Tourism boom in the Dominican Republic triggers demand for agricultural products

Santo Domingo.- Given the constant advance of tourism, the expansion of export markets, and local consumption, the Dominican Republic faces the challenge and opportunity to improve and double its agricultural production to meet internal and external needs.

Economist Henri V. Hebrard stated that to achieve this objective, investments must be made in technology, financing, and climate change resilience programs.

He pointed out that climate phenomena, such as drought and excess rainfall, not only affect food inflation but also constantly challenge the stability of the agricultural sector.

During the ECONOMICM 2024 forum, Hebrard stressed that the projected growth in the tourism sector will depend largely on the capacity of the Dominican countryside to satisfy the growing demand for food and beverages.

For this reason, he insisted that any new economic strategy must consider agriculture as an essential component to combat poverty and improve public health through increased food production at affordable prices, according to El Dinero.

Southwest expands flights from Nashville to Punta Cana

Punta Cana.- Southwest Airlines has extended its bookable flight schedule through April 7, 2025, allowing customers to plan trips well into next spring. The airline will introduce new routes starting March 8, 2025, including Saturday service from Nashville to Cabo San Lucas/Los Cabos, Mexico, and Punta Cana. Additionally, Saturday service between Sacramento and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, will begin the same day.

Overnight flights will be available starting February 13, 2025, with bookings open for routes from Denver, San Diego, Sacramento, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Phoenix by March 6. Southwest will also launch new weekday service between Austin and Milwaukee, less-than-daily flights between Austin and Reno, Nevada, daily service between Nashville and Indianapolis, and weekend flights between Sacramento and Tucson.

Real estate tourism drives economic growth in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- Real estate tourism has significantly boosted economic growth in the Dominican Republic, with over $1,400 million in investments in the past five years, according to the Dominican Association of Real Estate Tourism Companies (ADETI). The sector has created more than 34,000 jobs and contributed to the development of 124,000 non-hotel accommodation rooms. ADETI manages 232.1 million square meters of land, with substantial investments in infrastructure.

ADETI emphasizes the importance of legal security and supportive public policies, such as Law 158-01, to continue attracting investment and maintaining the country’s status as a leading Caribbean destination. In the first half of 2024, the Ministry of Tourism approved 28 projects, including real estate, mixed-use, hotel, and recreational developments.

Passenger traffic between Jamaica and Dominican Republic soars 1,600%

Santo Domingo.- Passenger traffic between Jamaica and the Dominican Republic has skyrocketed by 1,600% since Arajet launched its first direct flight on November 14, 2022. Travel numbers, which were nearly nonexistent in 2020, increased to 3,300 passengers by 2022 and surpassed 58,000 by June 2024.

Angie Martínez, the Dominican Republic’s Ambassador to Jamaica, described this growth as a major diplomatic success. She emphasized that direct air connectivity has greatly enhanced relations between the two countries. In 2022, the Dominican Embassy in Jamaica obtained a special permit allowing Dominican airlines to operate direct flights despite the lack of a formal Air Services Agreement.

Arajet CEO Victor Pacheco highlighted the route’s impact, noting it has reduced flight times from up to 16 hours to just over an hour and cut ticket prices by approximately 60%. This has improved travel accessibility and bolstered economic and social connections between the nations.

Martínez also celebrated the direct flight as a model for regional air connectivity improvement and announced the recent signing of the General Agreement on Air Services, which had been pending for 12 years. The direct flight is among the Dominican mission’s top achievements, alongside significant increases in trade and investment. Dominican exports to Jamaica nearly doubled from $74 million in 2019-2020 to over $134 million in 2022, with projections reaching $145 million for 2023. Additionally, the embassy has attracted over $65 million in new investments, with expectations of another $600 million, mainly in tourism.

Arajet to launch Santo Domingo-U.S. flights in early 2025

Santo Domingo.- Arajet is preparing to launch flights connecting Santo Domingo with the U.S., but the first flight is now anticipated in the first half of 2025.

Manuel Luna, the company’s public relations officer, explained that the delay is due to the implementation of the Bilateral Air Transport Agreement between the Dominican Republic and the U.S., signed in early August in the presence of President Luis Abinader. The treaty must be reviewed by the Constitutional Court, approved by Congress, and then formalized with diplomatic notes before it takes effect.

Once these processes are complete, Arajet expects to receive approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation for its proposed routes. Although there is no specific timeline, the airline is ready to commence flights as soon as possible, with the realistic expectation that operations will begin in the first half of 2025.

