Reef Jet to launch excursions and resume Punta Cana-Santiago flights

Santo Domingo.- Reef Jet has announced the start of its operations for the 2025 winter season, featuring a range of flights and excursions aimed at enhancing Caribbean connectivity and offering unforgettable experiences.

Among the highlights, the airline will introduce weekly excursions to Bahía de las Águilas in Pedernales, with travelers from Punta Cana able to explore the destination every Thursday. Additionally, Reef Jet invites guests to experience whale watching from January 16 to March 31, offering both full-day excursions on Wednesdays and half-day options on Fridays.

To further strengthen national connectivity, Reef Jet will resume its Punta Cana-Santiago route with weekly flights on Fridays and Sundays, reducing travel time to just 50 minutes. Geraint María Barrot, COO of Reef Jet, emphasized the airline’s commitment to high-quality service, sustainability, and promoting domestic tourism, aiming to contribute to the growth of the national tourism sector.

Argentina and Dominican Republic sign open skies agreement

Argentina.- The governments of Argentina and the Dominican Republic have signed a bilateral open skies agreement, marking a significant step toward enhancing air connectivity between the two nations. With this deal, Argentina now has open skies agreements with 11 countries, including Brazil, Chile, and Canada. This policy transition eliminates restrictions on flight frequencies, enabling airlines to adjust schedules based on market demand and seasonal trends, thereby fostering competitiveness and improving passenger connectivity.

Under the agreement, airlines can expand their transport networks across the continent, unrestricted by the previous cap of 14 weekly flights. The policy also removes limits on regular cargo flights, allowing them to operate under the “seventh freedom of the air,” which permits flights that neither begin nor end in the airline’s home country. The agreement was formalized by Argentina’s Secretary of Transportation, Franco Mogetta, and Héctor Porcella Dumas, President of the Dominican Republic’s Civil Aviation Board.

The open skies policy is already generating results. Previously limited to the Ezeiza-Punta Cana route, new routes like Córdoba-Punta Cana and Ezeiza-Punta Cana (operated by Arajet) have commenced, with plans for Tucumán-Punta Cana and Rosario-Punta Cana routes in 2025. Airlines such as Sky, Arajet, and Jetsmart are expected to expand international operations. This deregulation is anticipated to boost tourism, enhance investment opportunities, and strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

La Romana welcomes two weekly SkyUp Airlines flights from Poland

La Romana.- La Romana International Airport celebrated the arrival of its first weekly SkyUp Airlines flight from Warsaw, marking a significant step in enhancing the airport’s role as a key tourism hub for the eastern Dominican Republic and the Caribbean. The inaugural flight, aboard a Boeing 777-300R, carried 333 passengers and was nearly at full capacity, reflecting strong demand for this new route. A second weekly flight will connect La Romana to Katowice, further strengthening tourism ties between Eastern Europe and the Dominican Republic.

Luis Emilio Rodriguez, director of La Romana Airport, highlighted the strategic partnership with leading tour operators Anex Tour and Join Up, emphasizing that these flights will not only attract European visitors but also provide a boost to the local economy by promoting tourism and creating new opportunities in the sector.

La Romana International Airport, known for its excellent infrastructure and proximity to popular destinations like Casa de Campo, Altos de Chavón, and Bávaro, continues to grow as an international gateway. The warm welcome for passengers on the inaugural flight showcased Dominican hospitality, ensuring a memorable experience for visitors. The recent addition of SkyUp Airlines, along with the resumption of American Airlines’ daily Miami-La Romana flight, underscores the region’s potential to drive economic growth and business opportunities.

Cibao International Airport exceeds 180,000 passengers in December

Santiago de los Caballeros, DR.- Cibao International Airport closed December with over 180,000 passengers, receiving an average of 52 flights daily, primarily from the United States, including New York, Newark, and Miami, along with tourists from Madrid and several Panamanian cities. The airport’s total passenger count for the year exceeded 2.2 million.

To accommodate future growth, the airport is progressing with plans to expand its terminal by 2025, aiming for completion by 2026. This US$300 million project includes the expansion of the aircraft parking platform, a 280-meter runway extension, and enhanced access and parking facilities. The expansion is expected to increase the airport’s capacity to 2.6 million annual passengers.

