Dominican exports achieve record growth for fifth consecutive month

Santo Domingo.- Biviana Riveiro Disla, Executive Director of the Center for Export and Investment of the Dominican Republic (ProDominicana), announced a robust growth in merchandise exports, which surged by 18.3% in August, reaching a record value of US$1,119.7 million. This achievement results from over 240 promotional activities conducted in more than 50 countries over the past four years, aimed at uncovering new business opportunities while managing potential risks in line with the National Export Promotion Plan (PNFE).

Riveiro emphasized the resilience of Dominican exports, which have continued to thrive despite challenges such as the socioeconomic crisis in Haiti, geopolitical tensions, and changes in monetary policies. Notably, Dominican exports have set records for five consecutive months in 2024, exporting US$287.3 million more in August than in the same month of 2019, prior to the pandemic.

From January to August 2024, total exports reached US$8,611.4 million, reflecting a year-on-year growth rate of 6.1% compared to 2023 and a 30.6% increase relative to the same period in 2019. The United States remained the largest market, with a significant rise of US$381.7 million from 2023. Other notable markets included India, China, and the Netherlands, each showing substantial growth.

The agricultural sector led the growth in exports, with cocoa seeing the highest increase of US$166.0 million (a 95.8% year-on-year rise), followed by raw gold and medical instruments. Additionally, exports under the free trade zone regime grew by 7.8%, making up 67.2% of total exports from January to August 2024.

Antonio Ramis on the vision and success of Punta Blanca Golf and Beach Club

Santo Domingo.- Nestled in the heart of Bávaro, Dominican Republic, Punta Blanca Golf and Beach Club offers a unique golfing experience. Known for its inland design and challenging layout, the course presents golfers with a distinct test of skill. The constant Caribbean breeze adds an extra layer of complexity, demanding precision and power from every shot.

Antonio Ramis, the General Manager, has been instrumental in shaping Punta Blanca into the renowned golf destination it is today. Originally from Mallorca, Spain, and with over three decades of experience in the Dominican Republic, Ramis’s deep-rooted connection to the country is evident in his passion for the course and its development.

His family grew in the country, and he embraced his new home to the point of considering himself more Dominican than Spanish. This personal journey reflects his commitment not only to his family but also to the growth and success of Punta Blanca Golf and Beach Club.

The vision behind Punta Blanca

Punta Blanca Golf and Club was the brainchild of Teodoro García Trabadelo, who acquired the land during a time when such an investment was considered audacious. The initial plan was to develop residential plots for sale to hotels, given the burgeoning hospitality sector of the early 1990s.

As tourism, particularly American tourism, surged in the late 1990s, the idea of building a golf course gained momentum. Recognizing golf’s significance to the American market, García Trabadelo opted to construct a course to cater to the clientele of surrounding hotels.

Ramis emphasized golf is the undeniable centerpiece of Punta Blanca, with residential development carefully planned to complement rather than overshadow the course. The deliberate spacing of homes ensures that the golf experience remains the primary focus, free from the distractions often associated with densely populated golf communities.

“This approach distinguishes Punta Blanca as an independent golf course within the region,” Ramis underscored, “capable of serving guests from various hotels without being tied to a specific hotel chain.”

A golf course designed for challenge and enjoyment

The Punta Blanca Golf Course, a creation of renowned designer Nick Price, is an inland course celebrated for its demanding yet enjoyable gameplay. The course’s distinctive character is defined by its lengthy holes and the persistent Caribbean wind, which add complexity to each shot. Despite the challenges, wide fairways ensure that golfers of all abilities can savor the experience without the frustration of frequent out-of-bounds drives.

“The golf course is an inland course, with no holes bordering the sea. One of its primary challenges is the consistent wind, which can significantly impact play. Additionally, several holes are quite long, demanding powerful shots to reach the green in ideal conditions,” Ramis added.