Abinader initiates construction of Hyatt Zilara and public access to Punta Bergantín

Puerto Plata.- President Luis Abinader recently marked the beginning of construction for public access to Punta Bergantín and the Hyatt Zilara Hotel, signaling the start of Puerto Plata’s relaunch. The Hyatt Zilara, the first of several planned tourist facilities, is part of a major project led by Banreservas, which includes 4,000 hotel rooms, 1,500 residential units, and an academic campus.

Abinader emphasized that the initiative represents a significant turning point for Puerto Plata, aiming to restore and enhance the region’s tourism appeal. He highlighted the expected increase in tourist arrivals, with over 11.5 million visitors projected for this year and more than 12 million for the next, driven by new developments in Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, and Pedernales.

Summer Holiday Break

Puerto Plata to welcome 30 cruise ships in August

Puerto Plata.- Atahualpa Paulino, the regional director of the Ministry of Tourism, announced that approximately 30 cruise ships are scheduled to arrive in Puerto Plata this August. According to the schedules provided by shipping companies and the two ports in the area, 14 of these ships will dock at Taino Bay, located in the city center, while the remaining 16 will enter through Amber Cove in the Maimón municipal district.

In an official statement, Paulino emphasized the growing activity in the Dominican Republic, particularly in the northern region, with the arrival of numerous cruise ships. He noted that the Ministry of Tourism’s efforts have eliminated the traditional low season for this niche, as the ministry continues to work diligently to strengthen the industry.

Asonahores credits incentives for tourism growth

Santo Domingo.- The Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic (Asonahores) marked its 62nd anniversary with a panel discussion titled “Past, Present, and Future of Tourism in the Dominican Republic.” The event underscored the critical role that incentives have played in the development of the tourism industry.

President Luis Abinader and Minister of Tourism David Collado led the event, emphasizing the capacity of the country’s diverse tourist destinations to attract visitors, generate foreign currency, and promote economic growth across various provinces and regions.

David Llibre, President of Asonahores, highlighted the tourism sector’s commitment to developing the national productive chain through initiatives and collaborations with other business associations. He noted that in 2022, the hotel sector’s total purchases amounted to 139,000 million pesos, with significant contributions to agriculture (6,700 million pesos), industry and construction (28,200 million pesos), and services (104,000 million pesos).

Asonahores reported a significant growth of 361% in foreign direct investment in tourism from 2013 to 2023, totaling US$8,732 million. In 2023 alone, investment reached US$1,182 million. The tourism industry contributed approximately US$22,000 million to the Dominican Republic’s GDP in 2022, accounting for 19% of the GDP. It also generates 10% of the country’s tax revenue and 18% of total employment, providing around 721,912 jobs. The sector is a major source of foreign currency, with hotel guests spending an average of $139.19 daily and cruise passengers $116.30.

Asonahores aims to attract 15 million tourists by 2030, requiring the expansion of hotel rooms, enhanced air connectivity, and the development of new tourist centers. These initiatives include the relaunch of Puerto Plata with the new Bergantín project and the development of Cabo Rojo in Pedernales, along with the ongoing promotion of Miches and Samaná. Asonahores believes that the current competitive structure will support continued investment, job creation, foreign currency generation, and the economic revitalization of other sectors in the country.

Coral nurseries enhance tourism in Dominican Republic

Punta Cana.- The Dominican Republic is home to 181 reef zones, yet climate change and human activity have significantly diminished the average live coral cover. In popular tourist areas like Punta Cana, this coverage dropped below 10% by 2020.

This worrying trend is documented in a report by the Propagas Foundation, which highlights the urgent need for coral restoration. In response, the Los Arrecifes de Bávaro Ecological Foundation is actively cultivating various coral species in nurseries, with the goal of rejuvenating these critical biostructures that are essential for the marine ecosystem.

The foundation was established by Fernando Sánchez, a Spaniard who witnessed the decline of Bávaro’s marine habitat while running his nautical business. Concerned about the high mortality rates of corals, along with the erosion of seagrass and coastlines, he felt compelled to take action.

In 2016, with verbal permission from the Dominican Republic’s Environment Department, Sánchez began his work with corals. By 2018, he formalized his efforts by founding the organization, which now features facilities located just a few meters from the beach. These facilities include an interpretation center that combines educational initiatives with practical conservation activities in the Caribbean Sea.

Carnival Cruise maintains its booming operations in Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata – This Wednesday, July 24, Amber Cove’s tourist and cruise port welcomed the Carnival Celebration and Carnival Magic, with 13,924 people on board, including visitors and crew.