Tourism, the great protagonist of the Dominican Republic’s economic growth in 2024

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican tourism sector is consolidating itself as the country’s main economic engine, managing to close 2024 with record visitor arrivals, an expansion of its hotel plant, and a considerable improvement in average tourist spending.

For economist Jaime Aristy Escuder, the growth exhibited by the DR economy in the just-ended year was leveraged mainly by the contributions of the tourism sector, an industry that remains unstoppable.

“The activities of the tourism sector together with commerce, construction and local manufacturing contributed tangibly to the increase in Dominican GDP in 2024,” he said.

He indicated that the growth mentioned above is in line with the estimates of the Central Bank, which indicate that the economy would register the highest growth rate in the entire region last year.

He said that the Dominican economy will remain at a good pace in the future. Proof of this is the current international environment’s favor for the country, as well as the fact that the United States, the nation’s main trading partner, projects a growth of 2.7% for this year, despite the fact that the interest rates of the Federal Reserve and the Treasury Notes are High.

President Abinader rejoices with the boost of cruise ships in Cabo Rojo

Pedernales, DR. – President Luis Abinader highlighted the boost of cruise tourism in the port of Cabo Rojo, Pedernales, with the arrival of the Holland America Line Rotterdam cruise ship this week. The ship had 2,593 visitors and 976 crew members on board.

“Pedernales enthusiastically welcomes the Holland America Line Rotterdam ship. I am happy to start the year seeing how the dream of tourism development in the south becomes a reality that benefits the entire region and the country. We continue to work for a future full of opportunities for Pedernales and the entire Dominican Republic,” the president posted on his social networks.

The cruise ship becomes the sixth to call at the port of Cabo Rojo, whose terminal is scheduled to make some 25 more stopovers by Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Lines, MSC, and Costa Cruises in 2025.

European tourist arrivals to the Dominican Republic increase: Spain and Germany lead the way

Tourism activity registers significant growth in the country, specifically from long-distance markets such as Spain, Germany, and Italy. This is in addition to the leadership maintained by tourist-issuing countries such as the United States and Canada.

Statistics from the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur), on its Situr platform, show that in November of this year, 2024, the arrivals of foreigners and Dominicans residing abroad were steadily increasing.

It was recorded that 13,488 Germans arrived in the DR by air, 9,518 from Poland, and 2,223 Swiss, among others. In addition, 176,006 Americans, 104,414 Dominicans and 93,454 Canadians.

Passengers arrived in the country on 4,951 regular flights and 331 charter flights, according to Listin Diario.

The recovery and growth of long-distance destinations such as the European one have much to do with the sustainable management of Mitur, which presents the environment and safety of the DR for the visitor.

Puerto Plata to welcome 81 cruise ships at the start of 2025

Puerto Plata.- Puerto Plata, known as “The Bride of the Atlantic,” is set to kick off 2025 with a tourism boom, welcoming 81 cruise ships to its main ports, Amber Cove and Taíno Bay. In January alone, Amber Cove will host 27 vessels, while Taíno Bay will receive 54, offering thousands of visitors the chance to explore the province’s natural beauty and cultural charm.

Carlos Atahualpa Paulino, regional director of the Ministry of Tourism, emphasized the economic significance of this influx, noting its critical role in strengthening Puerto Plata’s economy and solidifying its status as a tourism hub. Since its opening in 2015, Amber Cove has been pivotal for cruise tourism in northern Dominican Republic, a success further bolstered by Taíno Bay’s inauguration in 2021.

In 2024, the Dominican Republic welcomed over 11 million visitors, contributing US$26,000 million to the GDP and creating nearly 949,000 jobs. With Puerto Plata’s continued growth and commitment to sustainable tourism, the region remains a key player in the nation’s economic and tourism landscape.

Dominican Republic celebrates record 11 million tourists

Punta Cana.- The Dominican Republic has surpassed its goal of 11 million visitors in 2024, marking a historic milestone and solidifying its status as a regional tourism leader. Tourism Minister David Collado celebrated the achievement by welcoming the 11 millionth visitor, Bruce Pirt, at Punta Cana International Airport. Pirt, who arrived with his wife Kathryn and daughters Melissa and Anna on an Air Transat flight from Canada, was visiting to celebrate his 20th wedding anniversary. Reflecting on his connection to the country, Pirt described the Dominican Republic as a “wonderful place,” where he had celebrated his wedding two decades earlier.

