Scramble Open Punta Cana 2024: Teri Ditsch and April Ramos crowned champions

Punta Cana.- The “Scramble Open Punta Cana 2024” was held at La Cana Golf Club and Corales Golf Course, part of Puntacana Resort, with the Dominican Republic hosting this prominent international event of the LPGA Amateurs Golf Association. The tournament saw Teri Ditsch and April Ramos from the Tucson, Arizona chapter emerge as champions.

The two-day competition kicked off at La Cana Golf Club on the Tortuga and Arrecife courses, with a break at SBG Punta Cana restaurant, where players were welcomed, including the men’s teams, as this is the only women’s tournament in the country that features a men’s category. The second round took place at Corales Golf Club, where the winners were determined.

The tournament, played in the Scramble format for Couples, had Tulio Luna as technical director and utilized Golf Genius technology. Both local and international participants enjoyed a well-organized event, cementing the Dominican Republic’s status as a premier golf destination in the Caribbean. The LPGA Amateurs Golf Association DR will wrap up the 2024 season with its Big3 Christmas tournament on December 7.

Winners:

• Flight 1: Best Gross Score: Teri Ditsch and April Ramos; 1st Place Net: Cindy Grider and Cecilia de Nord

• Flight 2: Best Gross Score: Brenda Martinez and Michelle Curiel; 1st Place Net: Smill Collado and Tania Marmolejos

• Flight 3: Best Gross Score: Karen García-Harris and Nicone Gordon; 1st Place Net: Sunilda Gomez and Arisleyda Riehl

• Knight Flight: 1st Place Gross: Luis Francis and Amaury Martinez; 1st Place Net: Ricardo Diaz and David Rosario

Special prizes were awarded for precision drives and longest drives at both La Cana and Corales courses.

Andrés Marranzini shares updates on Punta Bergantín tourism project

Puerto Plata.- Andrés Marranzini Grullón, General Director of the Punta Bergantín tourism project, shared updates on the development at a meeting with Puerto Plata’s tourism stakeholders. In this first stage, the project will include the construction of nine hotels and 6,625 homes, boosting tourism in the region known as the Bride of the Atlantic.

Marranzini emphasized that the project will exclude infrastructure construction in environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands, mangroves, dunes, swamps, ravines, and other vulnerable zones. Current agreements have been established with developers for three major hotel projects:

• Hyatt Ziva and Zilara: 800 rooms

• Meliá Hotels: 400 rooms, in partnership with Grupo Puntacana

• Karisma Hotels: 300 rooms

He also confirmed that the project will preserve a 30-meter buffer zone along rivers, ravines, and streams in the Muñoz, Jacuba, Limonal, Chicigua, Polanco, and Atollador areas, ensuring environmental sustainability. Marranzini invited the local community to actively participate in this transformative initiative.

Collado pledges to address Tourism sector concerns over incentive removal

Punta Cana.- Tourism Minister David Collado assured the Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic (Asonahores) that concerns about the proposed elimination of tourism investment incentives will be addressed through dialogue with the Tourism Cabinet. This cabinet, created by President Luis Abinader, aims to facilitate collaboration between the state and the private sector to support the tourism industry, which is vital to the country’s economy.

Collado emphasized that the government understands the importance of listening to the tourism sector and that solutions will be found through coordinated efforts. He highlighted the success of public-private collaboration during the pandemic, which helped the country rely on tourism to overcome the economic crisis from 2020 to 2022. Collado reassured Asonahores that the government will continue to work with the sector, especially during challenging times, to maintain tourism growth and investment.

Confotur credited for boosting foreign investment in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- The Tourism Development Council (Confotur) has played a pivotal role in attracting significant foreign investment to the Dominican Republic, particularly in the development of luxury tourism, commercial, and residential projects, according to Robert De La Cruz, CEO of ApartamentosRD. He emphasized that Confotur’s incentives have not only accelerated large-scale developments but also drawn international clients who view the country as an appealing investment destination.

De La Cruz highlighted the Dominican Republic’s long-standing position as the leading recipient of foreign investment in the Caribbean, and its rise as the seventh-largest economy in Latin America, thanks to consistent economic growth. He also expressed confidence in President Luis Abinader’s commitment to further boosting foreign investments, which are crucial for national development.

