Air Century launches new Santo Domingo–Bonaire route

Santo Domingo.- Air Century has announced a new seasonal route linking La Isabela International Airport in Santo Domingo with Flamingo International Airport in Bonaire, aimed at enhancing regional travel across the Caribbean. Starting June 18, the airline will operate weekly flights every Wednesday using its 50-seat MHI CRJ-200 aircraft. Introductory fares will begin at US$199 USD one way.

This new route marks a major step in improving accessibility between the Dominican Republic and Bonaire, offering a convenient and affordable travel option for both tourists and those visiting friends and family. It is expected to benefit cultural exchange and strengthen ties between the two islands.

The initiative is a joint effort between Air Century and the Bonaire Tourism Corporation. Officials from both sides expressed optimism about the route’s potential. Gregorio Matthew, Airport Operations Manager at BIA, emphasized the hospitality of the Dominican people, while Maarten van der Scheer, BIA’s director, highlighted the positive impact of competitive fares on travel accessibility for the Bonairean community.

Is the Dominican Republic the Silicon beach of startup culture?

The Dominican Republic has been setting the stage for startup culture for nearly a decade.
Is the DR startup ecosystem ready for global exposure?
Isn’t it called “Silicon Valley”?

The answer is: maybe.

The Dominican Republic is sending strong signals that it is becoming an international hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Mirroring the USA’s Small Business Administration (SBA), enter RD-Emprende (DR does Business).

RD-Emprende is a sub-agency of the Dominican Ministry of Industry & Commerce (MICM), which launched in 2022. According to MICM, RD-Emprende brings together 38 entities that share resources to support the development of new companies. RD Emprende’s formation is part of a decade-long entrepreneurial movement in the Dominican Republic.

This movement was initiated in 2016 by then President Danilo Medina’s enactment of Entrepreneurship Law No. 655-16. This and other laws have been put into place to provide a very robust and comprehensive legal framework. This framework was built to make it easier for foreign businesses to operate within the DR for more substantial economic growth and development.
The Dominican president coined “Silicon Beach” BTW.

As part of a 2021 press release, President Luis Abinader announced “the urban development of 8.5 million square meters in Puerto Plata, where nine new world-class hotels and the “DR Silicon Beach” will be built.” This project is an “ecosystem of creativity and innovation where technology companies, national and international universities, research centers, corporations, and manufacturing will come together, and they will be able to set up shop and have all the facilities to develop their products and services.”

Between presidential announcements, friendly legislation, and public/private sector alliances, the DR still hasn’t produced a single economy-smashing tech startup or a startup culture that can rival its closest neighbor, Puerto Rico. Which, by the way, is home to Parallel 18, the largest international startup accelerator south of the United States.

So, what’s missing from the DR’s startup ecosystem?
In a big-picture view, it looks self-evident:

– Effective startup programming
– Mission, leadership, and vision
– Stronger collaboration within the corporate sector

In short, startup acceleration needs modernization. The incubation/accelerator scene in the DR is small but growing. Top acceleration programs include BOOST Acceleration Camp, CREE Banreservas, and Impúlsate Popular. The majority of these companies accept not only tech startups but SMBs as well.

In our analysis of acceleration programming in the DR, we observed a strong emphasis on mentorship, resourcing, and business formation. The problem is that the majority of industry leaders recruited to mentor startups are largely prestigious executives from big domestic industries. Great enterprise-level business savvy, but most lack real-world experience in startup growth.

As a startup in the Dominican Republic, revenue operations, accompanied by tactical support, world-class vendors, and experienced talent who have taken startups to market are still absent from the local ecosystem.

TechStars… is that you?
The most influential startup technology firms in the world, like Google, Amazon, and Uber, have internal innovation centers. The purpose is threefold:
1. Strategic and profitable venture capital investments that boost the company’s productivity, competitiveness, and market share.
2. Accelerate industry-focused technology from the talent that most closely drives industry innovation.
3. Remain at the competitive edge of market developments (remember Blockbuster vs Netflix?)

Large Dominican companies like Arajet in aviation and NewTech in software do not currently deploy VC initiatives to invest in or incubate startup technologies beneficial to tourism or nearshoring industries, respectively.