Minister Collado emphasized the significance of this milestone, highlighting its economic impact. Tourism accounted for nearly 20% of the nation’s GDP in 2024, contributing US$26,000 million and generating 949,000 jobs. Additionally, the sector provided 130,000 million pesos in tax revenue. Collado noted that surpassing 11 million visitors represents not only a record-breaking achievement but also a testament to the Dominican Republic’s growing appeal as a global tourism destination.

This accomplishment builds on last year’s milestone of 10 million visitors, which had been a long-standing aspiration for the tourism sector. Collado attributed the success to the collaboration between the public and private sectors, celebrating the positive ripple effects on the country’s economy and international reputation.

Puerto Plata ports receive four major cruise ships

Puerto Plata—On Thursday, December 19, four impressive cruise ships arrived in Puerto Plata: Carnival Celebration, Nieuw Amsterdam, Celebrity Apex, and Oceania Vista.

These ships arrived at the ports of Amber Cove, located in the bay of Maimón, and Taíno Bay, located in the city’s center, attracting a wave of visitors and marking a day of great dynamism for local tourism.

In this regard, the head of the tourism office, Yokasta Almonte, reported the following arrivals:

In Amber Cove, the Carnival Celebration cruise ship arrived with 6,175 visitors and 1,760 crew members, while the Nieuw Amsterdam brought 1,755 visitors and 816 crew members.

In Taino Bay, the Celebrity Apex received 2,897 visitors and 1,306 crew members; the Oceania Vista had 1,138 and 773 crew members.

According to RS Noticias, more than 15,000 people, including visitors and crew, visited Puerto Plata in total, generating significant movement in the local economy, especially in commerce, gastronomy, and tourist excursions through the historic center and its surroundings.

In addition, a positive forecast is maintained for the high season, as more than 86 cruise ships are expected in December, consolidating Puerto Plata as a key destination in the Caribbean cruise tourism industry.

Happy Holidays from Luperon Ocean Estates

We are wishing you all near and far a very happy holiday season and joyous new year.

From all of us at LOE Group LLC.

Puerto Plata nears full occupancy as cruise tourism thrives

Puerto Plata.- Carlos Atahualpa Paulino, regional director of the Ministry of Tourism in Puerto Plata, announced that hotels and accommodations in the northern Dominican Republic are nearing full occupancy. This surge in activity is driven by the arrival of 23 out of 86 cruise ships scheduled for December, significantly boosting the region’s tourism.

To enhance visitor safety, 70 additional Politur agents have been deployed across tourist areas. Paulino also noted high occupancy rates in mountain destinations like Jarabacoa and Constanza, reflecting robust tourism growth across the northern region. The Amber Cove terminal is set to receive 32 cruise ships, while Taíno Bay will welcome 54. On four days this month, both facilities will simultaneously host five vessels, showcasing their operational capacity. Approximately 258,000 tourists are expected, averaging 3,000 passengers per ship.

This influx of visitors presents significant opportunities for Puerto Plata’s economy, promoting its natural and cultural attractions. Paulino credited the Ministry of Tourism’s strategic efforts to position the province as a premier destination, offering a unique mix of nature, culture, and hospitality. “Puerto Plata is ready to welcome thousands of visitors and solidify its role as a Caribbean tourism benchmark,” he affirmed.

Arajet achieves record-breaking passenger numbers in November

Santo Domingo.- In November, Arajet, the Dominican low-cost airline, reported transporting 96,586 passengers, accounting for 7% of all travelers entering or leaving the country. The airline also announced that it had surpassed one million passengers in 2024, becoming the first Dominican airline to reach this milestone in a single year.

These figures, which position Arajet as the most active Dominican airline, reflect the positive impact of its operations at Punta Cana Airport. The airline expects even greater growth in December. Arajet’s CEO and Founder, Victor Pacheco Méndez, expressed gratitude to passengers for choosing the airline and emphasized their commitment to offering low fares and high-quality service to strengthen the country’s position as a regional air hub.

