Punta Bergantín to transform Northern region into world-class tourist destination

Santo Domingo.- Andrés Marranzini, director of the Punta Bergantín Trust, highlighted the significant impact and strategic plans for developing the northern region into a major tourism destination. Speaking at the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAMDR), Marranzini emphasized that the Punta Bergantín project, driven by local and international investments, will promote both real estate and hotel development while strengthening the value chain and creating jobs.

He outlined the projected economic benefits over the next 36 months, alongside a training program for local workers to meet demand. Marranzini noted that partnerships with brands like Hyatt and the Meliá-Grupo Puntacana alliance, supported by Grupo Reservas and the Ministry of Tourism, ensure the project’s success, particularly in the Villa Montellano community.

The project includes 4,000 hotel rooms, renowned North American hotel brands, and the creation of an Innovation District to position the area as a hub for technology and entrepreneurship. In addition to tourism, a public and private beach club, golf course, and film studio will diversify the economy, making the region a key destination for both business and leisure. Marranzini stressed that the initiative aims to drive sustainable development, with local stakeholders playing an active role in the value chain.

Dominican Republic prepares for humpback whale season

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources is gearing up for the humpback whale season in Samaná, which runs from January to March. The Vice Ministry of Protected Areas and Biodiversity has started receiving requests from various companies and institutions eager to experience the presence of these magnificent cetaceans during their stay in Dominican waters.

The expectation for the upcoming season is to exceed the 61,558 visitors recorded in the first quarter of 2024, which included 40,667 foreign tourists (66.1%) and 20,891 local visitors. The Dominican Republic is committed to protecting and studying whales, emphasizing environmental conservation and sustainable development, positioning itself as a leader in responsible tourism and marine life preservation.

To enhance these efforts, the Dominican Government expanded its maritime protection by 30% through a decree signed on April 11, 2024, which established the Orlando Jorge Mera Marine Sanctuary. This initiative aligns with the vision of conserving whale populations, as it is estimated that 80% of North Atlantic humpback whales are born in Dominican waters.

During the Sixty-Ninth Biennial Meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in Peru, Vice Minister of Coastal and Marine Resources, José Ramón Reyes, represented the Dominican Republic and opposed a proposal from insular Caribbean countries to extend commercial whaling permits. He emphasized the country’s commitment to conservation, stating that the Dominican Republic does not have a tradition of hunting whales and focuses on preserving its natural resources. The presence of whales not only maintains marine ecosystem balance but also supports local economies through ecotourism activities, particularly whale watching, which creates jobs in coastal communities.

Dominican Republic-Malaysia trade reaches US$47.9 million in January-August 2024

Santo Domingo.- From January to August 2024, the Dominican Republic’s trade with Malaysia reached US$47.9 million, with 53.7% attributed to imports and 46.3% to exports. This data, released by ProDominicana, highlights a rise in trade driven by increased cocoa bean exports in 2023. Key exports included cocoa beans, copper scrap, and tobacco products, while imports consisted of copper wire, medical supplies, and postage stamps.

Between 2019 and 2023, trade totaled US$264.8 million, with imports dominating at 79.3%. The figures were presented at the ASEAN Investment Forum in Laos, where discussions centered on economic cooperation and the ASEAN Regional Investment Action Plan 2025-2030.

ProDominicana representatives, including Director of Investment Marcial Smester, also visited key Malaysian institutions such as the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and the Port Klang Free Trade Zone. These visits explored potential collaborations in sectors like ICT, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy, reinforcing the Dominican Republic’s focus on expanding its presence in Asia.

3rd Latin American Digital Health Congress held in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo – The Dominican Republic hosted the Latin American Digital Health Congress for the third time, with Minister of Public Health Víctor Atallah, Fedor Vidal (CEO of Arium Salud Digital), and Amelia Reyes Mora (President of AF Comunicación Estratégica) in attendance.

Minister Atallah opened the event, emphasizing that it is one of the most significant in the region for digital health. Vidal, an international expert in technology, thanked attendees for leading the digitalization of the health sector, noting that the event represents not only a platform for sharing ideas and showcasing technological advances but also a testament to the evolution of healthcare in the region.

Reyes Mora expressed gratitude to the more than 50 companies and institutions supporting the congress, highlighting AF Comunicación Estratégica’s role as a key partner in healthcare communication, committed to helping clients achieve their goals through effective strategies. She also emphasized the Dominican Republic’s progress toward digital health transformation, particularly with the launch of the national digital health strategy for 2024-2028.

Held at the JW Marriott hotel, the congress featured 30 speakers discussing the future of digital health, synergies between providers and insurers in a digital world, and the challenges faced by healthcare personnel. The event also included seven panels with representatives from the health and technology sectors, as well as international experts from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the U.S., and Mexico.

