, fertilize, and fumigate.

Leonidas Batista
That allowed 168,958 tareas to be planted in this government administration, up from 129,678 tareas in the 2016-20 administration, an increase of 23.25%, Batista indicated when interviewed on National Coffee Day.

He noted that during this period, 1,382,583.55 quintals of coffee were produced, an increase of 42.64% compared to 2016-20 when production was 791,782 quintals.

The official stated that during the last government, 120,061.97 quintals of coffee were exported, and during this administration, 281,891.89 quintals have been exported, an increase of 54.22%.

He added that in terms of foreign exchange income from grain exports, US$31,106,817.98 entered the country in the previous period, while US$65,413,849.68 entered the country in this administration.

Batista indicated that, in support of coffee production and commercialization, 2,051 loans were granted in the September 2020-23 period for a total of RD$1,337,844,448, while in the previous period, 1,146 loans were given for RD$817,318,609, with an interest rate of over 12%.

The head of the department pointed out that other relevant social achievements are the repair of 3,585 km of roads and bridle paths, the support of the children of coffee-growing families with 286 scholarships in different areas of knowledge, 108 solidarity pensions, and 5,754 families, including in Senasa Insurance.

He said that to strengthen the coffee value chain, President Luis Abinader has developed activities aimed at articulating, coordinating, and implementing effective policies and actions to increase production, generate wealth, and improve the quality of life of coffee-growing communities.

Leonidas Batista said that coffee production is characterized by being mostly in the hands of small producers. It constitutes the main economic activity in the mountain zone, which is distributed in 26 provinces and 68 municipalities of the country’s main mountain ranges.

PUCMM launches degree in Gastronomy and Culinary Arts

Santo Domingo.- In an effort to enhance specialized academic training in the development of tourism within the country, the School of Tourism and Gastronomy at the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra launched the degree program in Gastronomy and Culinary Arts this Thursday, marking the first of its kind in the country.

Directors of the School of Tourism in Santo Domingo and Santiago, Ina Percival and Kenia Rodríguez, respectively, presented the details of this innovative degree program, which has already enrolled approximately 60 students across both campuses.

The program addresses the growing demand for skilled professionals in the field of gastronomy and emphasizes the preservation, promotion, and enhancement of local culinary heritage, which plays a crucial role in the Dominican tourism industry. Available for both in-person learning at the Santo Domingo and Santiago campuses, the degree program spans four years and comprises 188 credits.

Percival highlighted that the curriculum is designed to provide students with theoretical and practical training, covering fundamental cooking techniques and exploring the history and evolution of gastronomy, as well as its societal impact. Unlike technical courses that focus on middle management, this degree aims to cultivate leaders capable of planning, organizing, supervising, and directing gastronomic operations at all levels.

“Gastronomy not only nourishes the body but also the soul, forming an integral part of the tourist experience that travelers seek when exploring a destination,” Percival remarked. “As an academic institution, we bear the responsibility of elevating our gastronomy and preserving our native dishes, which are intrinsic to our identity and culture.”

Meanwhile, Kenia Rodríguez emphasized that the degree program will foster further research and innovation in the field of gastronomy.

The curriculum encompasses specialized courses in both national and international cuisine, restaurant management, certifications, oenology, nutrition, and other relevant areas.

“The University’s aim is to internationalize local gastronomy by offering academic programs aligned with global trends,” Rodríguez stated.

To showcase the practical aspect of the program, university students organized a gastronomic experience featuring typical Dominican dishes. The event took place in one of the state-of-the-art kitchen laboratories available to the School of Tourism and Gastronomy.

Sur Futuro and Ministry of Tourism welcoming cruise passengers to Pedernales

Santo Domingo.- The Sur Futuro Foundation, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and local organizations in Pedernales, played a key role in preparations to ensure exceptional hospitality for visitors during the arrival of the second cruise at the port of Cabo Rojo.

This endeavor holds immense significance for Sur Futuro as it represents an opportunity to uplift the living standards of a region that has long endured poverty and neglect. The arrival of Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam cruise ship, carrying 2,666 visitors and 874 crew members, illuminated prospects of progress and prosperity for Pedernales and the Enriquillo region.