Arajet highlighted that the most popular routes from Punta Cana were Buenos Aires and São Paulo, while Bogotá and Medellín were the top destinations in the Americas. The airline projects that by the end of 2024, it will have transported around 1.2 million passengers, further consolidating its expansion across Canada and South America.

Dominican Republic seeks multi-destination tourism partnership with Mexico

Mexico.- During his recent visit to Mexico, Dominican Republic’s Minister of Tourism, David Collado, reaffirmed his commitment to advancing plans for a multi-destination tourism initiative with Mexico and other Latin American countries. He emphasized the need to revive discussions on this project with Mexico’s new government to boost regional tourism, similar to strategies used in Europe.

Collado explained that the concept aims to encourage travelers to visit multiple destinations in one trip, much like Europeans who combine visits to Spain and Italy. He highlighted the Dominican Republic’s role as a hub for connecting passengers from countries like Canada, Argentina, and Brazil to Mexico, which increases regional air traffic. Currently, 12 additional flight frequencies have been established between Mexico and the Dominican Republic, enabling daily connections from Mexico City and Cancun to Santo Domingo and Punta Cana.

While Collado has not yet connected with Mexico’s new Secretary of Tourism, Josefina Rodríguez, he expressed plans to resume talks to advance the multi-destination strategy. This initiative would include collaborative promotion efforts and joint tourism packages to drive growth in the sector.

Meanwhile, Jesús Almaguer Salazar, president of the Association of Hotels of Cancun, Puerto Morelos, and Isla Mujeres, noted a decline in Spanish tourists visiting Quintana Roo. He attributed this to increased promotion and competitive pricing from destinations like the Dominican Republic and Cuba.

Massive holiday passenger flow overwhelms Las Américas Airport

Santo Domingo.- Thousands of Dominicans living abroad are returning home for the Christmas and New Year celebrations, bringing gifts for their families and friends. The influx of travelers has led airport authorities to implement additional controls, especially in the departure areas, due to the high volume of passengers, including many foreigners coming to greet their relatives.

Flights from the United States, Puerto Rico, Europe, Central, and South America are arriving at full capacity, with most passengers being Dominicans returning for the holidays. The bustling atmosphere at Las Américas Airport (AILA) is heightened by the vibrant merengue music, as travelers navigate through Immigration, Customs, and the crowded exit areas where their loved ones await.

To manage the surge, national and international airlines, including American Airlines, JetBlue, and Arajet, have added extra flights to accommodate the increased demand. Airport authorities and the Aerodom company expect over half a million passengers to pass through AILA in December. Additionally, the government has allowed Dominicans returning for the holidays to bring gifts worth up to US$5,000 tax-free, a policy being closely monitored by Customs and other security agencies. Enhanced security measures have been put in place at the airport and along the Las Américas highway to ensure the safety of travelers.

Minister Bisonó highlights Dominican Republic as a premier investment destination in Miami

Miami.- The Minister of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs (MICM), Víctor “Ito” Bisonó, highlighted the Dominican Republic’s competitive advantages as an investment hub during the World Strategic Forum 2024: Prospering in the New Economy held in Miami. He emphasized the nation’s transformation under President Luis Abinader, crediting strategic policies and sustainable development for what he called “the Dominican miracle.”

Bisonó detailed the country’s post-pandemic recovery, citing a projected 5.1% growth for 2024, the highest in the region according to the World Bank and IMF. He noted Standard & Poor’s recent upgrade of the Dominican Republic’s credit rating to BB, signaling stability and legal security for investors. Foreign direct investment rose 7.1% year-on-year in 2023, representing 41% of Central America’s total inflows. The United States remains the primary investor, contributing 30% of investment over the last decade.

Bisonó spotlighted the country’s readiness for nearshoring, particularly in the semiconductor and printed circuit industries. With incentives like decree 324-24 prioritizing semiconductor development, advantages include a strategic location, robust logistics, eight international airports, top-ranked port connectivity, and skilled talent. Initiatives like “Zero Bureaucracy” and “24-hour Office” streamline processes, ensuring a business-friendly environment. “The Dominican Republic is not just a future opportunity—it’s a place to invest today,” he concluded.

