Puerto Plata will showcase ¡Siempre real! at Expoturismo Santiago 2024

Puerto Plata, represented by its associations and its proposals for accommodations and complementary experiences, will participate in the 27th version of the Expoturismo Santiago fair on June 7, 8, and 9 at the Hodelpa Gran Almirante Convention Center.

As part of its actions in support of the alliance “Two Cities One Destination” and projecting its brand “Puerto Plata, ¡Siempre real!”, the destination strengthens its presence at the fair, with the participation of prestigious hotel chains, such as Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Resort, Marien Puerto Plata, Casa Marina Beach & Reef, VH Hotels & Resorts, and Viva Wyndham, among others.

The destination will also participate in a stand shared with the Clúster Turístico Destino Puerto Plata (CTDPP), the Asociación de Hoteles, Restaurantes y Empresas Turísticas del Norte (Ashonorte), and the Asociación de Hoteles de Playa Dorada, entities committed to projecting the values, essence, and character that represent the destination’s colorful brand.

The space will showcase the diversity of lodging options and tourist experiences offered by this interesting destination, especially for the local market and the event’s potential audience. Similarly, proposals such as Fricolandia and the Puerto Plata Bridal International 2024 event have confirmed their presence.

Expoturismo represents one of the most promising exhibition platforms for travel and tourism in the Dominican Republic. Its exhibitors include hotels, travel agencies, airlines, experience providers, and diverse sector suppliers.

JetBlue to cut routes to better service “high-performance” countries such as the Dominican Republic

New York – U.S. low-cost carrier JetBlue is preparing to cut some 20 routes in the United States and Latin America this summer 2024, which will be rewarded with increased frequency to “high-yield” destinations, including the Dominican Republic.

The airline’s cuts are in response to a cost-cutting campaign accentuated by the failed merger with Spirit and the grounding of some Airbus aircraft.

JetBlue’s vice president of network planning and airline partnerships, Dave Jehn, reported the company’s departure from five cities starting June 13, according to Business Insider, which had access to a memo sent to employees last March.

He explained that the changes would reorganize aircraft to serve better-performing routes from JetBlue’s focus cities and increase aircraft time on the ground to reduce the possibility of delays, a major complaint of the airline’s users.

The five cities affected are:
Bogota, Colombia.
Quito, Ecuador.
Lima, Peru.
Kansas City, Missouri.
Newburgh, New York

World Bank to support sustainable and resilient growth in the Dominican Republic

Washington.- The World Bank has approved a new project to assist the Dominican Republic in its efforts to promote key institutional reforms for climate resilience, reduced water, soil, and air pollution, as well as enhanced natural resource protection. The US$400 million project will support the government’s efforts to strengthen institutional and financing capacity for environmental protection, with important positive effects on public health and the livelihoods of communities involved in tourism and fishing activities.

“The Dominican Republic, due to extreme natural hazards associated with climate change, annually loses an equivalent of 0.4% of its Gross Domestic Product. The World Bank’s support has been and continues to be crucial in achieving our goals of building climate resilience in agriculture, ensuring food security, improving landscape and natural resource management, and addressing the challenges posed by sargassum,” stated Pavel Isa Contreras, Minister of Economy, Planning, and Development.

The Dominican Republic faces significant challenges linked to the loss and degradation of natural resources, caused by extreme weather events, changing water cycles, and environmental pollution. These challenges impact the key drivers of economic growth and employment: tourism, fishing, and farming. Without addressing these issues, the country could lose as much as 16 percent of the Gross Domestic Product it expects to earn by 2050, according to the latest World Bank Group’s Country Climate and Development Report for the Dominican Republic.

The Sustainable Development Policy Loan project aims to enhance the government’s institutional and financial capacity for natural resource protection, climate change adaptation, and mitigation. It will also support marine conservation, reduce air and marine pollution, and strengthen river and water body protection. Additionally, the project will help regulate waste management from electrical and electronic equipment and address environmental challenges such as phasing out hydrofluorocarbon substances, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, it will help tackle the sargassum seaweed issue and establish the regulatory framework for issuing green, social, and sustainable bonds.

