Abinader highlights infrastructure investment at New York conference

New York.- President Luis Abinader emphasized that the Dominican Republic has achieved significant economic growth over the past fifty years, with an average annual growth rate of around 5%, resulting in a gross domestic product (GDP) exceeding $130,000 million. This makes the Dominican Republic the seventh-largest economy in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Abinader noted that the country’s macroeconomic stability has created a favorable business climate, attracting substantial foreign direct investment (FDI), which has accounted for nearly 4% of GDP in recent years—one of the highest rates in the region. This positive outlook has been recognized by major credit rating agencies such as Fitch, Standard & Poor’s, and Moody’s, all of which have recently upgraded their ratings or outlooks for the Dominican Republic. Additionally, the country’s lower risk rating on the Emerging Markets Bond Index (EMBI) compared to other nations with investment-grade ratings has resulted in reduced borrowing costs.

Speaking at the Conference on Infrastructure Investment in Latin America and the Caribbean, hosted by the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) and the Financial Times, Abinader pointed to the Dominican energy sector as a key area for investment, with plans to invest around $5,400 million in the coming years to enhance electricity generation, transmission, and distribution. The country aims to achieve a surplus by 2027, potentially enabling the sale of electricity to Puerto Rico via an underwater cable, and to reach 30% renewable energy generation by 2030.

Blinken and President Abinader scheduled to meet on Friday

Santo Domingo.- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to arrive in the Dominican Republic on Thursday evening, where he will be received by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and airport authorities. On Friday, he will meet with President Luis Abinader at the National Palace, though their agenda remains undisclosed.

President Abinader is expected to return to the country on Thursday evening from the U.S., where he attended the Annual Conference of the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) and held meetings with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in New York and Washington.

Blinken’s visit coincides with heightened attention on the Venezuelan crisis, particularly the discovery of aircraft linked to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in the Dominican Republic. One of these aircraft was confiscated and sent to Miami, which may be discussed during the meeting at the Palace.

Additionally, Blinken’s trip includes a visit to Haiti, where he will meet with President Edgard Leblanc Fils and Prime Minister Garry Conille.

FEDOGOLF and Cap Cana relaunch the Corrie Cup in honor of Jack Corrie

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Golf Federation (FEDOGOLF), in collaboration with the Corrie family and with Cap Cana as the main sponsor, has announced the relaunch of the traditional Corrie Cup. The event, scheduled for November 15-17 at the renowned Punta Espada golf course, will honor the memory of Jack Corrie, an iconic figure in Dominican golf.

Originally launched in 1994 as a Ryder Cup-style tournament, the Corrie Cup was initiated by Luis Andrés Pérez and a group of golf enthusiasts to pay tribute to Jack Corrie’s legacy. Over the years, the tournament has become known for its high level of competition and its promotion of the camaraderie and integrity that Corrie cherished in the sport.

Enrique Valverde, a representative of FEDOGOLF, expressed excitement for the return of the Corrie Cup, emphasizing its importance in promoting Dominican golf. Brenda and Sylvia Corrie, daughters of Jack Corrie, highlighted their father’s love for the game and their pride in seeing the tournament continue to uphold the values he championed.

The tournament will be held at the stunning Punta Espada course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, and will feature top golfers from Santo Domingo and other regions of the country. Organizers have worked hard to ensure that this relaunch meets the highest standards of organization and competition, promising an unforgettable experience for both players and spectators.

Jack Corrie was a prominent Dominican sportsman and businessman, founder of the Dominican Golf Association, and the first golfer inducted into the Dominican Sports Hall of Fame. His contribution to Dominican golf is immense, having competed in hundreds of tournaments and five world championships, helping to place the Dominican Republic on the international golf map.

Cap Cana is a luxury destination city on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, known for its marina, its award-winning Punta Espada golf course, and a wide range of high-quality leisure amenities. It is home to major international hotel chains and is a benchmark for Caribbean hospitality.

SkyHigh Dominicana to launch new routes to Puerto Rico

Santo Domingo.- SkyHigh Dominicana’s Vice President, Cesarina Beauchamps, announced the launch of two new routes to Puerto Rico. The first route, connecting to Aguadilla, will begin on October 13 with two weekly flights.

“We will be pioneers in this area, as the Dominican Republic currently only connects with Puerto Rico through San Juan,” Beauchamps stated during an appearance on the radio program “Esto No Tiene Nombre.”

Additionally, by the end of October or early November, the airline plans to introduce a daily flight route to San Juan. Beauchamps emphasized that onboard safety and service quality are top priorities for the airline, with a strong commitment to maintaining the highest standards to ensure the well-being and comfort of all passengers.

Puerto Plata’s tourism rebounds

Puerto Plata.- The revival of Puerto Plata’s tourism industry is beginning to take shape, even though the highly anticipated Punta Bergantín project is still in its early stages. This recovery is already noticeable in the number of tourists arriving by air, with a significant increase in arrivals.

A report from the Central Bank reveals that from January to July 2024, Puerto Plata welcomed 280,290 tourists by air, a substantial recovery from the 2021 low of 87,559. The primary markets for the northern coast of the Dominican Republic remain Canada and the United States. This is reflected in the Punta Bergantín project, which aims to attract North American visitors with prestigious hotel brands like Hyatt, set to manage the first hotels in the area.

Puerto Plata is also experiencing a boom in cruise tourism, solidifying its position as the country’s leading destination for cruise passengers, thanks to its prominent ports, Amber Cove and Taíno Bay. The Central Bank report highlights a 21.9% year-on-year increase in cruise passenger arrivals during the first seven months of 2024, totaling 1,402,386 visitors.