Tourists were treated to an array of eco-friendly and artisanal destinations, promoting sustainable tourism in the area. Over 250 individuals, including tour guides, musical bands, folkloric ensembles, baton twirlers, and carnival performers, actively participated in activities organized by MITUR and Sur Futuro. These events offered visitors insights into the cultural and environmental richness of Pedernales, Juancho, La Colonia, Barahona, Bahoruco, and Cabral.

Sur Futuro also undertook the responsibility of enhancing facilities at the Pedernales Sociocultural Club. This included restroom renovations, door and lock repairs, painting, installation of new water connections, and placement of trash bins along Duarte Avenue. Additionally, municipal bathrooms along the boardwalk were cleaned and refurbished, thereby enhancing local infrastructure for the benefit of both the community and tourists.

Moving forward, Sur Futuro, in collaboration with various stakeholders such as the Ministry of Tourism, the Directorate of Public-Private Alliances, the ITM Foundation, and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Mypimes, will continue to focus on educational and training programs in tourist culture for the local community. Moreover, efforts will be made towards watershed restoration to ensure sustainable water sources, aligning with the region’s development goals.

These programs will engage artists, folklorists, schools, artisans, and tourist guides, imparting valuable life skills and promoting climate change adaptation. Ultimately, the aim is to enrich the cultural and tourist offerings of the region, fostering its growth and resilience.

Dominican Republic enhances air connectivity with France

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader and Minister of Tourism David Collado convened with Cristine Ourmieres, CEO of Air Caraïbes, reaffirming the imminent launch of a direct flight from Paris to Santo Domingo. Additionally, they coordinated the continuation of the seven weekly flights to the tourist hotspot of Punta Cana, aiming to fortify the country’s tourism sector. The meeting, hosted at the National Palace, also saw the participation of Paola Rainieri, Chief Marketing Officer of the Puntacana Group, to ensure the continuity of the aforementioned flight operations through the Punta Cana airport.

Collado shared the developments on social media, stating, “Today, alongside Air Caraïbes, with whom we are bolstering our tourism efforts in the French market, we engaged in productive discussions with its leadership team, committed to exploring new avenues to enhance our air connectivity with France.” He reiterated the significance of strengthening air connectivity with France in boosting tourism in the Dominican Republic.

Marella Cruises chooses Dominican Republic as home port

Santo Domingo.- Minister of Tourism David Collado announced that Marella Cruises has selected the Dominican Republic as its home port in La Romana, with weekly visits planned during the winter season. This decision will result in the arrival of four flights from England each time the Explorer 2 docks in Dominican ports.

The agreement was reached during the Dominican Republic’s participation in the Seatrade Cruise Global 2024, which Minister Collado described as highly successful.

“Another milestone towards our goal of becoming the top destination for cruise tourists,” remarked Collado on his social media platforms. “Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) at this event, where we showcased the dynamism, culture, and warmth of our people to the world.”

Collado emphasized, “Let’s continue to strive for more tourism opportunities for our country and its people!”

Médico Express leading medical tourism certification

Santo Domingo.- Through an inter-institutional agreement with Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA), the Médico Express San Isidro outpatient health center is set to become the first healthcare service provider in the Dominican Republic and the wider Caribbean region to attain GHA Certification for Excellence in Medical Tourism Patient Experience.

This certification, facilitated by GHA, will equip the clinical and administrative staff of this center with training and tools necessary for enhancing its standards of excellence in quality and experience for both local and international patients. By optimizing their medical tourism programs, the center aims to bolster confidence in the country as a secure health tourism destination.

The agreement signing ceremony saw the participation of Renée Marie Stephano, Executive President of GHA and founder of the Medical Tourism Association (MTA), Alejandro Cambiaso, Executive President of Médico Express, Vice President Francesco Fino, and other key executives including Felipe Amador, CEO of Advanced Capital Group.

Dr. Alejandro Cambiaso expressed his commitment to ensuring world-class care with state-of-the-art technology through this partnership, emphasizing the center’s dedication to the Dominican and tourist populations. Médico Express San Isidro, renowned for its innovative preventive, diagnostic, surgical, and emergency services, is poised to lead in accessibility, medical tourism, and the digital transformation of the Dominican health sector.