These efforts will contribute to climate resilience and sustainable growth, benefiting vulnerable populations, including the poor. Alexandria Valerio, World Bank Representative, emphasized, “By addressing pollution, promoting green and social finance, and strengthening the country’s institutional capacity to enhance its resilience to climate change, the project will significantly enable the Dominican Republic to continue growing economically while also preserving its natural assets.”

How many visitors did the country receive in May?

Santo Domingo.- Tourism in the Dominican Republic continues to grow steadily. During the first five months of 2024, the country received over five million visitors, marking an 11% increase compared to the same period in 2023, 48% more than in 2022, and 43% more than in 2019.

According to Minister of Tourism David Collado, 846,735 visitors arrived in May alone, representing a 12% increase over the same month last year. Collado shared these figures during his monthly presentation on the sector’s performance, held at the Embajador Hotel in the Dominican capital.

Minister Collado reported that 677,475 tourists arrived by air in May, reflecting a 9% increase compared to the same month last year and 28% more than in 2019. This sustained growth in tourism is also evident in the number of cruise passengers.

In May, the country received 169,260 visitors by sea, a 20% increase compared to the same month last year, 184% more than in 2022, and 193% more than in 2019.

“May was an extraordinary month with the arrival of 846,735 visitors, which represents an 11% increase over May of last year, 36% above the same month in 2019, and 44% more than in 2018,” said Minister Collado.

In the first five months of 2024, 3,716,262 tourists arrived in the country, marking a 10% increase compared to the January-May period last year, 24% more than in 2019, and 30% above 2018. Additionally, the country received a historic number of 1,310,728 cruise passengers from January to May, a 16% increase over last year, 174% more than in 2019, and 153% above 2018.

Minister Collado highlighted the importance of collaboration with the private sector, noting that the consistent increase in tourist arrivals month after month is a result of these joint efforts.

“When you see figures like the one we have achieved in the first five months of this year, you should feel proud as a Dominican: 5,026,990 visitors from January to May, that is a great number,” said Minister Collado.

The main tourist source countries in May were the United States (53%), followed by Canada (11%), Colombia (5%), and Argentina (4%).

Tourism invests RD$133 Million in Las Terrenas development

Samaná.- The Minister of Tourism, David Collado, recently inaugurated three major projects in Las Terrenas, Samaná, and launched the construction of a new initiative, totaling over RD$133 million in investments.

The completed projects include:

1. Road infrastructure construction in La Granja and Cosón areas, with an investment of RD$24,280,237.23.

2. Reconstruction of the access roads to Playa Estillero and Ramal Viva and Ramal Los Nómadas, Playa Cosón, with a total investment of RD$96,007,662.83.

3. Reconstruction of the pedestrian walkway in the coastal area of Las Terrenas municipality, with a cost of RD$13,352,565.52.

The Minister emphasized that these projects are part of the government’s efforts to promote Samaná as a tourist destination in the Dominican Republic and benefit the local residents. He stated that “human tourism” is essential for the country’s development.

The projects include:

• Reconstruction of the access road to Playa Estillero, El Limón municipality, with a total length of 2.45 kilometers and an investment of RD$47,624,942.24.

• Construction of Las Terrenas road infrastructure, second stage, with a total length of 1.86 kilometers and an investment of RD$24,280,237.23.

• Reconstruction of the accesses of Ramal Viva and Ramal Los Nómadas, Playa Cosón, with a total length of 1.20 kilometers and an investment of RD$48,372,720.59.

• Reconstruction of the pedestrian walkway in the coastal zone of Las Terrenas municipality, with an investment of RD$13,352,565.52.

The Minister concluded that these projects will not only benefit tourists but also improve the quality of life for local residents.

Abinader announces 23% increase in Dominican Republic’s exports

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader has announced that the country has achieved its best export figures in the last three years, with a total increase of 23% compared to the period from 2016 to 2019. The president attributed this success to the National Export Promotion Plan (PNFE), which was launched in November 2020 to promote exports and improve competitiveness in global markets.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and international trade tensions, the Dominican Republic has managed to increase its exports by 23% since 2020, with a total value of $45,804 million. The country’s main export partner is the United States, accounting for 54.38% of total exports, followed by other major destinations such as Argentina, China, and Japan.