According to Yokasta Almonte, the Amber Cove port in charge of the area’s tourism office welcomed the Carnival Celebration with 6,310 visitors and 1,757 crew members. Likewise, the Carnival Magic arrived with 4,501 visitors and 1,356 crew members, according to RS Noticias.

It is recalled that Puerto Plata continues to lead in the arrival of thousands of visitors thanks to its two tourist and cruise ports, consolidating its position as a key destination on the coast of the Bride of the Atlantic.

Aerolíneas Argentinas expands flights to Punta Cana

Punta Cana.- Aerolíneas Argentinas is set to increase its flight offerings to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, for the upcoming 2024/25 summer season. The airline will introduce new frequencies from Córdoba and Buenos Aires/Ezeiza and launch two new routes from Tucumán and Rosario.

This update comes shortly after Arajet announced it would replace its daily flight from Santo Domingo/Las Américas with a Punta Cana-Buenos Aires route starting October 28, 2024.

According to Aerolíneas Argentinas’ website, the number of weekly flights from Buenos Aires/Ezeiza will rise from four to five between November and December, further increasing to six per week (every day except Sundays) from January to March. These flights will be operated using Airbus A330-200 aircraft, which can accommodate 269 passengers.

Flights from Córdoba will resume on September 13, 2024, with two weekly flights initially, increasing to four weekly flights between January and March 2025. These flights will offer connections to other destinations within Argentina and will be operated with Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which have a capacity of 170 passengers.

Additionally, Aerolíneas Argentinas will offer a weekly flight from both Tucumán and Rosario between January and March 2025. These routes will also be serviced by Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

In total, the airline will provide twelve weekly flights between Argentina and the Dominican Republic, offering a total capacity of 5,268 seats per week during the summer season.

Although the airline has started advertising these routes on its website, tickets are not yet available for purchase.

Aerolíneas Argentinas currently offers direct flights to Punta Cana. In the latter half of 2024, the airline transported 44,365 passengers to this popular Caribbean destination, achieving a 97% occupancy rate, according to ANAC Argentina, indicating strong demand for these flights.

Banyan Group to manage Gesproin Hotels in the Dominican Republic

Punta Cana.- Gesproin Group has signed a strategic alliance with Banyan Group, a global hotel management company, marking a significant milestone for the Dominican Republic’s tourism and hotel sector.

Under this partnership, Banyan Group will manage Gesproin’s hotel developments through three of its well-regarded brands, emphasizing authenticity and sustainability.

The Secret Garden project in Los Corales will be branded as Cassia Punta Cana, featuring 64 hotel suites and up to 278 branded residences, with an opening planned for late next year.

The Wave Garden in Cap Cana will be managed as Angsana Cap Cana, offering up to 296 branded residences and scheduled to open in September 2025.

Moon Garden at Coral Golf Resort in Cabeza de Toro will include up to 305 branded residences under the Garrya Punta Cana brand. The first phase is expected to be completed at the beginning of 2027, with the second phase following in September of the same year.

The designs for Secret Garden (Cassia Punta Cana) are by EME Concepts, while Wave Garden (Angsana Cap Cana) and Moon Garden (Garrya Punta Cana) are designed by Morph Studio. These collaborations with leading Spanish architectural firms ensure high-quality, innovative designs.

Javier Donoso, CEO of Gesproin Group, emphasized that this partnership with Banyan Group will enhance competitiveness and occupancy rates, benefiting investors with increased profitability. He highlighted the company’s commitment to providing high-quality, luxury real estate and hospitality solutions.

Punta Bergantín project receives environmental license

Puerto Plata.- The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has granted an environmental license for the Punta Bergantín tourism project in Puerto Plata, enabling construction to begin on various components starting this August.

Andrés Marranzini Grullón, Executive Director of the Punta Bergantín Tourism Project, stated that the environmental authorization covers an area of 9.6 million square meters and excludes infrastructure development in wetlands, mangroves, dunes, swamps, ravines, and other environmentally vulnerable areas within the project site.

The Trust for the Economic and Social Development of the Punta Bergantín Zone (Fideicomiso Punta Bergantín), initiated by the Dominican Government and managed by the Reserve Bank and the Ministry of Tourism, aims to “put Puerto Plata back on the world’s tourist map,” leveraging the area’s natural beauty and the hospitality of its people.