“The wide fairways allow golfers of all levels to enjoy the course, but don’t be fooled. The design is quite strategic,” Ramis noted. “Even seasoned players like Miguel Ángel Jiménez have remarked on the need to use every club in their bag to navigate our course.”

A standout feature of the course is its immaculate greens, cultivated using Paspalum grass. This resilient grass thrives in the tropical climate and withstands the salty air, providing an exceptional putting surface.

To cater to golfers of diverse skill levels, the course offers multiple tee boxes, ensuring a memorable round for everyone.

“Golfers who visit us have made a conscious choice to be here, selecting Punta Blanca from countless destinations. We believe it’s essential to acknowledge and appreciate their decision. The Dominican spirit of hospitality is deeply ingrained in our culture, and we strive to provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes our guests feel right at home.

We’re incredibly proud of the level of service we provide. When you can offer a truly exceptional experience, it sets you apart from the competition,” Ramis added.

Building a golfing community and legacy

Punta Blanca Golf and Beach Club has a rich tradition of honoring golf legends. The annual invitational tournament recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to both golf and society. Past honorees include distinguished figures such as Homero Saviñón, Ernesto Izquierdo, Kalil Haché, Miguel Flaquer, Dr. Abel González and José Zapata, among others.

At the Pro Shop of Punta Blanca Golf and Beach Club, golfers receive top-notch service from a highly trained staff. (Photo: Adrian R. Morales)

“The tournament is a platform to celebrate those who have supported the growth of golf in the Dominican Republic,” explained Punta Blanca’s General Manager, Antonio Ramis.

Demonstrating a commitment to the future of the sport, Punta Blanca actively supports junior golf programs. By providing young players with opportunities to develop their skills without financial constraints, the club is nurturing the next generation of Dominican golfing talent.

Embracing the potential of the Dominican Republic

Ramis expressed his belief in the Dominican Republic’s potential as a premier golfing destination. With world-class golf courses designed by top architects like Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus and Nick Price, the country offers a unique blend of excellent golf and stunning natural beauty.

“The presence of a PGA tournament in Punta Cana further solidifies the Dominican Republic’s position on the global golfing map,” Ramis stated.

At Punta Blanca, the focus remains on providing exceptional service and maintaining the highest standards in course maintenance. The club’s dedication to quality and service is evident in the satisfaction of its guests, who often return for the personalized experience and welcoming atmosphere.

Antonio Ramis’s vision for Punta Blanca Golf and Beach Club is rooted in a commitment to excellence and a deep appreciation for the Dominican Republic’s unique offerings. By prioritizing golf and fostering a welcoming environment for all guests, the club continues to thrive as a destination for golf enthusiasts worldwide.

With a strong focus on service, community and sustainability, Punta Blanca Golf and Beach Club is poised to remain a leader in the Dominican Republic’s golfing landscape for years to come.

Punta Bergantín joins Association of Real Estate Tourism Companies

Puerto Plata.- The Trust for Economic and Social Development of the Punta Bergantín Zone has joined the Dominican Association of Real Estate Tourism Companies (ADETI), which represents organizations promoting real estate tourism in the Dominican Republic. This partnership strengthens Punta Bergantín’s role in the industry, with plans that include 4,000 hotel rooms, 1,500 residential units, commercial spaces, offices, beach clubs, and recreational areas.

The project aims to boost tourism in Montellano, Puerto Plata, with additional features like an academic campus, a film studio, and an 18-hole golf course. ADETI welcomed Punta Bergantín as a member, highlighting its contribution to diversifying the tourism sector and stimulating Puerto Plata’s economy through job creation and investment.

Launched by President Luis Abinader, the Punta Bergantín project is a government initiative supported by BanReservas and the Ministry of Tourism. It seeks to position Puerto Plata as a top-tier hotel destination while fostering sustainable real estate development along the North Coast. ADETI includes prestigious members such as Grupo Puntacana, Casa de Campo, and Playa Nueva Romana.