The president highlighted the growth of medical instruments and devices as a key sector, with an increase of over $148 million. He also emphasized the importance of promoting women’s participation in the national productive process and their incorporation into international business activities.

The PNFE has been implemented in a consensual and coherent manner, incorporating the perspectives and proposals of national and international institutions, companies, associations, and organizations involved in productive and export development. The plan has been recognized as a benchmark in good international practices and has positioned the Dominican Republic as a world-class logistics hub.

The government has also implemented various initiatives to promote exports, including the modernization of the General Customs Law, the lifting of impediments to the entry of Dominican products to international markets, and the migration to non-face-to-face channels in the provision of services.

The PNFE has achieved significant progress in its implementation, with more than 70% of measures completed or in execution. The plan is expected to continue promoting exports and improving competitiveness in global markets, with a focus on diversifying exports to new markets and improving product quality standards.

Europe will buy sargassum from the Caribbean for the textile industry

Brussels – Through the Global Gateway, the European Union (EU) and its member states seek to contain the impact of sargassum in the Dominican Republic and other Caribbean countries by importing macroalgae as a raw material for the textile industry.

The European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, pointed out that it is a great initiative to turn sargassum “into an economic opportunity” and added that they are talking to governments and private companies to support innovative ideas that take advantage of sargassum, as she considers that its use in the textile industry is only one of its applications.

In mid-2023, the European Union, Latin America, and Caribbean Summit were held in Brussels, where an additional financing package of 45 billion euros (USD 48.6 billion) was approved to invest in the entire Caribbean area, particularly in the energy, environmental, and digital sectors, as reported by Summa Magazine.

Air Century contemplates reopening domestic flights to Cabo Rojo

Carlos Jiménez, executive vice president of Air Century, informed us that domestic flights from the Dr. Joaquín Balaguer International Airport (La Isabela) in Santo Domingo to the Cabo Rojo Aerodrome in Pedernales have been discontinued for a year.

The executive said the airline is contemplating reopening the commercial route despite this. However, he added that this is a project “to be explored” for next year.

“The commitment assumed by our company to carry out these operations ended on June 30, 2023,” he said.

The initial agreement was for 60 hours, with an appendix for an additional 30 hours. “The agreements were being fulfilled in the times that had been agreed, and we had to discontinue the operations,” he said.

He specified that the agreements made between the company and the Fideicomiso Pro-Pedernales were closed based on “milestones” or hours flown, according to Diario Libre.

It is recalled that the operations opened in October 2022 for US$50 each way, operating twice a week (Mondays and Fridays) and lasting only seven months.

Transfers were carried out in an aircraft with a capacity for 19 passengers and each trip would last 35 minutes.

Forum explores opportunities between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- Economic Intelligence Inc., a consulting firm based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, along with its subsidiary in Santo Domingo, organized a forum titled “Trade and Investment Opportunities” between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

The aim of the event was to convene a gathering of business leaders and government officials to foster increased investment and trade between the two largest economies in the Caribbean.

Both countries boast a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $113 billion (RD) and $116 billion (PR), respectively. Bilateral trade between the two islands stands at around $1,200 million annually, with the current trade balance favoring the Dominican Republic at $400 million.

An analysis conducted by economists Ellen Pérez-Ducy, the manager of the Economic Intelligence subsidiary in Santo Domingo, and Gustavo Vélez, CEO of the San Juan-based firm, underscored the vast potential for expanding this exchange. They emphasized that significant growth could be achieved with the right strategies, led by the private sectors of both countries with support from their respective governments.

Former Governor Luis Fortuño inaugurated the forum, highlighting the opportunities for both neighboring islands to attract manufacturing and investments from the United States and Asia. This is driven by the need for “nearshoring” and the revival of the concept of twin plants.

On the Dominican side, the forum saw participation from key figures including Fabrizio Gomez from Proyipime, Vladimir Pimentel from Prodominicana, Luis Bencosme from Cardnet, William Calderón from the Dominican-Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce, Luis Miura from Codopyme, and Jaime Moreno from various enterprises. They emphasized the necessity of implementing measures to facilitate logistics for sample shipments and promoting access to digital tools for MSMEs, crucial sectors in both economies.