FAO representative: Dominican Republic’s zero hunger goal by 2028 is achievable

Santo Domingo.- Rodrigo Castañeda, the FAO representative in the Dominican Republic, affirmed that the country’s goal of eradicating hunger by 2028 is realistic and attainable. He emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts to increase sustainable food production, enhance income, and expand social assistance to ensure food access for vulnerable families. Castañeda cited examples of nations like Chile, Brazil, Uruguay, and Costa Rica, which have successfully eradicated hunger, as proof that the goal is achievable.

Castañeda commended President Luis Abinader’s political commitment and the Agricultural Cabinet’s leadership in producing 90.6% of the nation’s food supply. This achievement significantly contributes to poverty reduction and food security, paving the way for meeting the zero-hunger target. His remarks came during the conclusion of a training program for over 50 technicians from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Dominican Coffee Institute (Indocafe).

Minister of Agriculture Limber Cruz echoed Castañeda’s optimism, expressing confidence that the Dominican Republic could achieve its zero-hunger goal ahead of schedule.

Puerto Plata nears full occupancy as cruise tourism thrives

Puerto Plata.- Carlos Atahualpa Paulino, regional director of the Ministry of Tourism in Puerto Plata, announced that hotels and accommodations in the northern Dominican Republic are nearing full occupancy. This surge in activity is driven by the arrival of 23 out of 86 cruise ships scheduled for December, significantly boosting the region’s tourism.

To enhance visitor safety, 70 additional Politur agents have been deployed across tourist areas. Paulino also noted high occupancy rates in mountain destinations like Jarabacoa and Constanza, reflecting robust tourism growth across the northern region. The Amber Cove terminal is set to receive 32 cruise ships, while Taíno Bay will welcome 54. On four days this month, both facilities will simultaneously host five vessels, showcasing their operational capacity. Approximately 258,000 tourists are expected, averaging 3,000 passengers per ship.

This influx of visitors presents significant opportunities for Puerto Plata’s economy, promoting its natural and cultural attractions. Paulino credited the Ministry of Tourism’s strategic efforts to position the province as a premier destination, offering a unique mix of nature, culture, and hospitality. “Puerto Plata is ready to welcome thousands of visitors and solidify its role as a Caribbean tourism benchmark,” he affirmed.

Government invests RD$300 million in Eastern tourist highways

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Government has announced an investment of 300 million pesos to repave the Autovía del Este and Autopista del Coral, starting with an initial one-kilometer section toward Punta Cana. Vice Minister of Supervision of State Works, Roberto Herrera, explained that the project uses micropaving, a cost-effective technique that reduces expenses by approximately 35%.

The first phase, from the Coral II toll booth to Punta Cana, has already been contracted, with plans to extend the paving from San Pedro to Punta Cana. The initiative aims to extend the road’s lifespan by another five to eight years while ensuring uninterrupted service. Herrera also mentioned that Minister Deligne Ascención and other officials are exploring asphalt recycling in Puerto Rico to further cut costs.

Additionally, the Puntacana Group is contributing to road safety by constructing a marginal roundabout near the airport to alleviate traffic congestion. Heavy equipment, including roller trucks, is already at work, with the Alba Sánchez construction company handling the project. These efforts are expected to significantly improve transportation and road conditions in the region.

Turizonenado Gastrofest: An initiative for the whole family in the Colonial City

Santo Domingo.- The sixth edition of TURIZONEANDO starts this Saturday at the Museum of the Fortress of Santo Domingo in the Colonial City, offering festive family entertainment during the Christmas season. This year’s event, featuring the TURIZONEANDO Gastrofest, will run on December 14-15 and 21-22, showcasing over 20 bars, restaurants, and brands from Santo Domingo with a diverse array of dishes and products.

Organized by the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) in partnership with the Santo Domingo Tourism Cluster, the Restaurant Association (ADERES), and the Santo Domingo Hotel Association (AHSD), the event promises a family-friendly atmosphere with tastings, bistro-style and picnic areas, live concerts, and gourmet markets. Visitors can savor Dominican and fusion cuisine, enjoy artisanal drinks, and explore free access to the museum’s facilities, including night map projections on the iconic Tower of Homage.

More than 12 artists will perform during the festival, accompanied by background music, artisanal offerings, and a lively cultural ambiance. For updates, attendees can follow MITUR, ADERES, the Santo Domingo Hotel Association, and the Santo Domingo Tourism Cluster on social media.