Hotel sector urges caution on Tax Reform to preserve tourism growth

Cap Cana.- As anticipation builds around a potential tax reform aimed at boosting state revenues, the hotel sector in the Dominican Republic remains vigilant. Industry leaders hope to preserve current tax conditions that have spurred private investment and contributed significantly to tourism growth.

Jorge Subero Medina, CEO of Cap Cana, emphasized the need for consensus on tax reform without harming the tourism sector. He highlighted that the existing incentives have been crucial in attracting visitors, with projections of over 11 million arrivals by the end of 2024. Subero also stressed the importance of regulating Airbnb services as part of the tax reform, noting that such regulation is a global standard and necessary for maintaining high-quality tourism.

Subero called for adaptation to current realities to ensure that the Dominican Republic continues to offer high-quality, luxury tourism experiences.

Abinader pledges support for new tourism projects and theme parks

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader affirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing the tourism sector’s offerings, highlighting the growth in health tourism, theme parks like El Dorado Park, and the country’s culinary diversity. He expressed strong confidence in the success of the newly inaugurated park.

Abinader announced that similar theme park projects featuring globally recognized brands are in the pipeline, with both international and local investors showing interest in the Dominican Republic. He emphasized that Dominican tourism is evolving beyond traditional hotels and real estate development, with a growing focus on theme parks.

The President’s comments reflect the government’s dedication to supporting investments that enrich the country’s tourism experience. Modern travelers seek more than just all-inclusive resorts; they expect destinations to provide diverse and engaging experiences.

Four Seasons CEO: “Dominican Republic has all the elements for luxury tourism”

The Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) has set its sights on diversifying the sector, not only by destinations but also by segments, with an emphasis on luxury tourism. This will create a more attractive and varied offer to attract a more demanding visitor with greater purchasing power who is looking for more personalized and private treatment.

Promotional approaches are already being made to position the country in the aforementioned segment so that the DR becomes a benchmark in all-inclusive and a flagship of luxury tourism.

To this end, the country has the assessment of Alejandro Reynal, president and CEO of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, who said that “the Dominican Republic has all the elements to make it a luxury destination.”

Reynal’s words, recently offered in Miami where Mitur presented luxury destinations to the main CEOs and executives of world tourism, are due to his commitment to the country with the construction of the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Dominican Republic at Tropicalia, located in Miches, Playa Esmeralda, which will open its first stage in 2026.

The property represents an investment of more than $200 million and will include a 95-room resort and 25 three- and four-bedroom private residences.

In this sense, the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, said, “the arrival of the first Four Seasons hotel in Miches, reflects the growth of the tourism industry and joins the best exclusive experiences that luxury tourists seek in our country.”

In addition, he said that “receiving the support as a country and as a minister, from the global CEO of the prestigious Four Seasons brand fills us with pride. Thank you, Alejandro Reynal, for your support of the development of luxury tourism in the Dominican Republic and for publicly expressing that our country is prepared, and offers an environment of confidence and stability to invest. We also thank businesswoman Adriana Cisneros for bringing the brand to the Dominican Republic, for her love and support to the country.”

He also said that Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts’ commitment to luxury tourism in the DR is strong despite the segment’s opening since its investment is a clear sign of confidence in the country as a world-class destination.

Collado took the opportunity to recognize Reynal with a gift made with larimar, a precious stone found only in the Dominican Republic, for supporting “our history of success from day one.”

Dominican Republic received 42 cruise ships and about 140 thousand visitors in August

Puerto de Río Haina, SDO – The Dominican Port Authority (Apordom) reported that the Dominican Republic received 42 cruise ships in August. For September, it receives about 26 cruise ships arriving in the country through different terminals.

The APORDOM report for August indicates that a total of 42 vessels arrived in the country, 16 through the Amber Cove terminal, 12 through Santo Domingo Ferry, while Taíno Bay received 12 and La Romana 3, through which a total of 139,065 visitors arrived.