From Puerto Rico, participants included Luis Fortuño, Agustín Rojo from the VRM Group and the Puerto Rico Builders Association, Herbert Lewy from Microsoft, Julio Cabral from VRDG Group, and Nelson Torres from the Commercial Office of Puerto Rico in the Dominican Republic. They highlighted the need for skilled personnel in Puerto Rico to supply the Dominican Republic and explored potential collaborations in waste management and construction projects.

The consensus among businessmen from both countries was that there are ample opportunities for collaboration in the technology industry and leveraging tourism marketing to attract new markets. They emphasized that both islands are natural partners for cultural and economic reasons.

Economist Gustavo Vélez stressed the importance of dialogue between the private sectors of both countries to increase trade and support economic growth, noting the Dominican Republic’s strong growth rate and Puerto Rico’s emerging growth post-hurricanes and bankruptcy.

Ellen Pérez-Ducy expressed optimism about the potential for business leadership and government cooperation to support trade integration, suggesting that Dominican businesses should strategically explore opportunities in the Puerto Rican market.

Nelson Torres urged Dominican businessmen to explore the tax incentives offered by the Puerto Rican government and expand their commercial and investment horizons. He emphasized that collaboration between businessmen and governments could unlock significant potential for increasing bilateral trade.

The major cruise lines strengthen their commitment to the Caribbean in summer

New York (Reuters) – Royal Caribbean Group, Carnival Corporation, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings have increased their commitment to the Caribbean and Alaskan destinations that will sail this summer.

As a result, in 2024, 202 ships will sail in the Caribbean, an 8% increase over last year. In Alaska, the number of boats sailing this summer has increased 9.3% since last year. According to Reuters, increased supply in both regions contributes to the drop in summer prices.

Indeed, many lines sent ships to Alaska and the Caribbean that would have sailed in the Red Sea. However, operators are rerouting vessels due to continued attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.

Prices are down 21% compared to last year’s period for Royal Caribbean’s seven-day Caribbean and Bermuda itineraries. Meanwhile, prices are down 12% for Norwegian and 11% for Carnival for similar itineraries.

Carnival’s July and August Alaska itineraries are 20% cheaper than last year. Royal Caribbean’s Alaska voyages are 6% more affordable in July and 12% cheaper in August.

SKY increases weekly flights between Lima and Punta Cana

Punta Cana.- SKY Airline Perú has announced an increase in its weekly flights between Lima (LIM) and Punta Cana (PUJ), from 7 to 11, starting November 25. This adjustment will include double daily flights on specific days, boosting capacity from 2,604 to 4,092 seats per week.

Matthieu Selo-Poirier, Network Planning and Strategy Manager, stated that the additional flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, utilizing their Airbus A320neo fleet, which accommodates 186 passengers.

This expansion will enhance SKY’s connectivity to other national and international destinations, such as Buenos Aires/Ezeiza (EZE), Montevideo (MVD), Santiago (SCL), and São Paulo/Guarulhos (GRU).

With this increase in frequencies, SKY aims to compete more effectively with LATAM, which already offers two daily flights on this route. Data from Cirium indicates that this change represents a 1.9% growth in seat supply compared to pre-pandemic levels.

According to the Civil Aviation Board (JAC) of the Dominican Republic, the Lima – Punta Cana route handled 282,083 passengers in 2023, with 88,314 flying on SKY. Lima ranks as the second-highest destination for passenger movement on direct flights from the DR, with 303,285 passengers traveling between Lima, Punta Cana, and Santo Domingo in 2023, served by three airlines: Arajet, LATAM, and SKY.

Adompretur to host health tourism panel at ExpoTurismo 2024

Santo Domingo.- In a collaborative effort between the Dominican Association of Tourist Press (Adompretur), the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC), the Northern Medical Union, and the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR), a panel titled “Discovering the Potential: Health Tourism in Santiago and Its Global Impact” will be held.