Tourism sector contributes 3 out of every 10 dollars of the Dominican Republic’s foreign exchange earnings

Punta Cana – The Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic (Asonahores) indicated that at least 10 out of every 100 pesos of the government’s tax revenues are contributed by the tourism activity, highlighting that in 2022, the taxes generated by tourism totaled more than RD$155 billion.

These statements were made during the opening ceremony of the XXXVI Commercial Exposition, the most prominent business platform between suppliers and companies of the tourism sector, which concluded October 11 at Blue Mall Punta Cana, inaugurated by the Vice President of the Republic, Raquel Peña and the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, together with the businessmen of Asonahores.

Therefore, David Llibre, president of Asonahores, explained that for every peso that the State releases from taxes on tourism, the dynamism of the productive chaining of the sector returns 12 pesos, interconnecting with the other sectors of the economy through the purchases of goods and services, amounting to 139 billion pesos.

“In all purchases made by the tourism industry of recorded goods and services ITBIS is paid. Therefore, we call for the current tax structure that supports the tourism sector to be improved, but not eliminated, in order to continue attracting investments that will allow the growth of the industry to increase and continue generating contributions to the treasury,” he said.

He also said that the Dominican tourism industry attracts a significant amount of foreign direct investment, contributing approximately 3 out of every 10 dollars generated in foreign exchange by the Dominican economy. This is why it is one of the main reasons for maintaining the exchange stability of our country.

He specified that 5,000 million dollars in foreign investment is required to increase the arrival of two million visitors to the country, and this is only possible with the current legislation.

“We believe that the incentives granted by Confotur should be destined to projects that provide a minimum number of direct jobs per room, offer improvements in the working conditions of the direct collaborators, bet on the use of renewable energy, have a plan for the reuse of water for irrigation and the recovery of solid waste, make investments for the renovation of its plant in the long term and have a commitment to social responsibility with the community,” said Llibre.

Aguie Lendor, executive vice-president of Asonahores, said that in this new edition of the Commercial Exposition, the entity seeks to promote the development of the productive chain and strengthen commercial relations to promote sustainable growth in the tourism sector and benefit all the actors involved in the tourism industry.

Dominican Republic-US open skies agreement set to launch in 2025

Santo Domingo.- Héctor Porcella, president of the Civil Aviation Board (JAC), announced that the Open Skies agreement between the Dominican Republic and the United States is expected to take effect early next year. This comes after the agreement’s validation by the Constitutional Court and the National Congress. The agreement, in negotiation for over 25 years, will promote tourism and trade, with the Dominican Republic being one of the last Latin American countries without such an agreement with the US. It is a significant achievement under the leadership of President Luis Abinader and Tourism Minister David Collado, aiming to enhance air connectivity and lift restrictions on Dominican-registered airlines flying to US destinations.

Porcella also mentioned that the Dominican Republic’s aviation authorities are preparing to attend the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAN-ICAO) meeting in Malaysia, where they will negotiate 10 additional open skies agreements with other countries. Agreements with Argentina and several African nations are already in the pipeline. In 2025, the Dominican Republic will host the ICAN-ICAO conference, further cementing its position as a key hub in global civil aviation. As an island nation and leading Latin American tourist destination, expanding air connectivity is essential for continued growth.

The Open Skies agreement will directly benefit Dominican airlines, allowing them to establish new routes to the US and bolster the local aviation sector. Additionally, it is expected to reduce airfare costs for Dominicans living in the US by increasing competition in the market. Other government initiatives, such as reducing aviation fuel taxes by 50%, will further support this growth in air travel and tourism.

Airbnb Expresses willingness to pay taxes in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- Airbnb executives have expressed a willingness to pay taxes in the Dominican Republic, provided the government updates its tax system to align with international standards for digital platforms. Carlos Muñoz, head of Public Policy and Government Affairs at Airbnb, emphasized the need for integration between their platform and the tax collection system through streamlined technology, which would alleviate concerns among local service providers about potential audits from the General Directorate of Internal Revenue.

Since 2021, Airbnb has been in discussions with the government to regularize its host community, advocating for clear regulations that would facilitate the integration of informal operators into the formal banking system. Muñoz also stressed the necessity for tax reform to include specific provisions for digital platforms, as the current legal framework lacks adequate regulation for these entities.