Similarly, the report details that, for the September 2024 season of ports and cruise ship anchorages in the country, the terminal that will receive the most vessels is Amber Cover, with 15, followed by Taíno Bay with 7, La Romana with 3, and San Soucí with 1.

Jean Luis Rodríguez, executive director of Apordom, highlighted the importance of these cruise ship arrivals in turning the Dominican Republic into the Cruise Hub of the entire Caribbean.

The reception of these new ships began on September 1 with the following vessels: Valiant Lady, with dates 1 and 29; MSC Seascape, on the 2nd, 16th, and 30th; Carnival Mardi Grass, on the 3rd, 11th, and 25th; and Carnival Celebration, on the 4th, 18th, and 24th.

Also Carnival Vista, on the 5th, 19th and 23rd; Carnival Horizon, days 5, 16 and 19; Adventure of the Seas on the 9th and 23rd and the Carnival Freedom on the 11th

In that order, the Carnival Magic cruise ship will dock on the 17th, 26th, and 27th, the Carnival Sunshine on the 18th, and the World Explorer on the 29th.

Jean Luis Rodríguez, executive director of Apordom.External source

According to the calendar of projections of visitors’ arrival through the different cruise terminals, the dates vary and generate changes in weather conditions, routes by cruise lines, and other situations that can decrease or increase the number of touches.

Xolver announces Second Annual Investors Conference

Santo Domingo.- Xolver, the renowned specialized financial consulting and advisory firm, announced the details of its second Annual Investors Conference (AIC), solidifying Santo Domingo’s position as a key player in the Latin American financial landscape. The event is scheduled for September 18, 2024, at the Real Intercontinental Santo Domingo Hotel, under the theme: “Mega Trends in Capital Markets.”

For the second consecutive year, the AIC will bring together international and local leaders, experts, regulators, and investors to explore how the adoption of DLT (blockchain) technologies, growing infrastructure investment needs, the rise of private markets, and a complex macroeconomic and geopolitical context are reshaping financial markets, with a particular focus on opportunities for the Dominican Republic and Latin America.

This year’s AIC will feature a special keynote address by the Superintendent of Banks of the Republic, providing attendees with the perspective of the highest-ranking representative of the national banking system’s supervisory body on how the Dominican Republic is positioned to address the challenges and opportunities presented by fintech and other financial market trends worldwide.

“Our goal is to position the Dominican Republic as a center for financial innovation and investment in the Caribbean,” said Nassim José Alemany, Managing Partner of Xolver. “This conference provides a unique platform for our local financial institutions and regulators to interact with global leaders and explore how we can leverage financial technology and private markets to drive economic growth in our country.”

Key topics will include: the impact of blockchain technology on banking systems; opportunities for issuers and investors in the region; private markets, alternative investments, and the integration of ESG within portfolios; and dynamics and challenges of emerging markets in the current macroeconomic environment.

The conference will feature high-level panel discussions and networking opportunities, allowing attendees to gain valuable insights and forge important connections within the financial sector.

U.S. military aircraft delivers humanitarian aid to Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- On Tuesday, a C-17 Globemaster III, a powerful military transport aircraft from the United States Department of Defense, arrived in the Dominican Republic carrying a significant humanitarian donation for vulnerable communities in the northern part of the country.

The aid was delivered under the Denton Program, which facilitates the transport of humanitarian shipments from American NGOs to developing nations. This particular donation, provided by the organization Global Samaritan Resources, includes 1,260 boxes of fortified rice and protein-rich foods, totaling 41,600 pounds. The aid is destined for the Go MAD Foundation in Sosúa, Puerto Plata, and is expected to benefit over 100,000 individuals, including 25,000 women, 15,000 men, and 60,000 children.

This effort underscores the United States’ commitment to supporting underserved communities in the region through collaborative initiatives with local and international organizations.