This event, part of the 27th edition of ExpoTurismo 2024, is scheduled for Saturday, June 8, at 3:30 pm, and will be one of the highlights of the three-day fair. The Hodelpa Gran Almirante Convention Center in Santiago de los Caballeros will host this panel, featuring notable speakers such as Amelia Reyes Mora, vice president of the Dominican Association of Health Tourism (ADTS). Mora is a recognized expert in strategic communication within the health, medical tourism, and pharmaceutical sectors.

Joining her will be Dr. Julián Sued, president of the Board of Directors of the Northern Medical Union, who will provide insights into the development of health tourism in Santiago. The panel will be moderated by health journalist and Adompretur member Elizabet Gutiérrez.

Yenny Polanco Lovera, president of Adompretur, emphasized the significance of this panel. She noted that the discussion would focus on the initiatives in Santiago de los Caballeros that have led to a bill proposing its designation as the “Province of Health Tourism.” Polanco Lovera highlighted the goal of establishing Santiago as the epicenter of health tourism in the Dominican Republic, citing figures from the VI Congress of Health and Wellness Tourism which reported that over 260,000 patients were treated in the area in 2023.

Polanco Lovera also pointed out Santiago’s role as a hub for private health investments, making it a benchmark for innovative medical procedures performed by highly qualified professionals. Santiago boasts the highest investment in private health infrastructure in the country over the past decade.

She urged Adompretur members to attend this important panel and stressed the importance of understanding health tourism, which positions the Dominican Republic as a leading destination in the Caribbean and Central America.

Polanco Lovera concluded by expressing her gratitude to Ramón Paulino and Yomaris Gómez, president and director of ExpoTurismo, respectively, for consistently including Adompretur in the agenda of this prominent event in Santiago de los Caballeros.

Dominican Republic to add over 9,000 hotel rooms

Miches, DR.- The Dominican Republic is undertaking a transformative tourism development plan that promises to revolutionize the industry in the coming years.

Nineteen new hotel investments are projected over the next three years, adding a total of 9,135 rooms with an estimated investment of $2.936 million. Of these projects, five are being constructed in Miches, El Seibo province, expected to generate around 4,500 direct jobs and 9,500 indirect jobs, according to David Llibre, president of the Hotels and Tourism Association of the Dominican Republic (Asonahores).

Currently, Miches has two operational hotels generating 1,600 direct and 3,700 indirect jobs. The new projects will create additional employment and bring a host of benefits, including housing for employees, infrastructure improvements, environmental initiatives, and better waste management.

“The projects in Miches represent approximately 1,500 rooms, with notable developments such as the luxury hotel Zemí, led by businessman Frank Elías Rainieri, which is scheduled to open next October with 500 rooms,” Llibre added.

The opening of a hotel from the Hyatt chain and another from Viva Wyndham Resorts is also anticipated, with the latter’s first phase including 500 rooms.

Minister of Tourism David Collado emphasized the significance of these projects for developing new tourist centers in the country, according to Diario Libre. He explained that under the El Seibo-Miches Hotel and Tourism Association (Promiches) platform, seven hotel and real estate projects in Miches are expected to add over 3,000 hotel rooms and 1,624 residential units in the coming years. During the construction phase, these projects are estimated to generate around 10,000 direct jobs, with an additional 6,000 direct jobs during operation.

Collado highlighted three strategic points: promoting luxury tourism to elevate the country brand, developing convention tourism, and diversifying sports and gastronomic tourism, along with new projects in Miches and Punta Bergantín. These initiatives aim to strengthen the Dominican Republic’s position as a leading tourist destination in the region.

President Luis Abinader underscored Miches’ potential as one of the most impressive tourist destinations in the country, indicating a promising future for the region.

Additionally, the Government is advancing the Cabo Rojo-Pedernales Tourism Development Project in Pedernales. This project is planned in four phases over up to 20 years, with an estimated $2.245 million investment for the first phase. Upon completion, the southern part of the country will offer 12,000 hotel rooms, an international airport, commercial and residential areas, and restaurants.

As of March 2024, the tourism sector employed 202,954 people with an average salary of 26,000 pesos, primarily in La Altagracia, the National District, Puerto Plata, Santiago, and Santo Domingo. The sector has also significantly contributed to tax revenues, with a 23% increase compared to the previous year.