Four keynote conferences were delivered, covering topics such as “The Future of Digital Health” by Rogelio Umaña from Costa Rica, “Data Interoperability and Open Platforms” by José David Montilla, Vice Minister of Digital Agenda of the Ministry of the Presidency, and “AI Applications to Improve Patient Care” by Dr. Alejandro Mauro from Clínica Alemana in Santiago, Chile.

In addition to government representatives, the event was attended by key figures from the health, technology, business, and social sectors.

Moderators
The panels were moderated by Dr. Cambiaso, Juan Carlos Restrepo (Vice President of Technology at Grupo Humano), Fedor Vidal, Amelia Reyes Mora, Dr. Arnaldo Espaillat (Instituto Oftalmológico Espaillat Cabral), and Dr. Héctor López (President of the Orthopedic Society).

Dominican Republic aims to expand tourism with new open skies agreements

Aderes honors David Collado for contributions to Dominican gastronomic sector

Punta Cana.- The Dominican Restaurant Association (Aderes) awarded Minister of Tourism David Collado for his significant support to the restaurant sector and promotion of the Sustainable Gastronomic Tourism plan. The award was presented during the third edition of Restaurant Week Punta Cana, aimed at elevating the gastronomy and restaurant scene in the Punta Cana and Bávaro region.

Aderes President Omar Cepeda highlighted that the initiative is part of the SDQ Gastronómico 2024 route, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to developing sustainable gastronomic tourism in the country’s busiest tourist areas. The event showcases the Dominican Republic’s culinary offerings, highlighting the diversity of local products and cultural influences.

In addition, Restaurant Week Punta Cana 2023 recognized several restaurants, including Maralia, SBG Punta Cana, and Osteria Giorgetta, for their excellence. The event, running from October 7 to 13, features a variety of participating establishments and offers two-course and three-course tasting menus for diners. Sponsors of SDQ Gastronómico 2024 include American Express, the Ministry of Tourism, and various local brands.

Adventure of the Seas brings over 3,000 tourists to the Dominican Republic

Perdernales.- On Wednesday, more than 3,000 passengers and 1,185 crew members arrived in the Dominican Republic aboard the Adventure of the Seas for the inauguration of the second phase of the Port of Cabo Rojo in Pedernales. This marks a key milestone for the region’s tourism development.

Dominican authorities aim to generate $120 to $150 million through cruise tourism, which is expected to benefit the entire southern region. President Luis Abinader emphasized the project’s goal of creating jobs, with 400 positions at the port alone, and even more once hotels begin operations.

Minister of Tourism David Collado welcomed the passengers, highlighting the economic boost for Pedernales and the southern region. Starting in 2025, a cruise ship will dock at Cabo Rojo every week, offering visitors access to the region’s stunning beaches.

Dominican Republic and Honduras promote new flight route between Santo Domingo and Tegucigalpa

Santo Domingo.- Luis García, the Dominican Republic’s ambassador to Honduras, announced two significant agreements between the two nations aimed at enhancing tourism and trade.

The first agreement, signed on July 31, is an air trade pact that aims to establish a direct flight route from Santo Domingo to Tegucigalpa, Honduras, which currently does not exist. García noted that travelers currently have to fly through Miami, Panama, or Colombia, and the new route is expected to increase tourism and facilitate the transportation of agricultural products and medical supplies to Honduras.

The second agreement was signed on October 5 in Punta Cana and focuses on collaboration in the tourism sector between the Honduran Tourism Institute and the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Tourism. García highlighted that the Dominican Republic aims to share its tourism expertise, having welcomed 10 million tourists last year, and views tourism as a vital opportunity for cooperation and strategic alliances that can attract diverse tourist demographics, including those interested in cultural experiences.

Productive sectors present their views on Tax Reform to Deputies

Santo Domingo.- The Chamber of Deputies hosted representatives from seven major productive sectors on Tuesday to gather input on the proposed tax reform currently under review by the Finance Committee. Among the attendees were leaders from the National Council of Private Enterprise (Conep), the Association of Industries of the Dominican Republic (AIRD), and the Association of Builders and Developers of Housing (Acoprovi), along with representatives from the tourism, beverage, and rum industries.

Speaker Alfredo Pacheco emphasized the importance of hearing all perspectives on the Fiscal Modernization bill, acknowledging the concerns raised by each sector. The Chamber aims to ensure that the reform is inclusive and takes into account the interests of all stakeholders, with ongoing discussions being essential to refining the project.

The tax reform bill, introduced by the government last week, seeks to raise 122,000 million pesos. However, affected industries have voiced opposition to the current terms. President Luis Abinader has expressed the government’s willingness to engage in dialogue with all parties to reach a consensus on the reform. The Finance Committee will continue consultations, including public hearings, as part of its evaluation process.

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.