Jamaican and Belizean troops join multinational mission in Haiti

Haiti.- The first Jamaican and Belizean troops arrived in Port-au-Prince to join the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, alongside 400 Kenyan agents already on the ground. Jamaica has committed to sending 200 soldiers to provide command, planning, and logistics support, with 20 soldiers and four police officers arriving as the first group. Two Belizean soldiers also arrived as part of a U.S.-organized flight for the mission, which has UN approval and aims to deploy 2,500 troops and police officers gradually. Additional contributions are expected from countries like the Bahamas, Barbados, Bangladesh, Chad, and Benin by the end of September.

Despite the arrival of Kenyan police in Haiti nearly three months ago, the security situation remains dire. Armed gangs continue to control 80% of Port-au-Prince and other areas. Last year, violence claimed 8,000 lives and left 8,000 injured, with nearly 3,900 victims reported in the first half of 2024 alone. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during a recent visit, emphasized the need for more funding and personnel to support the mission. The U.S. has already contributed over $300 million, and efforts to secure further international support are ongoing.

Dominican Republic showcases luxury tourism in Miami

Miami.- The Dominican Republic recently showcased its luxury tourism offerings in Miami, Florida, highlighting exclusive and personalized experiences. At the event, Tourism Minister David Collado presented the country’s premier tourist destinations to top executives, including CEOs, presidents, and vice presidents of international airlines, tour operators, hotel chains, and investors from Canada, the United States, and Latin America.

Collado emphasized that this launch is a pivotal moment in the Dominican Republic’s strategy to attract high-end clients and strengthen its position in the competitive international tourism market.

He expressed gratitude to the event’s partners and sponsors—Banco Popular, Banco BHD, Banreservas, and Grupo Puntacana—for their support, which contributed to a memorable evening and underscored the Dominican Republic’s prominence in the luxury tourism sector in the Caribbean.

Banreservas to promote Dominican tourism at Top Resa in Paris

Santo Domingo.- Banco de Reservas will participate in the IFTM Top Resa fair in Paris from September 17 to 19, 2024, emphasizing its role in promoting the Dominican Republic on an international stage. The delegation, led by CEO Samuel Pereyra, will engage in strategic meetings with hotel representatives, tour operators, and investors to forge partnerships that support Dominican tourism and investment.

The bank views this prestigious event as a chance to strengthen commercial ties and enhance the country’s appeal as a prime destination for leisure, business, and meetings. Banco de Reservas aims to highlight the Dominican Republic’s diverse offerings and its significance in the Caribbean and Latin America.

In addition to its business activities, Banco de Reservas will feature sculptures by renowned Dominican artist Juan Trinidad at the Ministry of Tourism’s stand. This collaboration showcases the country’s artistic heritage and contributes to the global promotion of Dominican culture.

Catalonia Santo Domingo Hotel set to host 2024 National Tourism Award

Santo Domingo.- Luis Severino, president of the National Tourism Award, announced that the third edition of the event will take place on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the Catalonia Santo Domingo hotel. The ceremony aims to recognize outstanding achievements and best practices in tourism, promoting a culture of excellence and contributing to the growth of the Dominican Republic’s tourism industry. Special honors will also be given to individuals who have significantly strengthened the sector over the years.

Nomination categories include Manager of the Year, Gastronomic Excellence, Hotel of the Year, Tourism Event of the Year, and Social Welfare, among others. The event is organized by Todo Turismo Travel SRL, with support from various sponsors, including Catalonia Santo Domingo, the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC), Cap Cana, and Banreservas.

Tourism Minister announces new Miami-La Romana flight route

Santo Domingo.– Tourism Minister David Collado announced a new American Airlines route from Miami to La Romana, following a meeting in Miami with executives from Casa de Campo Airport and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin M. Cabrera.

Collado shared the news through his social media account, highlighting that the new daily route will boost visitor numbers to La Romana, enhancing tourism and development opportunities in the region.

In a video post, Collado was welcomed by Commissioner Cabrera, who expressed his gratitude for the visit. Collado emphasized the importance of this new connection in driving growth for the destination, stating, “We are still going strong!”