Punta Bergantín market study exceeds expectations

Punta Bergantín.- Andrés Marranzini, Executive Director of Punta Bergantín, reported that the market study for the relaunch of the tourism project has exceeded expectations. He noted that the study indicates the new developments at Punta Bergantín will effectively stimulate air travel demand.

Marranzini emphasized that such a significant investment—nearly $300 million for an 800-room hotel—requires substantial support to succeed. “No one would invest in a project of this scale without strong backing,” he said during the Corripio Group’s Weekly Luncheon. He highlighted that without adequate air traffic support, the project’s sustainability could be at risk, as airlines typically schedule flights based on room availability and consumer demand. This situation reflects the impact of converting hotels into apartments on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic.

He further explained that Punta Bergantín’s project is not a short-term tour operator scheme but relies on long-term support from the government and Banreservas to ensure its viability. The destination’s strategic location enhances its appeal, being just 15 minutes from Puerto Plata, known for its beaches and colonial architecture, and 12 minutes from Sosúa, famed for its stunning beaches. Additionally, its proximity to Gregorio Luperón International Airport, only 8 minutes away, offers convenient access for international visitors.

Punta Bergantín to create up to 20,000 new jobs

Puerto Plata, DR.- The Minister of Labor, Luis Miguel de Camps, announced today that the ambitious Punta Bergantín tourism project is expected to generate between 15,000 and 20,000 new direct jobs, making it one of the largest job creators in the northern region of the country.

During the groundbreaking ceremony in Villa Montellano, De Camps highlighted the significant economic impact that Punta Bergantín will have, not only in terms of direct employment but also in generating indirect jobs in sectors such as agriculture and commerce.

“Tourism is an engine of economic and social development, and Punta Bergantín is a clear example of this,” the minister stated. “We are committed to ensuring that these new jobs come with better wages and working conditions.”

According to estimates from the Ministry of Labor, the tourism sector currently generates over 200,000 direct jobs nationwide. With the launch of projects like Punta Bergantín, this figure is expected to continue growing in the coming years.

Minister De Camps also highlighted the achievements in labor matters during the administration of President Luis Abinader, emphasizing the reduction of unemployment to historic lows and the increase in workers’ purchasing power by more than 14% in the last three years.

“These results are the fruit of public policies that promote economic growth and the creation of quality jobs,” De Camps assured.

With Punta Bergantín, the Dominican government reaffirms its commitment to sustainable development and creating opportunities for all Dominicans. This mega-tourism project positions itself as an engine of growth for the Puerto Plata region and a model for the rest of the country.

Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana awarded Four Diamond distinction

Punta Cana.- The Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana hotel has been honored with the prestigious Four Diamond award by the American Automobile Association (AAA), recognizing its excellence in luxury accommodations and service. This accolade assures guests of a refined and personalized hospitality experience, with the highest attention to detail.

Achieving this distinction required meeting rigorous standards set by AAA inspectors, who evaluate thousands of hotels worldwide each year. The Four Diamond certification reflects the hotel’s commitment to providing an exceptional vacation experience, offering high-end facilities, 24-hour service, and luxury amenities.

Angel Julio Peña, the hotel’s general manager, credited the award to the dedication of the Dreams Macao team, stating that it reinforces the resort’s status as the premier destination in Punta Cana and the only resort in Macao. The resort boasts 500 luxury suites, including two-bedroom villas with sea views, nine gourmet restaurants, and seven bars serving premium cocktails. Guests can also enjoy the Pevonia® Spa, a fitness center, multiple pools, and extensive event spaces, making it an ideal choice for both leisure and events. The Four Diamond award further solidifies Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana’s reputation as one of the region’s top destinations.

Hotel sector drives Dominican Republic’s 8% economic growth through July

Santo Domingo.- The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (BCRD) has released preliminary economic activity results for July 2024. The monthly indicator of economic activity (IMAE) showed a 4.8% expansion for the month, with an average year-on-year growth of 5.0% over the first seven months of the year.

Hotels, bars, and restaurants saw an 8.0% increase during this period, largely driven by the arrival of 5,286,325 tourists by air in the first seven months. While the sector had a 9.3% growth in July 2023, the 3.8% increase in July 2024 compared to the same month last year reflects a base effect from the previous year.

July 2024 set a record for the highest number of non-resident air passengers for that month, with 811,192 arrivals. The year is expected to end with approximately 8.6 million tourists entering the country through various airports. This performance occurs in a context of price stability, supported by effective monetary and fiscal policies that have mitigated risks to the Dominican economy.

Puerto Plata hoteliers rejoice at Punta Bergantin’s startup

Puerto Plata – Businessmen and hotel sector leaders in Puerto Plata highlighted the importance of the Punta Bergantíntourism project for relaunching the destination on the country’s northern coast. They celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony for the first six hotels the project will house.

Mileyka Brugal, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Production of Puerto Plata, highlighted the potential in the area where last Wednesday, the president of the Republic, Luis Abinader, gave the first kick for the construction of the Hyatt Zilara hotel.

“We have been asking for years that these lands be exploited for the benefit of tourism,” she said.

Likewise, the business leader maintains that the Bride of the Atlantic has needed to renovate the hotel infrastructure for some time.

César José de los Santos, president of the Playa Dorada Hotel Association, added to Brugal’s approach that the world’s most important tourist destinations permanently renew their hotel infrastructures.

“Punta Bergantín will also have an impact on the facilities of other resorts in Puerto Plata that are being renovated,” he said.

In addition, the businessman expressed the need to start the Amber Highway, which will connect Puerto Plata with Santiago and the rest of the provinces of the northern region.

According to Diario Libre, he considered that “the route will increase the number of visitors arriving through the Cibao airport, and for the Bergantín project itself, this work is vital.”

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.