Chamber of Deputies passes new civil aviation law

Santo Domingo.- The Chamber of Deputies has passed a law modifying the country’s civil aviation legislation, previously approved by the Senate. This legislation now awaits the Executive’s decision for promulgation or veto.

The new law aims to modernize the current framework on civil aviation, covering aspects such as the use of drones in national airspace, air operators, air navigation, aeronautical meteorology, aerodrome operators, and training programs for flight instructors, among other areas. This update aligns with international standards, the Chamber stated in a release.

The initiative, reviewed by a special commission, received support and favorable votes from various party groups, who agreed on the necessity of compliant legislation to meet international organization requirements. This compliance will help the Dominican Republic maintain its category one status in civil aviation.

Alfredo Pacheco, President of the Chamber of Deputies, emphasized the deputies’ commitment to approving the legislation before it was presented to the plenary for consideration.

Napoleón López Rodríguez, president of the special commission that studied the initiative, reported that the International Civil Aviation Board mandated the Dominican Republic to update its civil aviation laws or risk losing category one status, which would prevent Dominican aircraft from flying to the US. He noted that the international body issued this order 45 days ago, and the update has been completed just 12 days before the deadline.

The Chamber of Deputies will continue its legislative work on this matter next Tuesday and Wednesday.

Samaná unveils guide highlighting sustainable tourism efforts

Samaná, DR.- The Samaná Sustainable Tourism Circuit has launched its first informative guide, a promotional tool showcasing the province’s natural riches and solidifying its status as one of five Latin American destinations in the Future Destinations Network.

Available in physical and digital formats, with English and Spanish versions, the guide emphasizes the Circuit’s commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental protection. It delves into the region’s biodiversity, warm hospitality, and delectable cuisine.

This comprehensive resource serves as a one-stop shop for visitors, featuring the destination’s top attractions, cultural events, and over 30 unique experiences. Additionally, a directory connects tourists with businesses participating in the Circuit.

The guide also celebrates female empowerment, featuring inspiring stories of four women who are making strides in training and entrepreneurship within the region.

“This guide exemplifies the power of collaboration in tourism destinations,” said Lissette Gil, a sustainability specialist involved in the Circuit’s creation. “Established and emerging businesses can work together to shape and promote the region effectively.”

She further emphasized, “This collaborative effort, built on a foundation of social, economic, and environmental sustainability, creates a well-rounded destination experience that honors the area’s natural and cultural heritage.”

Milka Hernández, general manager of Grupo Sarma, a tourism marketing company that also produced a promotional video for the Circuit, led the guide’s presentation.

Hernández stressed the importance of the guide in boosting tourism and commerce in the province, highlighting the commitment from both public and private entities to promote it. “This guide not only informs visitors about the breathtaking beauty of this destination, with its diverse landscapes – beaches, rivers, waterfalls, caves, mountains, and farmlands – but also underscores our responsibility to preserve these treasures and share them with the world,” she concluded.

Punta Cana Grand Prix to be held on June 7

Punta Cana.- The fourth edition of the Punta Cana Grand Prix cycling event is set to take place on June 7, 8, and 9, featuring competitors from over 15 countries across the Caribbean, Central, and South America.

Over 350 cyclists will compete in the tournament, which includes 8 categories.

Sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, the Dominican Municipal League, the Presidency of the Republic, and the Punta Cana Group, the main venue for the event is the front of Blue Mall. From there, the various stages will start, covering parts of the Coral Highway to Higüey and the Downtown Punta Cana District.

Mario de Jesús, the main organizer, announced that $10,000 in prizes will be distributed among the winners of the 8 categories, which include two women’s categories. The other categories are elite, pre-master, master A, master B, master C, recreational, and youth.

On Thursday, June 6, starting at 2:00 PM in the gastronomic area of Blue Mall, participants will receive their kits. A technical conference discussing the event’s rules will be held at 6:00 PM.

The competitions kick off on Friday, June 7, at 7:00 AM with the first stage for the recreational and women’s categories A and B, covering a distance of 54 kilometers. This will be followed by the master A and B categories, with a 76.5-kilometer route between Punta Cana and Higüey. The elite, sub-23, and youth categories will conclude the first day’s races with an 84.1-kilometer route from Punta Cana to the roundabout near Higüey.