The center will soon inaugurate a modern international department aimed at facilitating medical evaluations and procedures for tourists promptly and affordably, thereby contributing to the growth of health tourism in the country.

Medical tourism is a vital economic driver for the Dominican Republic, creating jobs and facilitating knowledge and technology transfer. The eastern region, previously lacking medical services with such standards, stands to benefit significantly from this development.

Renée Marie Stephano highlighted the Dominican Republic’s ranking in the Medical Tourism Index (MTI), where it stands 19th globally and second in Latin America, underscoring its prominence as a premier health tourism destination in the Caribbean.

GHA’s training and certification services will impart essential skills and protocols to Médico Express staff, positioning the center as a hub of excellence and regional reference in medical care and patient experience.

Médico Express will soon launch in the eastern zone, offering a wide range of services including emergency care, clinical laboratory, vaccinations, advanced imaging studies, and various specialized consultations spanning gynecology, pediatrics, psychology, cardiology, dermatology, and more.

Global Healthcare Accreditation, endorsed by the International Society for Quality (ISQua), focuses on improving clinical and administrative processes, prioritizing patient experience and medical care safety in medical tourism.

Portuaria participates in the Seatrade 2024 fair

Miami, US.- Jean Luis Rodríguez, the Executive Director of the Dominican Port Authority (Apordom), is currently attending Seatrade 2024, an event taking place from April 8 to 11 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. This marks the fourth time that the Dominican Port Authority is representing the country at Seatrade, aiming to bolster the cruise industry in Dominican territories. The event attracts national and international authorities, tourism stakeholders, travel enthusiasts, exhibitors from over 100 countries, as well as cruise industry experts and professionals.

“In this fourth edition, our country is proudly participating in Seatrade, the world’s largest cruise trade fair and conference in Miami. Here, we showcase the Dominican Republic’s ports to the global audience. We are making history by transforming our destinations through new cruise terminals. Our goal is to promote these new projects, particularly Cabo Rojo, Barahona, Arroyo Barril, and Samaná Bayport, to further solidify our position as the Cruise Hub of the entire Caribbean,” remarked Jean Luis Rodríguez.

The opening day saw the presence of Geanilda Vásquez, the Consul General of the Dominican Republic in Miami, who accompanied the executive director and his team on a tour of the fair and the Dominican Port Authority stand.

Over the course of three days of exhibitions, business engagements, and virtual tours, representatives and executives from ports, tourist destinations, and cruise service companies in the Dominican Republic will engage with attendees at the fair.

Seatrade Cruise Global focuses its program on conferences featuring key figures in the cruise sector, providing opportunities for negotiations with new cruise lines, exploring destinations worldwide, and enhancing performance in tourist destinations.

The agenda for Seatrade Cruise Global includes a welcome event followed by discussions, private meetings, panel sessions, exhibitions, and more, aimed at fostering collaboration and advancement within the cruise industry.

The potential of electronic and arrival visas for the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- Efforts to position the Dominican Republic as a premier destination for travelers continue, yet the nation still grapples with the absence of facilities for issuing arrival visas and electronic visas, setting it apart from other tourism powerhouses it competes with.

This deficiency contributes to the country’s low score in facilitating tourist visas, as highlighted by the UN Tourism Index. While 29% of countries grant visa-free access, the majority, constituting 71%, mandate traditional visa requirements for entry.

In 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mirex) processed 107,066 visas through its consular offices globally, predominantly comprising Multiple Business (84,236), Simple Tourism (10,282), and Multiple Tourism (5,666) visas. However, despite the availability of electronic visa (e-Visa) processes for certain categories, applicants are still obliged to conclude the process in person, as reported by Diario Libre.

The e-Visa represents a crucial inclusion in the draft of Law 875-78 on Visas, currently under Mirex review. This category aims to align the Dominican Republic with international standards and streamline visa acquisition processes. According to Mirex’s 2023 reports, the adoption of e-Visas would bring the country on par with other nations.

Senator Franklin Romero, representing Duarte province, emphasizes the significance of digital advancements in visa issuance, particularly in bolstering initiatives like his proposal to promote digital nomad tourism. Romero identifies the current bureaucratic hurdles of in-person visa processing and advocates for electronic alternatives to enhance efficiency.