Airbnb is engaged in ongoing talks about tax reform, with concerns raised about the suggestion from the Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic (Asonahores) for digital platforms to act as tax withholding agents. Muñoz warned that this could disadvantage Airbnb compared to competitors that do not manage payments. He cautioned against the lengthy regulatory discussions seen in countries like Costa Rica, which delayed tax compliance for years, and advocated for adopting successful tax collection technologies from the European Union.

Muñoz highlighted that short-term rental platforms contribute to the Dominican tourism landscape by democratizing access, allowing diverse individuals to benefit from tourism and creating economic opportunities in remote communities through income generated from rental activities.

ASONAHORES calls for careful analysis in upcoming Tax Reform

Santo Domingo.- The Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic (ASONAHORES) has urged the government to conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis of the current tax structures as part of the proposed Tax Reform. While acknowledging the need for a comprehensive fiscal pact to improve tax efficiency and public spending transparency, ASONAHORES emphasized the importance of protecting productive sectors that drive economic growth and job creation.

David Llibre, president of ASONAHORES, highlighted that sectors like tourism contribute significantly more to the economy than what the state loses in tax exemptions. He stressed that any changes in the fiscal framework should support these industries’ continued growth. ASONAHORES reported that from 2019 to 2023, the tourism sector experienced an annual growth rate of 23% and a 6% increase in tourist arrivals. However, hotel industry expansion has not matched this pace, making it a key area for review in the reform process.

The association reiterated that tourism forms the backbone of the country’s economy, creating extensive productive chains that benefit agriculture, industry, and services. ASONAHORES urged the government to ensure that fiscal reforms promote competitiveness and growth while addressing unfair competition and preserving the stability of sectors that attract both foreign and local investment.

Infotep enhances infrastructure to address growing tourism demands

Santo Domingo.- Rafael Santos Badía, General Director of the National Institute for Technical and Professional Training (Infotep), emphasized the institution’s proactive response to the evolving demands of the tourism sector and the broader economy. He noted that Infotep has significantly enhanced its physical and technological infrastructure to align with the requirements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

To support this initiative, the institution has established a multimedia classroom for creating virtual content and launched an Infotep-Huawei Technology Academy. This academy aims to cultivate a pool of ICT talent equipped with advanced technological skills essential for the growth of the Dominican industrial landscape.

Infotep also implements dual training programs directly within hotel environments, ensuring that students benefit from 80% practical experience and 20% theoretical learning. He highlighted the School of Hospitality, Gastronomy, and Pastry in La Altagracia, where over 15,000 technicians have been trained for the tourism sector.

Looking ahead, the establishment of a new tourism school in Sabana de la Mar is planned, following renovations to the former Villa Suiza hotel. This school will focus on cultivating hospitality specialists.

Additionally, the transformation of the Guarocuya Hotel in Barahona into a training school for the tourism and hotel industry was discussed, aimed at serving the Enriquillo region and preparing candidates for the forthcoming tourist center in Pedernales.

Dominican Republic and Argentina to sign open skies agreement

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic’s Minister of Tourism, David Collado, announced the upcoming signing of an Open Skies Agreement with Argentina, aimed at enhancing air connectivity between the two nations. This agreement will allow national airlines from both countries to operate flights to any destination within each other’s territory, potentially increasing Argentine tourist arrivals to the Dominican Republic by 150% in 2024.

Collado emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen ties with the Southern Cone, including Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, to offset the decline in European tourism caused by the war and high fuel costs. Chilean tourist arrivals are also expected to surpass 200,000 by the end of the year.

The tourism agenda prioritizes improving air connectivity to reduce high travel costs, while also focusing on sustainable and inclusive tourism. Collado noted plans to issue new resolutions to position the Dominican Republic as a leader in sustainability, accessibility, and luxury tourism.

Dominican Rum industry faces declining sales

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Association of Rum Producers (Adopron) has reported a continued decline in the country’s rum industry, as indicated by the latest data from the General Directorate of Internal Revenue (DGII). In 2022, declared rum sales fell by 0.6%, followed by a 4.3% decrease in 2023. The trend has worsened in 2024, with an alarming 9% contraction in sales by August, resulting in an estimated loss of 4 million liters compared to 2021 levels.