Project for sustainable sargassum management launched in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo – The Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (Intec) reported implementing a project financed by the French Embassy in the Dominican Republic. The project focused on the sustainable management of agricultural waste and sargassum under the principles of blue and circular economy.

The academy indicated that, within the framework of the project, in which islands of the French Antilles participate, exchanges will be carried out between universities and companies on the management of agricultural waste and sargassum, critical actors in the tourism and agriculture sectors will be trained in sustainable practices, and new research and development projects will be promoted to advance in the management of these wastes.

“The project will directly impact coastal communities in the Dominican Republic by reducing the environmental and economic impacts of sargassum, and the rural population, particularly family farmers, through improved sustainable agricultural practices, which can contribute to a better quality of life and more sustainable livelihoods,” said the university.

In addition, approximately 30 specialists from the country’s Ministries of Agriculture, Tourism, and Environment will benefit from training to strengthen their capacities in effectively managing agricultural waste and sargassum according to the blue and circular economy principles.

Intec informed that, according to a press release, the Inter-University Sargasso Research Network will participate in research and development activities related to the project as part of the initiative, strengthening its capacities and promoting inter-sectorial collaboration.

The network is made up of the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD); Intec, APEC University (Unapec), Federico Henríquez y Carvajal University (Ufech), Iberoamerican University (Unibe); Pedro Henríquez Ureña University (Unphu), Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (Pucmm); ISA University; Universidad Tecnológica de Santiago (Utesa) and Universidad Católica del Cibao (Ucatesi).

From the private sector, the companies SOS Carbon, Algea Nova, and Tecmalab, which are involved in managing agricultural waste and sargassum, will acquire new knowledge and identify business opportunities linked to the blue and circular economy. In the same vein, the Puntacana Group Foundation and the Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic (Asonahores), is also part of the initiative to train its staff on new practices and strategies to manage sargassum invasions.

The Asociación Bananos Ecológicos de la Línea Noroeste (Banelino), which groups 200 family farms, will train farmers and actors in the agricultural sector in new practices and strategies to manage agrarian waste more sustainably, with the support of the FAO office in the country.

As part of the initiative, Sylvie Gustave-Dit-Duflo, vice president of the Regional Council of Guadeloupe and president of the French Biodiversity Office, and Lydia Barfleur, coordinator of the Caribbean sargassum program SARGCOOP, will visit the Dominican Republic in mid-September. Likewise, Intec will start on September 16 the diploma course “Integral management of sargassum influxes in the tourism sector.”

Also, as part of the actions contemplated in the project, this initiative is part of the “French-Dominican cooperation in the management of agricultural waste and sargassum” program financed by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the French Embassy in the Dominican Republic.

Enadom launches $300 million corporate bond program for energy expansion

Santo Domingo.- Energía Natural Dominicana (Enadom), a company specializing in natural gas storage and transportation infrastructure, has received approval from the Superintendency of the Securities Market (SIMV) for a US$300 million Corporate Bond Issuance Program. The bonds, structured by CCI Puesto de Bolsa with BHD Puesto de Bolsa as co-placement agent, will have a maturity of up to 15 years. The placement process involves 11 of the 15 stock exchanges in the Dominican Republic.

Enadom, a joint venture between AES Dominicana and Energas, holds key assets essential for the long-term energy supply in the Dominican Republic. Operated by AES Dominicana, Enadom supplies nearly 800 MW of natural gas to power plants via the 50-kilometer Eastern Gas Pipeline and manages a 120,000-cubic-meter natural gas storage tank in Punta Caucedo, Boca Chica.

The company’s Corporate Bond Issuance Program, rated DOAA- with a stable outlook by Feller Rate, aims to optimize its debt profile and finance future expansion projects. These efforts will further strengthen Enadom’s market position and contribute to the Dominican Republic’s economic growth by supporting natural gas-based electricity generation, resulting in significant fuel cost savings and reduced CO2 emissions.