On Saturday, June 8, the events start at 7:00 AM from Blue Mall, with a route to Toll #2 and back to the roundabout twice, finishing in front of Blue Mall.

The awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, June 9, at 1:00 PM. Cash prizes will be given to the individual champions, stage champions, flying goal champions, best Dominican champions, and best team champions. Trophies will also be awarded to the top performers in each category. The event will be broadcast on the Punta Cana Grand Prix YouTube channel.

Puerto Plata hosts international disaster preparedness seminar

Puerto Plata, DR.- AERODOM, VINCI Airports, and the North Association of Hotels, Restaurants, and Tourism Companies (ASHONORTTE) understand the critical role that ports and airports play in disaster response. That’s why they joined forces to host the second annual “Disaster Preparedness in Strategic Ports and Airports” seminar in Puerto Plata.

This two-day event brought together over 20 local and international experts to share valuable recommendations for ports and airports to effectively respond to disasters.

The seminar is part of the ongoing Disaster Preparedness and Resilience of Ports and Communities (C-PReP) Program, supported by FedEx and with collaboration from the Southeast Airport Group (ASUR) and CIFAL Mérida. The regional focus on Puerto Plata, a key hub for passenger, cargo, and tourism movement, reflects the seminar’s aim to strengthen disaster preparedness across the region.

“Airports and ports are vital centers for the immediate delivery of aid and evacuation of affected people. In the event of a natural disaster, passenger volumes increase as relatives travel to the area to help their families, the international community sends specialists and relief supplies, and the media arrives to cover the response. If this situation is not handled properly, it can cause bottlenecks in aid delivery and halt relief distribution, which consequently puts citizens and tourists at risk,” expressed Carlos Rodolí, president of Ashonorte and director of North Cluster Airports for AERODOM.

Held at the Marien Puerto Plata Hotel in the Costa Dorada complex, the seminar aimed to get everyone on the same page for emergency response. Airport and seaport operators, civil aviation authorities, civil defense agencies and tourism representatives all came together to share ideas and best practices. Participants weren’t just listening to talks; they also tackled real-world scenarios with tabletop exercises, focusing on hurricanes, natural disasters, and other emergencies.

Over 120 in-person attendees received a certificate from the International Training Center for Authorities and Leaders (CIFAL) of the United Nations Institute for Vocational Training and Research (UNITAR). The speakers weren’t just academics; they shared practical presentations and real-life experiences to prepare participants for the unique logistical challenges of natural disasters.

The seminar wasn’t limited to those in Puerto Plata. It was also broadcast virtually, with over 100 participants from across Latin America and the Caribbean joining in. They learned valuable insights on strengthening logistical capacities to prevent bottlenecks and ensure relief supplies are handled quickly and efficiently after a disaster strikes.

Organic Law of the Reserve Bank now in force

Santo Domingo.- The new Law 13-24 governing the Reserve Bank of the Dominican Republic has come into effect following its promulgation by President Luis Abinader and publication in the Official Gazette.

Key updates in the legislation include adapting the bank’s name to Banco de Reservas de la República Dominicana – Banco Múltiple and ensuring the institution operates in alignment with the dynamic and competitive financial sector. The bank’s capital is set at RD$39,000 million, which can be adjusted by the board of directors as per the Monetary and Financial Law, without legislative approval, as long as the changes are from capital reserves.

The new law removes the general tax exemption previously enjoyed by the Reserve Bank, leveling the playing field with other Dominican financial institutions. It also changes the title of the head from “general administrator” to “executive president,” aligning with national and international banking norms without altering the organizational structure or roles.

“This is the first significant update to Banreservas’ regulations in 61 years, modernizing the bank to be more agile and customer-focused, enabling it to better handle digital transformation, innovation, and environmental sustainability,” said the bank’s executive president, Samuel Pereyra.

The board of directors will consist of 14 members: the Minister of Finance (who will continue to preside), the bank’s CEO, and 12 members appointed by the Executive Branch, including three recommended by the Monetary Board as independent members. The law eliminates substitute members, making previous substitutes regular members without increasing the board’s size.