#PROVOKEVISIBILITY
In 2024, the #ProvokeVisibility Campaign was nominated by the United Nations World Summit Awards in the Dominican Republic to empower entrepreneurs’ economic growth and visibility on the Dominican startup scene. By creating a greater sense of pride and community around startup culture, more entrepreneurs will be effectively nurtured to world-class, economy-transforming status. In parallel, those same entrepreneurs provide modern resources, capital, and leadership to startups in the Dominican Republic.

A perfect example of the emphasis on the effect of startup culture is in many Asian countries, which place startup culture with celebrity status. This has led to rapid economic growth, industrialization, and national pride. Thus far, no one figure galvanizes Dominican startups like Steve Jobs did in the United States.

Laptop life: pick a beach!
The Dominican Republic is already prioritizing infrastructure, cybersecurity, and talent nearshoring on the list of strategic national interests. With greater collaboration and transparency among startup and innovation leaders, it will soon surpass Puerto Rico to become the region’s largest startup hub. Right now, for a scrappy and resourceful startup willing to take some extra steps, it’s a great location for digital nomads and startup founders alike.

Task Force to limit beach festivities during Holy Week for safety

Santo Domingo.- The Joint Task Force has announced the prohibition of mass parties in beach and resort areas during Holy Week to enhance security, ensure family-friendly environments, and prevent disruptions for citizens. This decision aims to protect the well-being of local communities and safeguard the safety of both local and foreign visitors enjoying the holiday season at popular tourist spots.

Authorities stressed the importance of maintaining restraint during this religious period, which holds deep significance for many Dominicans. They also confirmed that as part of the special Easter operation, there will be increased patrols, intelligence efforts, and preventive measures, particularly in beaches, rivers, resorts, and residential and commercial areas.

In collaboration with the Emergency Operations Center (COE), security and relief agencies will implement a comprehensive protection system to ensure safe travel across the country throughout the holiday period.

Miami Trade Show: Dominican Republic expects 500,000 tourists

Miami.- Tourism Minister David Collado inaugurated the third Dominican Republic Trade Show in Miami, Florida, bringing together 90 industry companies and over 500 representatives from North America, Canada, and Latin America. The two-day event serves as a key platform to strengthen business relationships with the country’s main tourist markets, which account for 87.5% of visitors to the Dominican Republic.

Collado emphasized that new agreements from the trade show are expected to attract over 500,000 additional tourists, driving hotel investments of approximately US$1.300 million, including US$274 million in new developments. The agreements could result in 4,425 new hotel rooms, 3,375 additional flights, over 33,000 jobs, and an estimated US$910 million boost to the national GDP. Foreign exchange earnings are also projected to rise by US$332 million, increasing local food consumption by 7% and the tourism sector’s GDP by 4%.

Dominican Republic sets record in international air traffic

Santo Domingo.- The Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) reported that regional air traffic in January 2025 reached 42.3 million passengers, marking a 2.4% increase over the same month in 2024. This growth was fueled by revived routes, open-skies agreements, and rising tourism demand.

The Dominican Republic and Brazil set new records in international passenger traffic. The Dominican Republic recorded 1.8 million international travelers—its highest ever for a single month—while Brazil saw notable gains, including a 175% surge in flights between Florianópolis and Buenos Aires. Other highlights include Mexico’s Santa Lucía Airport (up 78%) and Argentina’s Tucumán Airport (up 116%).

ALTA Executive Director José Ricardo Botelho highlighted the industry’s positive outlook, supported by growing connectivity and new routes. However, he noted that high jet fuel costs—US$98.05 per barrel compared to US$208.05 for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)—remain a barrier to sustainable fuel adoption, emphasizing the need for supportive policies.

The region also saw strong intraregional growth, particularly on the Lima–Santiago route, now the busiest in Latin America with nearly 156,000 passengers. Total flights increased by 4.8% to 345,331, and the average load factor improved to 84.7%.

Dominican Republic fails to maintain tourism record: arrivals fall almost 10% in February

The Dominican Republic has become one of the leading vacation destinations in the Caribbean due to its attractive white sandy beaches, potential for luxury and sports tourism, and its Colonial City, an intangible heritage of humanity.