Adopron highlighted that 2024 was expected to be a critical year for the industry’s recovery post-pandemic and following the issues related to adulterated alcohol. However, the recent statistics suggest that this recovery is increasingly unlikely. Spokesperson Circe Almánzar cautioned that raising taxes on the rum industry, particularly the selective consumption tax (ISC), could have severe repercussions, potentially driving consumers to the illicit market rather than reducing overall consumption.

Currently, rum is the only national production category not experiencing growth in 2024, facing significant challenges from the ISC. Despite price increases and high taxation, illicit trade remains a persistent threat, especially in the lower-price segment, with over 70% of this segment displaying unjustified prices. Adopron estimates that 55% of brands exhibit illicit practices, leading to tax evasion exceeding RD$200 million annually.

The association expressed concern that this trend jeopardizes both industry stability and consumer health, as people turn to illegal, low-quality products. They warned that illegal operations have become more sophisticated, even counterfeiting premium brands. Adopron has urged authorities to implement measures to combat illicit trade and safeguard both the rum industry and Dominican consumers.

Caribbean Tourism Exchange’s 28th edition set for October 24-26

Santo Domingo.- Luis Felipe Aquino, president of the Caribbean Tourism Exchange (BTC), announced that the 28th edition of the event will be held from October 24 to 26 at the Convention Center of the Dominican Fiesta Hotel, with support from the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur).

Aquino highlighted that a key attraction will be the presentation of tourism products from various countries and companies, along with the Business Roundtable, which will feature operators from nations such as Canada, the United States, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Curaçao, Aruba, Bonaire, Ecuador, El Salvador, Panama, and Costa Rica. The BTC also emphasizes tourism training, offering workshops, seminars, and conferences on topics like sign language, job inclusion for people with disabilities, neuroleadership, and integrating artificial intelligence tools.

This year’s agenda includes cooking shows, cultural and artisanal exhibitions, religious tourism, and a focus on MSMEs and entrepreneurship. Additionally, the BTC reaffirms its social commitment by supporting the Dominican Foundation for Cystic Fibrosis through a charity fashion show. Aquino expressed gratitude to the event’s supporters and participants, who have contributed to its success over the past 28 years.

Dominican Republic leads Latin America in economic growth for 2024

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic has achieved the highest year-on-year economic growth in Latin America, according to the Central Bank’s latest report. From January to August 2024, the country registered an average growth rate of 5.1%, standing out amid a challenging global economic landscape. In August alone, the monthly indicator of economic activity (IMAE) recorded a 5.6% expansion, showcasing the country’s resilience despite geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

The report attributes this robust performance to effective monetary and fiscal policies, which have kept inflation at the lower end of the target range of 4.0% ± 1.0%. Key sectors driving growth include construction, which rose by 6.9% in August, and free zone manufacturing, which saw an 8.1% increase. These sectors have contributed to positioning the Dominican Republic favorably in regional growth projections for the remainder of 2024.

The strong economic results underscore the country’s leadership in the region and highlight the strength of its macroeconomic fundamentals and the adaptability of its productive sectors. The outlook remains positive, with expectations of sustained growth through the end of the year.

Dominican Republic launches Sargassum and agricultural waste management

Santo Domingo.- The ResAgro-Sargassum project, aimed at tackling the challenges of sargassum and agricultural waste in the Dominican Republic, held its inaugural meeting at the Santo Domingo Institute of Technology (INTEC). The initiative is part of the Franco-Dominican cooperation program on Agricultural Waste and Sargassum Management and was attended by key stakeholders, including Sylvie Gustave-Dit-Duflo, Vice-President of the Regional Council of Guadeloupe and President of the French Biodiversity Office.

Funded by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and coordinated by INTEC, the project seeks to promote sustainable solutions and foster collaboration between Guadeloupe and the Dominican Republic. INTEC Vice-Rector Rosario Aróstegui emphasized that the project is a critical step towards turning ecological challenges into opportunities and advancing sustainable development.

The meeting featured the participation of multiple French institutions, Dominican organizations, and private sector representatives, all working towards innovative strategies for managing sargassum and agricultural waste. Through the creation of the Interuniversity Sargassum Research Network, which includes ten Dominican universities, the project aims to enhance research and practical applications to address these pressing environmental issues.