Dominican Republic to showcase its cruise offerings at Seatrade Cruise Med 2024 in Málaga

Málaga, Spain.- The Dominican Republic continues to strengthen its position as a leading cruise destination with its participation in Seatrade Cruise Med 2024, the most important cruise industry event in Europe, taking place in Málaga, Spain, this Wednesday and Thursday.

This prestigious event brings together industry leaders and experts to explore new opportunities and foster strategic connections. The Dominican Republic’s booth will be an essential meeting point for negotiations aimed at increasing cruise routes to the Caribbean nation.

With an attractive and diverse offering, the Dominican Republic stands out as a key player in the Caribbean cruise market, promoting the richness of its ports and the variety of tourist experiences it offers.

Among the highlights of the Dominican offer are the ports of La Romana, Samaná Bayport, and Sansouci, each with unique features that reflect the diverse experiences available to cruise visitors. These ports are vital for the expansion of routes and represent the Dominican Republic’s commitment to sustainable and high-quality cruise tourism.

Seatrade Cruise Med 2024 will host over 2,000 attendees, including more than 175 cruise line executives, 180 exhibitors and representatives from over 80 countries.

This high-level setting provides a unique platform for the Dominican Republic to showcase its offerings, forge alliances and secure agreements that will drive growth and diversification of cruise routes to its shores.

With a unique proposition and a strategic location, the country continues to attract major industry players, strengthening its reputation as a must-visit destination on the global cruise map.

Dominican ambassador explores tourism collaboration in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh.- The Dominican Republic’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Andy Rodríguez Durán, recently met with Samer Alkharashi, Director of the UN Tourism Regional Office for the Middle East, located in Riyadh. During the meeting, they discussed the office’s initiatives for developing sustainable tourism and explored potential areas of cooperation to promote the Dominican Republic as a tourist destination in Saudi Arabia and the broader region.

Rodríguez Durán expressed his appreciation for the office’s willingness to support the Dominican embassy by offering its facilities for events such as conferences, seminars, and workshops. He emphasized the country’s tourism success, noting that the Dominican Republic welcomed over 10 million visitors in 2023. Additionally, 92% of surveyed tourists expressed satisfaction with their visit and indicated a desire to return.

Saudi Arabia, currently holding the presidency of the UN Tourism Executive Council, is set to host the 26th General Assembly of the UN Tourism Organization in 2025.

Santiago tourism cluster backs heliport construction

Santiago.- The Santiago Tourist Destination Cluster (CSDT) has expressed strong support for the construction of a new heliport in Parque Central, citing it as essential for the city’s development and safety. The project, overseen by the Airport Department, is expected to boost tourism and significantly enhance emergency response capabilities in Santiago.

Ramón Paulino, president of the CSDT, emphasized that building the heliport is a responsibility for both local authorities and the business sector. As Santiago continues to grow as a tourist destination, Paulino noted that the city needs infrastructure that meets global market demands and ensures the safety of its residents and visitors. He also highlighted the importance of integrating the new heliport with Cibao International Airport, the country’s third-largest in passenger traffic, to improve Santiago’s transport network and enhance its position on the international tourism map.

Located in the strategic Parque Central, the heliport will also offer critical support for medical emergencies and crisis situations, addressing Santiago’s seismic vulnerabilities. This new infrastructure will allow for quicker and more effective responses, reinforcing the city’s ability to handle emergencies.

President Abinader welcomes US Secretary of State Antony Blinken for official visit

Santo Domingo.- This Friday morning, President Luis Abinader welcomed U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken to the National Palace, the headquarters of the Dominican Republic’s government. Secretary Blinken arrived at the palace around 10:00 a.m.

Upon arrival, Blinken was greeted on the front steps by Minister of the Presidency José Ignacio Paliza, Vice Minister of Multilateral Foreign Policy Rubén Silié, and Ambassador Francisco José Cantizano Nadal, Director of State Ceremonies and Protocol. The delegation then escorted Blinken to the White Room for a private meeting with President Abinader.