While awaiting deliberation in the Senate Tourism Commission, Romero underscores the necessity of e-Visas, especially for digital nomads who may require work visas with tailored privileges. The potential adoption of electronic visa systems stands to enhance the country’s tourism competitiveness and attractiveness to a global audience.

North American and Canadian visitors dominated January-February 2024 tourism influx

Santo Domingo.- Between January and February, the Dominican Republic welcomed a total of 1,498,061 tourists hailing from various corners of the globe, with North Americans and Canadians dominating the visitor demographics, comprising 67% of the total influx during this period.

Leading the pack were visitors from the United States, with 540,911 arrivals, constituting 41.5% of the overall tourist count, followed closely by Canadians, with 331,974 arrivals, representing 25.5%.

Other notable nationalities included Argentines, accounting for 45,304 visitors (3.5%); Colombians, with 44,688 arrivals (3.4%); and French tourists, numbering 39,856 (3.1%).

Remarkably, in 2023, the Dominican Republic outpaced larger nations such as Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina in attracting air travelers, according to data from the Central Bank.

Emerging and secondary markets also contributed significantly to the tourism landscape, with notable arrivals from Mexico (3,891), Chile (2,929), Puerto Rico (2,166), and other regions.

The Monthly Tourist Flow Report by the Central Bank revealed that 86.8% of visitors arrived in the country for leisure or vacation purposes, with 80% opting to stay in hotels.

Demographically, nearly half (48.5%) of these tourists fell within the 21-49 age bracket, with women comprising 51.3% of the total arrivals, while men accounted for 48.7%.

Expanding Santo Domingo’s hotel scene: 1,500 new rooms in 2024

Santo Domingo.- The tourism sector in Santo Domingo is on an upward trajectory, with the city set to welcome 1,500 new hotel rooms this year, further enhancing its appeal to tourists. Among the new additions are hotels like Marriott, Courtyard Piantini, Hyatt Centric, Kimpton Las Mercedes, and a yet-to-be-revealed American hotel chain, as outlined by Mónika Infante, president of the Santo Tourism Cluster, CTSD.

Infante foresees continued growth in the tourism sector in Santo Domingo, especially with the imminent establishment of a large convention and events center.

The General Director of Aeropuertos Dominicanos Siglo XXI (Aerodom) highlighted the strong collaboration between the public and private sectors and Las Américas International Airport (AILA). He noted a significant surge in air traffic this year, with a growth rate of 12.5%, a substantial increase from the previous 2 or 3%. This surge has prompted new investments in the airport infrastructure to meet the escalating demand.

Plans include the construction of a second terminal, requiring an investment of US$250 million and slated for completion by the summer of 2025. Preliminary work, including soil studies, terminal design, and scheduled demolitions, is already underway.

In addition to the terminal expansion, ongoing renovations at the airport include upgrades to baggage handling systems, expanded parking facilities, and enhancements to the check-in and arrival areas, with an estimated investment of $16 million. These developments are expected to accommodate the surge in passenger traffic, doubling the airport’s capacity to accommodate 11 to 12 million passengers by 2023, according to El Hoy.

Skyhigh plans to connect Miami with Puerto Plata

Miami, Florida—During the trade show, the possibility of connecting Miami and Puerto Plata with a direct flight was raised.

Skyhigh Dominicana Airline plans to open a new flight route from Miami International Airport to Gregorio Luperón International Airport in Puerto Plata after receiving a request from Miami travel agencies and tour operators.

The possibility of connecting the cities of Miami and Puerto Plata with a direct flight was raised during the Dominican Republic Trade Show in Miami, organized by the Ministry of Tourism.

At the event, the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, urged the vice-president of Skyhigh Dominicana, Cesarina Beauchamp, to respond to the request of the travel agencies and expressed that he would offer all possible support to achieve this direct flight and increase the arrival of tourists to Puerto Plata.

Currently, the airline connects Santo Domingo and Punta Cana with several Caribbean islands and from the United States with Miami, Providence, and Tampa; and in South America with Caracas, Venezuela, connecting the Caribbean with North America, Central America, and South America.