However, after four years of “records”, as the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, has called the growth of the tourism industry and its contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP), the data show a drop in arrivals of almost 10% in the first months of the year.

In February 2025, authorities recorded that 588,212 non-resident passengers crossed the Dominican Republic’s air terminals, a drop of 9.85 % from the same month of 2024, when the country received 755,832 foreigners.

The Tourism Intelligence System (Situr) indicated that 167,620 non-residents stopped arriving in the DR as tourists during February of this year.

Breaking down the data by region, the Americas stopped issuing 141,717 tourists, going from 652,487 to 510,770 in February 2024 and February 2025, for a negative inter-annual variation of 21.71%.

In the case of Europe, the continent that became the second largest source of tourists to the Dominican Republic, passenger arrivals decreased by 25.2% when comparing February 2025 (75,305) and February 2024 (100,804), whose loss has been previously explained by the suspension of long-haul flights, fuel costs and the war between Russia and Ukraine.

The Asian continent concentrated 0.2% of air arrivals to the Dominican Republic during February of this year. That is, 1,740 Asians out of the 588,212 non-resident passengers registered by Situr. The segment also presented a difference of 13.8% between February 2024 and the same month of 2025.

Situr recorded that tourists from Oceania varied from 227 to 154, that is, 73 fewer passengers as tourists, according to Acento.

Mitur said non-resident passenger arrivals were 1,348,141 between January and February this year. This represents a 10% inter-annual decrease, with 149,920 fewer tourists registered compared to the same period in 2024.

Agriculture launches cocoa seed project in Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata.- The Ministry of Agriculture officially launched the NDICI Seed Project on Wednesday, an initiative aimed at enhancing cocoa productivity in the Dominican Republic. Funded by the European Union and implemented by CISS/Jacarafe through the Ministry’s Vice Ministry of Rural Development, the project will introduce a comprehensive technological package to support sustainable cocoa cultivation.

Vice Minister Miriam Guzmán emphasized the project’s benefits for farmers, including the distribution of certified seeds, technical assistance, and training, along with improvements to road infrastructure in cocoa-growing regions. She encouraged producers to embrace such programs, especially given cocoa’s high demand in international markets.

As part of the effort, the Ministry will donate 60,000 cacao plants and offer another 40,000 at subsidized prices under the “Cultivar 10 tareas” program, which supports small-scale farmers. The launch event took place at the farm of Mario González in Los Hidalgos, Puerto Plata, and was attended by key agricultural and environmental officials, as well as representatives from the cocoa sector.

Tourism boom in the Dominican Republic for Easter Week: 3.6 million travelers projected

The Dominican Republic strengthens preventive aviation programs to receive more than 3.6 million passengers in entry and exit during Holy Week, celebrated from next Sunday, April 13, to Sunday, April 20, 2025. This amount represents a 12% increase in air transport figures.

For this reason, Héctor Porcella, president of the Civil Aviation Board (JAC), indicated that the entity calculates passengers by their entry and exit, recalling that in all of 2024, the data revealed a flow of 19 million visitors, an amount that they seek to increase to 20 million this year.

According to Diario Libre, he also stressed that the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) only measures passenger entry.

“We share the monthly civil aviation report for February, in which we grew between 5% and 8%, and the expectations for this Easter are that we will grow above 12%, consolidating the country as one of the most important tourist destinations in the Caribbean,” said the official.

Porcella stressed that the growth reflects the strength of the Dominican aeronautical and tourism sector. March and April are projected to have the highest air traffic in the country’s history.

The trips to the country during Holy Week coincide with Spring Break 2025 – a youth vacation in the United States, whose citizens prefer visiting tourist areas of the DR.

The United States remains the primary source of tourists, with a steady flow of travelers from cities such as New York, Miami, and Boston.

In addition, Canada maintains its relevance with a considerable increase in visitors from Toronto, Montreal, Ontario, and Quebec—Europe, with Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France at the forefront.