Upon leaving their roles, board members, except the Minister of Finance, cannot engage in management, advisory, or legal representation activities in financial intermediation entities for one year.

The State remains the sole shareholder of Banreservas and will receive 40% of its profits, with 15% allocated for covering state debts with the bank. The remaining 60% of profits will go to the bank’s equity reserves. The law introduces new regimes to protect the bank’s integrity, streamline processes, and enhance transparency.

Additional provisions ensure the bank operates under the same rules as other multiple banks, promoting competitiveness. The Bank’s Retirement and Pension Plan and existing employee rights remain unchanged. The legislation updates the bank’s governance, structure, and operations to align with current economic conditions, inclusivity, fiduciary duties, and confidentiality requirements.

The law also strengthens transparency and accountability, and underscores Banreservas’ role in promoting the economic and social development of the Dominican Republic.

Dominican tourism surpasses 4 million visitors in the first four months

Santo Domingo.- Minister of Tourism David Collado announced on Monday during his regular press conference, held at a hotel in the city, that the country’s tourism industry continues its sustainable growth trajectory. In the first four months of the year, the Dominican Republic welcomed 4,178,683 visitors, projecting to exceed 11 million visitors by the year’s end.

Collado disclosed that between January and April, the country received 3,039,302 tourists by air, marking a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2023, 24% compared to 2019, and 30% compared to 2018.

Regarding cruise passengers, Collado reported a significant increase, with the country welcoming 1,139,381 visitors by sea in the first four months of the year. This represents a 15% increase compared to 2023, a remarkable 173% surge compared to 2022, and a staggering 234% rise compared to 2019.

“These arrivals mark a significant milestone, totaling 4,178,683 visitors in the first four months of this year, setting yet another record,” stated the Minister of Tourism.

The influx of 4,178,683 visitors represents a 12% growth compared to the same period in 2023, a remarkable 52% surge compared to 2022, and a 43% increase compared to 2019.

Collado further highlighted that in April alone, the country received 704,740 tourists by air, marking a 3% increase compared to the same month in 2023, a 12% rise compared to 2022, and a notable 20% growth compared to 2019.

In terms of cruise passenger arrivals in April, the figure stood at 248,459, indicating a significant 37% increase compared to April 2023, an impressive 175% surge compared to April 2022, and a remarkable 234% rise compared to April 2019.

Collado noted that the United States, Canada, and Colombia were the top three countries contributing visitors in April, with shares of 53%, 18%, and 3%, respectively.

Tourism leader urges retention of legislative framework amid boom

Santo Domingo.- David Llibre, President of the Hotel and Tourism Association (Asonahores), highlighted the significant economic and social impacts of the tourism sector in the Dominican Republic, with over four million visitors by April. He emphasized that the benefits of tourism extend far beyond airports, hotels, restaurants, and transportation services.

“These tourism results benefit thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) nationwide. The latest study on tourism’s impact on MSMEs identified 17,000 such businesses throughout the country that are directly or indirectly linked to the tourism sector,” Llibre noted.

He celebrated the arrival of tourists by air and cruise ships, stating that their presence bolsters the economy and energizes local communities involved in tourism-related activities.

Llibre pointed out that, unlike other competing countries, the Dominican Republic’s tourism sector imports a majority of the products and services consumed, impacting various economic sectors up to 40% of their production and accounting for 10% of the country’s tax revenues, totaling 155, 000 million pesos in taxes paid both directly and indirectly.

He stressed that while surpassing the goal of 10 million visitors is commendable, the Dominican Republic has the potential to continue growing and even double the number of tourist arrivals in 2023.

Llibre urged maintaining the successful policies that have driven current investment levels in the sector. He warned that any changes, reductions, or eliminations of the existing legislative framework could lead to investments shifting to competing countries. This shift would hinder the country’s ability to keep its tourism offerings competitive, impacting contributions to GDP, tax revenues, the broader economy, and job creation.

“Tourism in the Dominican Republic is a competitive sector in the international market. Unlike other sectors, it must continue developing to maintain its global competitiveness. Despite the progress, there is still significant growth potential in various tourist centers such as Pedernales, Miches, and Punta Bergantín, which require the current legislative framework for their development,” Llibre emphasized.