The license approves the construction of nine hotels, including apartment buildings, villas, mixed-use townhouses, and commercial areas; an Innovation Center; film studios, administrative offices, a hospital area, a Golf Club, a Beach Club, a Tennis Club, a club for the apartment area, an equestrian club, and a theme park.

Currently, agreements have been made with developers for the construction of three hotels: a Hyatt Ziva and Zilara with 800 rooms, a Melia Hotel with 400 rooms, and Karisma Hotels with 300 rooms.

The Punta Bergantín Trust aims to create a comprehensive development including at least 4,500 hotel rooms, 2,000 mixed-use and tourist residential units, public beach clubs, a unique theme village, a film studio, and an innovation center.

The Ministry of Environment also mandates the establishment of hydrological zoning to prioritize wetland areas, water production, and biodiversity conservation. This includes a mandatory 30-meter protection strip along both banks of river currents, lakes, lagoons, and reservoirs, specifically respecting a 30-meter strip along rivers, ravines, and streams such as Muñoz, Jacuba, Limonal, Chicigua, Polanco, and Atollador, which cross and border the project development area.

“Go Samaná” guide promotes diverse tourist offerings

Samaná.- The Samaná Tourism Cluster (CTS) and the Association of Hotels and Tourism Companies of Samaná (AHETSA) have unveiled the fifth edition of the “Go Samaná” tourist guide, aiming to attract both national and international tourists to experience an unforgettable vacation in Samaná.

This guide offers comprehensive and up-to-date information on Samaná’s diverse tourist attractions, environmental benefits, historical and architectural heritage, gastronomy, and accommodations across its three municipalities—Santa Bárbara, Las Terrenas, and Sánchez—and its districts—El Limón, Las Galeras, and Arroyo Barril.

Juan Bancalari, president of AHETSA, praised the guide as an excellent promotional tool for the destination and expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism and various supporting companies and institutions for their contributions to the province’s tourism growth.

CTS president Jesús Durán highlighted the region’s rich natural and cultural wealth, emphasizing its stunning landscapes, pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, lush tropical forests, diverse flora and fauna, protected areas, and the annual arrival of humpback whales from January to March.

The 52-page guide, available in both English and Spanish, includes sections on Samaná’s municipalities and districts, main attractions, gastronomy, cruise ship arrivals, wedding information, the province’s burgeoning film industry, sustainability efforts, things to do, hotel and restaurant listings, and emergency contacts.

It will be distributed locally and at international fairs featuring the Dominican Republic and Samaná. The guide can also be accessed online through the Cluster’s website at www.gosamana.com and on social media: samana (Facebook) and gosamana (Instagram).

DR signs co-management agreement for Padre Nuestro ecological and archaeological trail

Bayahíbe, DR.- In a collaborative effort to strengthen sustainable tourism and environmental conservation, a co-management agreement for the Padre Nuestro National Park, Cotubanamá Sector, was signed this week by Minister Miguel Ceara Hatton; Ana García-Sotoca, representing the Romana-Bayahíbe Hotel Association and Tourism Cluster, Lidia Pereyra of the Padre Nuestro Guides Association, and renowned biologist Felicita Heredia Lorenzo of the Dominican Foundation of Marine Studies.

The Padre Nuestro Ecological and Archaeological Trail, a natural treasure with a rich cultural history, is located in the Bayahíbe area, just minutes from the Dominicus hotel zone. This trail not only offers a walk through a lush tropical forest but also houses archaeological vestiges dating back to the first inhabitants of the region.

Padre Nuestro, an integral part of Cotubanamá National Park since 2000, is home to freshwater springs and a diversity of endemic flora and fauna. This place, which historically housed pre-Hispanic communities that left their mark on nearby caves such as Berna and Panchito, represents an invaluable link to the island’s ancestral past.

In addition to being an impressive natural refuge, Padre Nuestro is home to emblematic species such as the Bayahíbe rose. This flower, a symbol of the region’s biodiversity and beauty, has inspired FIFA to create Taní, the new image of the U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The signed agreement establishes the creation of a Co-Management Council, made up of representatives of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MMARN), the AHRB, the La Romana-Bayahíbe Tourism Cluster (CTRB), and other local and community entities. This council will be responsible for overseeing and implementing a comprehensive plan to restore and improve the trail, with the aim of strengthening its infrastructure and promoting sustainable tourism in the region.

“This agreement represents a significant milestone for the conservation and promotion of Padre Nuestro’s natural and cultural heritage,” highlighted Miguel Ceara Hatton, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources. “We are committed to working hand in hand with the private sector and the community to ensure that this trail is accessible and sustainable for future generations.”