Mexico and Brazil experienced sustained growth, especially thanks to improvements in air connectivity and the increase in direct flights through the low-cost airline Arajet.

Expanding air connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the Dominican Republic has recently strengthened its aeronautical industry. According to Porcella, the country has signed more than 63 air agreements, and it is expected that between 11 and 12 more will be finalized this year with different states.

In addition, in November, Punta Cana will host the ICAN congress of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the largest air negotiation event in the world. “It is the first time that this event is held in our country, which represents a unique opportunity to continue expanding our air connectivity network,” explained Porcella.

Dominican Republic to set cruise ship arrival record in April 2025

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic is set to break a new record in April 2025, with 74 cruise ships scheduled to dock at various ports, surpassing the arrivals in March. This surge solidifies the country’s status as a key Caribbean destination, according to Dominican Port Authority director Jean Luis Rodríguez.

Puerto Plata will receive 62 of these vessels, making it the primary entry point for thousands of tourists. Notable ships include the Carnival Celebration, Nieuw Amsterdam, and MSC World America. Other ports, such as La Romana, Samaná, and Cap Cana, will host 12 additional cruise ships, further diversifying the nation’s tourism appeal.

This increase, driven by improved port infrastructure, is expected to boost local economies significantly. Cruise passengers typically spend $80 to $120 each on excursions, dining, and shopping, generating millions in revenue for businesses and workers in the tourism sector.

Tourism Minister launches construction of Caleta Pier in La Romana

Caleta, La Romana.- Tourism Minister David Collado has initiated the construction of a new tourist pier in the Caleta municipal district, La Romana, with an investment of RD$30.7 million. The project is part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) to enhance tourism development and diversify local attractions, including the Caleta boardwalk.

The pier, designed to boost both tourism and fishing, will feature a 30.15-meter walkway extending over the sea, with a three-meter width. The southern end will include a 27-meter walkway on both sides and five berths of 5.4 meters each. The structure will be built with synthetic wood, equipped with lighting, safety railings, and a breakwater to minimize erosion.

Collado emphasized the project’s economic impact, stating that it fulfills a long-standing demand and aims to reconnect the community with the sea. Managed by CEIZTUR, this initiative brings MITUR’s total investment in La Romana to RD$156.9 million under the current administration.

Curio Collection by Hilton opens in Santiago

Santiago de los Caballeros.- President Luis Abinader and Vice President Raquel Peña attended the grand opening of Hotel Santiago, Curio Collection by Hilton, a highly anticipated project that strengthens tourism and economic growth in the Northern Region. Inspired by Santiago’s historic mansions, the 177-room hotel offers luxury accommodations with breathtaking views of the Central Mountain Range.

José Miguel González Cuadra, director of Santiago Center, emphasized the city’s potential as a hub for convention and medical tourism. The hotel also unveiled state-of-the-art event spaces designed for corporate and social gatherings, reinforcing Santiago’s role in high-end tourism. Hilton executive Pablo Maturana highlighted the brand’s commitment to expanding its presence in the Dominican Republic.

Additionally, the Santiago Center Group announced an upcoming partnership with PUCMM to train hospitality students, making this Hilton property the first in the country to establish such an initiative. The event gathered business leaders and government officials, underscoring the project’s role in Santiago’s sustainable development.

JAC projects record passenger traffic for Easter 2025

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic is set to welcome over 3.62 million passengers during March and April 2025, marking a 5.8% increase from the previous year, according to Héctor Porcella, president of the Civil Aviation Board (JAC). This surge reinforces the country’s position as a top Caribbean tourist destination.

The U.S. remains the largest source of travelers, with high traffic from cities like New York, Miami, and Boston. Canada follows closely, with increased arrivals from Toronto, Montreal, Ontario, and Quebec. European nations such as Spain, the UK, Germany, and France also show strong visitor numbers, while improved air connectivity has fueled growth from Mexico and Brazil, particularly through Arajet.

Punta Cana International Airport is expected to handle 1.085 million passengers in March alone, a 6% rise from 2024. Other major airports, including Las Américas, Cibao, and Puerto Plata, will see traffic increases between 2% and 10%. Authorities have implemented measures to streamline airport operations, optimize flight schedules, and enhance security to accommodate the rising demand. Travelers are advised to plan ahead and follow airport guidelines for a smooth experience.