Puerto Plata to welcome 35 cruise ships in October 2024

Puerto Plata.- Puerto Plata, one of the Dominican Republic’s premier tourist destinations, is set to receive a significant boost in visitor numbers with the arrival of 35 cruise ships in October 2024. Atahualpa Paulino, northern regional director of the Ministry of Tourism, confirmed this influx, highlighting its positive impact on the province’s economy and tourism sector.

Of the 35 ships, 24 will dock at Amber Cove in Maimón, while the remaining 11 will arrive at the Taíno Bay terminal in downtown Puerto Plata. The Carnival Magic and Carnival Mardi Gras will kick off the series of arrivals on October 2, bringing thousands of passengers eager to explore the “Bride of the Atlantic.” Taíno Bay, known for connecting visitors to Puerto Plata’s historic center and local attractions, complements Amber Cove, which remains a modern and preferred port for cruise lines.

The influx of cruise ships not only boosts the local economy but also solidifies Puerto Plata’s status as a competitive destination in the Caribbean, offering visitors a blend of stunning beaches, cultural experiences, and modern facilities.

Dominican economy grew 5.6% in August

Santo Domingo – The activities with the highest growth in August were: financial intermediation (8.7%), mining (8.5%), free zones (8.1%) and construction (6.9%).

The Dominican economy grew 5.6 % in August, accumulating an average growth of 5.1 % in January-August of this year.

The activities that drove growth in August were financial intermediation (8.7%), mining (8.5%), free zone manufacturing (8.1%), construction (6.9%), local manufacturing (6.8%), commerce (6.2%) and transportation (6.0%), according to the monthly economic activity indicator (IMAE), registered by the Central Bank.

Meanwhile, the growth in January-August 2024 is due to the performance of activities such as construction (4.9 %) and free trade zone manufacturing (6.6 %), highlighting those exports under this regime amounted to US$5,691.4 million in the referred period.

Likewise, service activities as a whole showed an accumulated increase of 5.4% with respect to the same period of the previous year, among which the following stand out: hotels, bars and restaurants (7.1%), transportation and storage (5.9%), real estate and rental activities (5.8%) and communications (5.3%).
The Central Bank explained in a statement that this behavior has taken place in an environment of price stability in which inflation has remained this year in the lower part of the mint range of 4.0 % ± 1.0 % as a result of the monetary and fiscal policies implemented.

The entity highlighted that in August mining grew 8.5 %, supported by the increase in gold production in the main gold deposit of the country. This sector had a decrease of 8.9% in the January-August period of this year compared to 2023.

Construction grew 6.9 % in the referred month, which is reflected in the increase of sales volumes of the main inputs used in this sector.

Meanwhile, the financial intermediation activity presented an inter-annual increase of 8.1 % in January-August, influenced by the 15.2 % expansion of credit granted to the private sector in local currency, equivalent to an additional RD$232,425.2 million with respect to August of the previous year.

The Central Bank also highlighted that the expansion of the IMAE in January-August places the Dominican Republic as the economy with the highest inter-annual increase with respect to its peers in Latin America, according to the latest information available to date published by the countries.

Tourist apartments seen as ‘unfair competition’ for hotels in the Dominican Republic

Punta Cana.- Simón Suárez, Vice President of Institutional Relations and Projects at Grupo Puntacana, highlighted that foreign investors are increasingly opting to build apartments in tourist areas instead of hotels due to similar incentives but fewer regulatory requirements. He noted that these projects bypass environmental and municipal regulations that hotels must comply with, creating “unfair competition” in the tourism sector.

Suárez explained that apartment developments offer faster returns since they are sold directly, unlike hotels, which require substantial investments and ongoing costs to maintain the infrastructure. Additionally, hotel projects generate significantly more employment, with a 500-room hotel employing around 800 direct workers compared to just 20 staff for a 200-unit apartment complex.

He emphasized that hotel developments support a broader supply chain, benefiting local farmers, service providers, and other sectors, underscoring the economic ripple effect that apartment projects lack.

