Dominican Republic, Nature and Luxury in the Heart of the Caribbean

The Dominican Republic, one of the
favorite destinations of world tourism, expects to conclude this year with a
record figure of 11.5 million visitors. Each year, more than 4.5 million
tourists from the United States and more than one million from Canada arrive in
this Caribbean paradise. Tourism accounts for 16 percent of the Dominican
Republic’s Gross Domestic Product and last year, the sector’s revenues exceeded
10 billion dollars.

Not surprisingly, its beaches and
cities boast the most impressive natural attractions, world-class services, and
hospitality. “In the midst of the pandemic, we had only 10,000 hotel rooms open
with an occupancy of 10 percent. Today, we have almost 90,000 hotel rooms open
with an occupancy of more than 95 percent,” said David Collado, Minister of
Tourism of the Dominican Republic, at the head of the 2024 Tourist Roadshow in
Mexico City.

According to David Collado, travel
agencies, tour operators, and airlines have been instrumental in making the
Dominican Republic a world tourism leader. There are over 16 thousand travel
agencies in the United States, Canada, Latin America, and Europe focused on the
island. 

Those who sign up for the DO Travel
Rewards loyalty program will receive a promotion of one dollar per night booked
at any destination and hotel in the Dominican Republic by entering the
information on the digital platform. In total, more than 70,000 reservations
have been registered, and the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Tourism has paid
more than 100,000 dollars in rewards to travel agencies.

“The Dominican Republic has it
all” is the slogan by which the Caribbean island promotes tourism
throughout its geography. These are some of the favorite destinations for
visitors from all over the world.

Miches, Dominican Republic (Photo Credit: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism)

Santo
Domingo

The country’s capital is the most
culturally rich destination in the Caribbean. It is the site of the first
cathedral and government palace in the Americas. In addition, its colonial
streets have multiple fine-dining restaurants, contemporary hotels, museums,
art galleries, theaters, and cultural centers.

The colonial city, established in
1498, is the oldest in the Americas and is considered one of the most beautiful
in the Caribbean, with buildings from the early 1500s and cobbled streets with
extraordinary sea views.

Punta
Cana

More than 56 percent of passengers
arriving in the Dominican Republic do so through Bávaro Punta Cana. “It was
born out of the vision of a businessman Frank Rainieri, who joined famous
designer Oscar de la Renta and singer Julio Iglesias,” Minister Collado said,
adding that there are 561 restaurants, more than 20 casinos, 14 nightclubs,
more than 50,000 hotel rooms, including the Ritz Carlton All Inclusive and,
soon, in Miches, the Four Seasons.

This region has 160 kilometers of
white sand beaches, with resorts and high-end golf courses. Visitors practice
watersports, swim with dolphins, enjoy zip lines and caves, and walk through
lush jungle vegetation.

Golf by the sea in the Dominican Republic (Photo Credit: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism)

La
Romana

It is one of the Dominican Republic’s
iconic tourist destinations. The luxurious Casa de Campo resort is located
there. The resort has famous golf courses, polo courts, exquisite cuisine, and
beautiful blue-flag beaches. 

In addition, it is a perfect place to
practice diving, sport fishing, snorkeling, and enjoying regional and
international dishes. La Romana is the starting point for the Catalina and
Saona islands in the Cotubanamá National Park.

Samaná
and Las Terrenas

This site is privileged because it is
located around mountains, lush vegetation, multiple green areas, and fabulous
blue beaches. Playa Rincón is one of the most spectacular places and is known
for the tranquility of its waters and coasts that invite relaxation.

Las Terrenas, on the Samaná Peninsula,
is a fishing village with traditional bars and restaurants. The area has
underwater caves located in the cays off the coast. The beaches most
recommended for visiting are Bonita, Cosón, and Las Ballenas.

Couple on the beach in Samana (Photo Credit: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism)

Puerto
Plata

The New World was discovered by
Christopher Columbus in this place, also known as The Bride of the Atlantic.
“There, tourism also began in the Dominican Republic, in a resort in Playa
Dorada. We now have new investments in Punta Bergantín, a tourist development
that begins with the Hyatt chain, Meliá, and another of the Rainieri
family,” explained David Collado, in addition to announcing that, in this
place, there are the best beaches for surfing, “and we are promoting
Cabarete as the capital of wave and wind sports.”

The Minister of Tourism of the
Dominican Republic stressed that the island is about to sign an open skies
agreement with the United States, in addition to continuing to boost the
country’s connectivity with the creation of new airports, such as Pedernales. 

At the moment, the country receives
6,000 flights per month, with an occupancy of more than 88 percent. Moreover,
in the last four years, the Dominican Republic has boosted the safety of
tourists by investing 10 million dollars in the Tourist Police in vehicles and
electronic equipment and ensuring that the beaches are safe spaces for
visitors.

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