Abinader: Water sector investment nearly quadrupled

Monseñor Nouel.- President Luis Abinader announced that his administration has nearly quadrupled investment in the water sector, addressing years of neglect. Speaking at the inauguration of the Maimón aqueduct expansion, he emphasized that while these improvements may not always be visible, they are essential for public health and quality of life. The project, with a RD$446 million investment, will provide potable water in greater quantity, quality, and pressure to over 50,000 residents.

During the event, Abinader reviewed key infrastructure projects for Monseñor Nouel province. He confirmed that the La Leonora Bridge will be completed within a year, and construction of a municipal hospital and an early childhood care center is progressing. Additionally, the Maimón–Piedra Blanca–Cotuí Ring Road is in the design phase and is expected to take six months to complete.

Abinader reaffirms support for tax exemptions in tourism

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader reiterated that his government will not support any bill seeking to eliminate existing tax exemptions, particularly those benefiting the tourism sector.

Addressing La Semanal con la Prensa, Abinader dismissed the bill introduced by legislator Rogelio Genao Lanza, emphasizing that his administration opposes the proposal and does not expect it to be approved. He reaffirmed that tax reform discussions ended after the government withdrew a similar initiative last year.

The president aligned with Minister of the Presidency José Ignacio Paliza’s stance, confirming that the Executive has no plans to introduce a new tax reform. Instead, the government remains committed to maintaining the current regulatory framework and incentives supporting key industries.

Lopesan Group to open €320 million mega-resort in Punta Cana in 2026

Punta Cana, DR.- Lopesan Group is on track to open its second mega-resort in Punta Cana in March 2026. The €320 million project is being built on a plot of land next to the Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa & Casino. It will feature over 1,000 rooms, a convention center, a water park, and a man-made cenote.

“This resort is a game-changer for the Caribbean,” said José Alba, CEO of Lopesan Hotel Group. “It will offer an unparalleled experience for our guests, with its innovative design, world-class amenities, and prime location.”

The resort is expected to create over 2,000 jobs and generate millions of euros for the local economy.

“This is a major investment in the Dominican Republic,” said President Luis Abinader. “It will help to boost our tourism sector and create new opportunities for our people.”

The Lopesan Group is a Spanish company that owns and operates over 100 hotels in Europe, the Caribbean, and North America. The company is committed to sustainable tourism and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.

Announcement at ITB Berlin

The announcement of the new resort’s opening was made at the ITB Berlin trade show, one of the world’s leading travel trade shows. Lopesan Hotel Group CEO José Alba highlighted the importance of this project for the group and for the Punta Cana destination.

Expansion plans in Gran Canaria

Lopesan Hotel Group is also looking to expand its presence in Gran Canaria. The company is currently seeking permits to build a 956-room family hotel in Meloneras. “We are committed to investing in the Canary Islands,” said José Alba. “We believe that Gran Canaria has great potential for tourism growth.” The company is working with local officials to secure the necessary permits for the project.

More about Lopesan

The new resort in Punta Cana will be the second mega-resort that Lopesan Group has opened in the Dominican Republic, demonstrating their significant commitment to the region. Beyond Punta Cana, the company is also planning to renovate the Hotel Miguel Ángel in Madrid, showing diverse investment strategies.

Lopesan Group is a family-owned company that was founded in 1972. Since its inception, the company has been committed to providing its guests with a high-quality experience across all its properties.

Report highlights Spanish investment in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- The Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the Dominican Republic (CAMACOES RD) presented the report “Spanish Companies in the Dominican Republic: Strategic Allies” in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce of Spain, the Spanish Embassy, and its Economic and Commercial Office. The event, marking CAMACOES RD’s centennial, was attended by key figures, including Minister of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs Víctor Ito Bisonó, CAMACOES RD President Francisco Pérez, and Spanish Ambassador Antonio Pérez-Hernández y Torra.