Source: Arecoa

Dominican Senate approves agreements on solar energy

Santo Domingo.- The Senate of the Dominican Republic approved a framework agreement for the creation of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in a single reading. The agreement aims to enhance demand coordination, financing, technology, innovation, research, and training in the solar energy sector. According to the document submitted by the Executive Branch, this initiative will address common challenges for expanding solar energy networks.

Additionally, the Senate approved another framework agreement on cooperation between the Dominican Republic and Portugal, also presented by the Executive Branch. The session further ratified two diplomatic appointments: Robert Miky Takata Pimentel as ambassador to Tuvalu, based in Japan, and Alejandro Arias Zarzuela as ambassador to Uzbekistan, based in the Russian Federation.

Dominican Republic aims for 11.5 million tourists in 2024, despite seasonal dip

Santo Domingo.- The Minister of Tourism, David Collado, remains optimistic about reaching the goal of 11.5 million visitors to the Dominican Republic by the end of 2024. So far, 7,781,690 visitors have been registered in the first eight months of the year. Despite a slight dip in August, with 812,949 visitors compared to July’s 1,017,896, Collado reaffirmed his confidence in achieving the year-end target.

Collado noted that seasonal declines in visitor numbers are expected and emphasized that now is the best time to invest in Dominican tourism. He highlighted plans to diversify into gastronomic, luxury, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism. In August, 675,196 visitors arrived by air and 137,753 by cruise ship, with 54% coming from the United States.

He also mentioned that the open skies agreement with the U.S. would boost tourism, but final approval from the Constitutional Court is still pending. This agreement is seen as a critical step towards increasing competitiveness and allowing Dominican airlines greater access to U.S. destinations.

Tourism SMEs in DR grow 18% in 2024 amidst digital transformation push

Santo Domingo.- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Dominican tourism sector have seen an 18% growth in revenue for 2024, according to a report by Alegra.com, reinforcing their pivotal role in the country’s tourism landscape.

Tourism has long been a key pillar of the Dominican Republic’s economy, and with World Tourism Day highlighting the industry’s impact, the contribution of SMEs stands out. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), 90% of the nation’s tourism businesses are micro, small, and medium enterprises, accounting for 15% of the country’s GDP and creating over 800,000 jobs.

Despite their significant influence, these businesses face both challenges and opportunities, particularly as they navigate economic recovery and the shift towards digitalization.

Recent figures from the Ministry of Tourism indicate that the Dominican Republic welcomed nearly 7 million tourists between January and July this year, an 11% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The United States, Canada and Colombia remain the top countries of origin for these visitors.

The WTTC also predicts that 2024 will set new records for international visitor spending in the country, expected to reach $10.4 billion by year-end. Domestic tourism is also projected to hit an all-time high, with estimated spending of $3.7 billion.

This growth is already being felt by local tourism SMEs. Alegra.com, a cloud-based accounting and invoicing software tailored for small businesses, reported that revenues for tourism SMEs increased by 18% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period last year.

“Alegra.com is witnessing how more small and medium-sized businesses are capitalizing on the tourism boom to strengthen their operations,” said Haydeé Cabrera, Strategic Leader for Alegra.com in the Dominican Republic. “This sustained growth shows that SMEs are adapting, growing, and solidifying their presence in an increasingly competitive environment.”

Digital transformation remains both a challenge and an opportunity for the Dominican Republic’s tourism SMEs. A 2021 report from the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) highlighted that many of these businesses are limited to basic digital tools like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and email. The report found that 60% of SMEs cite the cost of implementing digital tools and hiring advisory services as a primary barrier to digital transformation, while 80% pointed to a lack of knowledge about new technologies and their applications in the tourism sector.

Cabrera emphasized that embracing digitalization is crucial for tourism SMEs. “For businesses that have implemented digital tools, we’ve seen significant improvements in efficiency, and more importantly, in their long-term sustainability. In a sector where quick adaptation to market demands is key, technology becomes a strategic ally,” she said. “Automating processes like billing, accounting, and inventory management leads to greater efficiency and time savings.”

As the tourism sector continues its upward trajectory, the digital readiness of SMEs will be essential to sustaining their growth and competitiveness in a fast-evolving market. With 2024 already showing strong gains, the future looks bright for the Dominican Republic’s tourism businesses that are ready to embrace new opportunities.