The Romana-Bayahíbe Hotel Association (AHRB) also emphasized that the signed agreement will focus on the rehabilitation of infrastructure, improvement of trails, and promotion of environmental conservation practices, which represents a great milestone in the region.

This joint effort not only seeks to revitalize Padre Nuestro as a tourist attraction but also as a model of sustainable management that preserves its natural and cultural wealth for future generations.

Tendering begins for highway to boost tourism between Santiago and Puerto Plata

Santo Domingo.- The Association of Merchants and Industrialists of Santiago (ACIS) has praised the Dominican Government’s decision to begin the bidding process for the Amber Highway construction. This major project aims to connect Santiago with Puerto Plata, reducing travel time to just 20 to 25 minutes.

Sandy Filpo, president of ACIS, highlighted that the new highway will enhance connectivity between Santiago and Puerto Plata, effectively merging the two provinces into a unified tourist destination.

“This has been a long-held dream of the commercial and business sectors in both Santiago and Puerto Plata. The highway will not only boost visitor numbers but also improve business opportunities,” Filpo stated.

He also noted that once operational, the Amber Highway will streamline the flow of tourists from the North Coast to Santiago, facilitating a better experience for travelers and businesses alike, according to El Nacional.

Arajet launches sales of its flights from Punta Cana

Punta Cana  – Arajet began selling routes that will connect Punta Cana International Airport with North and South America, strengthening visitors’ arrivals in the eastern part of the country and continuing to consolidate the Dominican Republic as the continent’s new air hub.

The airline informed us that operations connecting Punta Cana with Sao Paulo, Toronto, Montreal, Santiago de Chile, Lima, Mexico City, and Cancun are already available. It indicated that the routes will begin on October 27 of this year and will also include connections to other destinations in the continent.

According to a press release, the announcement of direct flights to Punta Cana coincides with a promotion to the destination, with prices starting at only US$120 each way, including taxes.

Victor Pacheco Mendez, CEO & Founder of Arajet, expressed that the airline continues reinforcing its growth and expansion by making Punta Cana its second base and connecting it with the robust network of destinations it offers.

“At Arajet we are committed to making the Dominican Republic the new air hub of the continent and very soon we will be adding other destinations that will fly from Punta Cana, such as Buenos Aires, Quito, Guayaquil, Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena with the most competitive prices in the market,” he explained.

He also indicated that the base at Las Americas International Airport (AILA) will continue to operate as usual and that many destinations to which Arajet flies will fly from both airports.

“Our idea is that all passengers have the greatest number of travel options, destinations to Mexico or Colombia, for example, will fly from both airports, and we will maintain a daily bus that will connect both airports by land in order to increase the number of possibilities for travelers to connect,” added Pacheco.

Punta Cana Airport becomes Arajet’s third destination in the Dominican Republic. In addition to the AILA, the airline maintains regular flights at Cibao International Airport and is exploring the possibility of adding flights from Puerto Plata International Airport.

Norwegian Breakaway brings over 6,000 visitors to Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata.- On Tuesday, July 16, Puerto Plata welcomed the Norwegian Breakaway cruise ship to the tourist port of Taíno Bay, bringing a total of 6,221 visitors, including tourists and crew members.

Yokasta Almonte, head of the Puerto Plata tourism office, reported, “At the Taíno Bay cruise port, we received the Norwegian Breakaway with 4,667 visitors and 1,554 crew members, for a total of 6,221 visitors.”

The arrival of the Norwegian Breakaway significantly boosts tourism and the local economy, further establishing Puerto Plata as a key Caribbean destination for international cruises, according to RS Noticias.

The Norwegian Breakaway is managed by Norwegian Cruise Line, an American cruise line founded in 1966. Incorporated in Bermuda, the company is headquartered in Miami, Florida.

Senate approves bill to promote health tourism in Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo – The Dominican Senate approved the bill regulating and promoting health tourism on the first reading.

Senator Eduardo Estrella’s initiative aims to promote health tourism throughout the national territory, encourage the installation and education of health centers, and provide services to foreigners who require specialized medical care. This would result in collective welfare and contribute to collective economic and social development.

Likewise, the plenary approved the project for the Promotion of Development and Competitiveness of Handicrafts, submitted by Senator José Del Castillo Saviñón, which seeks to promote the institutionalization of the handicraft companies existing in the country, encourage private investments, create the conditions to improve productivity, as well as promote the permanent training of the creators of handicrafts to increase their artistic, technical and economic potential.