The report highlights Spain’s significant role as an investor in the Dominican Republic, particularly in tourism and energy. CAMACOES RD represents over 400 affiliated companies, with 14% being fully Spanish-owned. In 2023, Spanish investment in the country reached a record US$668.4 million, making Spain the second-largest foreign investor. Spanish companies have demonstrated long-term commitment, expanding even during economic challenges and contributing to local development.

Minister Bisonó praised Spanish investment as essential to the Dominican Republic’s economic growth, attributing its success to macroeconomic stability and a favorable business environment.

Abinader and Nadal launch first Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy in the Americas

Punta Cana.- President Luis Abinader led the symbolic ceremony marking the start of construction for the first Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy in Punta Cana, a project set to enhance luxury and sports tourism in the Dominican Republic. This will be the first Nadal academy in the Americas, further strengthening the country’s appeal as a top-tier destination.

Accompanied by Rafael Nadal, Meliá Hotels International CEO Gabriel Escarrer, Tourism Minister David Collado, and Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz, Abinader praised Nadal’s investment in tourism and sports. He emphasized that such partnerships should inspire further foreign investment, particularly from Spain, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tourism and economic growth.

The academy, designed as a Tennis Centre with a social club rather than a replica of the Mallorca facility, is part of an agreement between Nadal and Meliá Hotels. It follows the recent inauguration of the Zel Punta Cana hotel, first announced at the FITUR 2024 tourism fair.

Port Authority director highlights growth of cruise sector in Pedernales

Pedernales.- Jean Luis Rodríguez, Director of the Dominican Port Authority, addressed the second edition of “Tourism and Attractions 2025” in Pedernales, emphasizing the significant impact of the cruise sector on the province’s economy. He highlighted the transformation of the Cabo Rojo port into a cruise terminal, which has fueled exponential growth in visitor arrivals.

Rodríguez noted that cruise passenger arrivals in the Dominican Republic have surged from 1.1 million in 2019 to nearly 2.8 million today, marking a 145% growth. In 2024, over 20,000 passengers visited Cabo Rojo, contributing US$2 million to the local economy. By 2025, this number is expected to rise to over 100,000 visitors, generating $15 million in revenue for the region.

The director also pointed out the capacity of the Cabo Rojo terminal to accommodate large ships, such as the Oasis-class vessels, and the confirmation of four new cruise lines for 2025. He stressed the importance of promoting Pedernales as a top Caribbean destination and forecasted the port could reach one million passengers by 2028 with continued growth.

Costa Cruises adds Santo Domingo as embarkation port

Santo Domingo.- Costa Cruises has officially announced the inclusion of Santo Domingo as a new embarkation port for its 2025-2026 Caribbean itineraries. The addition, celebrated aboard the Costa Fascinosa in La Romana, offers greater connectivity and flexibility for guests from North and South America.

From December 2025 to March 2026, Costa Fascinosa will operate eight-day itineraries departing from Santo Domingo, with stops in Barbados, Tortola, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Guadeloupe, and Martinique. Most voyages will also feature a visit to Costa’s private island, Catalina Island. Additionally, Costa Pacifica will offer Caribbean cruises ranging from 8 to 16 days, departing from La Romana and Guadeloupe.

The announcement event was led by Costa Cruises executives and local authorities, including Dario Rustico, General Manager for North and South America, and Fernando Joselevich, Country Manager for Argentina and Latin America.

President Abinader highlights economic growth in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader presented key economic indicators showing the Dominican Republic’s economic strength and growth. Employment rose from 4.7 million in 2019 to over 5 million in 2024, with women’s workforce participation increasing from 43.4% to 49.5%.

General poverty fell to 19%, the lowest in the country’s history, while extreme poverty dropped to 2.4%. The nation’s country risk stands at 200 basis points, lower than several investment-grade nations. Credit ratings for Q3 2024 reflect positive outlooks: Fitch Ratings (BB- Positive), Moody’s (BA3 Positive), and Standard & Poor’s (BB Stable).

Foreign trade has also expanded, with exports reaching US$13,853 million in 2024, up from US$11,192.7  million in 2019. The president shared these insights during the Semanal con la Prensa at the National Palace, emphasizing the economy’s resilience and global investor confidence.