Puerto Taíno Bay expects nearly one million visitors in 2025

Puerto Plata.- Puerto Taíno Bay in Puerto Plata anticipates receiving between 900,000 and 950,000 visitors this year, with even higher numbers projected for next year, according to terminal manager Rigoberto Gómez.

Gómez noted that during the low season, the port receives between 9 and 15 cruise ships monthly, while in the high season, arrivals can reach up to 35 or 40 ships.

He highlighted that operations are running smoothly and that visitors are generally very pleased with the destination and overall experience.

Frontier operates its first flight between Puerto Plata and Puerto Rico

Puerto Plata, DR.- Frontier Airlines inaugurated a route between Puerto Plata and San Juan last Thursday, strengthening the connection between the neighboring islands of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

“Frontier has proven to be a committed partner in the development of the tourism industry and the local economy. Initially, this new route will operate two direct flights,” said Willianette Robles, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.

He indicated that the two weekly flights connecting Gregorio Luperón International Airport in the Dominican Republic with Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, represent an increase of 4,464 seats, which will have a local economic impact.

For his part, Josh Flyr, Vice President of Route Design and Operations for Frontier Airlines, commented that this new route adds an “affordable” option for Dominicans traveling to Puerto Rico.

“We are proud to be a partner in the tourism industry, a vital driver of economic development for Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and other destinations we serve in the region,” he emphasized.

Finally, Jorge Hernández, president of Aerostar Puerto Rico, said he celebrates the expansion of Frontier Airlines with the introduction of this new direct route, according to a statement.

“This connection represents a valuable opportunity to continue boosting tourism and trade between our neighboring islands. At Aerostar, we remain committed to supporting the growth of routes that expand San Juan’s connectivity with the Caribbean and the Americas,” he concluded.

Barceló Group reports record profits in 2024

The Barceló Group closed 2024 with a historic profit of €301.8 million, marking a 56% increase and allowing the company to eliminate its debt entirely. According to its annual report, the tourism giant saw its strongest financial results in Spain, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic.

Spain led with €135.4 million in profits—a 58% increase over the previous year—followed by Mexico with €86.9 million (up 45.8%) and the Dominican Republic, which generated €37.2 million, nearly doubling its 2023 earnings of €21.2 million. Other profitable destinations included Aruba (€14.5 million), Costa Rica (€6.4 million), Guatemala (€5.4 million), the United States (€3.6 million), Egypt (€2.9 million), and the Czech Republic (€1.9 million), with additional markets contributing a combined €16.5 million.

However, not all operations were profitable. Portugal, despite reducing its losses from €29.7 million in 2022 to €4.1 million in 2024, remained in the red. Italy also saw a downturn, shifting from a €2.8 million profit in 2023 to a loss of €148,000, following the recent entry of Barceló’s Ávoris division.

Despite setbacks in select markets, CEO Simón Pedro Barceló highlighted the group’s overall exceptional performance and robust financial health heading into 2025.

Dominican Republic leads region in foreign investment

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic has once again emerged as the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in Central America and the Caribbean, maintaining its leadership for the third consecutive year, according to the UNCTAD World Investment Report. In 2024, the country attracted US$4.523 billion in FDI, surpassing the US$4 billion mark annually since 2022—a reflection of sustained investor confidence and a stable business environment.

Biviana Riveiro Disla, executive director of ProDominicana, credited the milestone to the country’s strong macroeconomic foundation, effective public policies, and institutional reforms under the leadership of President Luis Abinader. Despite a global 11% drop in FDI due to financial and geopolitical challenges, the Caribbean saw a 21% increase—driven largely by the Dominican Republic’s economic stability.

The country also accounted for nearly 50% of all FDI received by small island developing states (SIDS), which collectively totaled US$9 billion. Notably, the Dominican Republic led the region in renewable energy investment, particularly in solar and biomass projects, reinforcing its role in the global transition to sustainable development.

To support this momentum, ProDominicana continues to streamline investment processes through tools like the Single Investment Window (SIM), which integrates 26 institutions and manages 41 procedures. This platform has already assisted over 580 investors in high-impact sectors, further solidifying the nation’s reputation as a top

Tourism to boost Dominican economy with over US$21 billion contribution by 2025

Santo Domingo.- The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts that the Dominican Republic’s tourism sector will reach an all-time high by the end of 2025, contributing over US$21 billion to the national GDP. This would represent 15.8% of the country’s total economy, driven by a projected annual growth rate of 3.3%.

This outlook, based on the latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) conducted with Oxford Economics, underscores the country’s commitment to sustainable and resilient tourism development. The report also estimates that nearly 893,000 people—17.9% of the national workforce—will be employed in the tourism sector this year.

Additionally, international tourist spending is expected to total US$11.4 billion in 2025, while domestic tourism spending is projected to reach US$4.1 billion, highlighting the strength of both foreign and local tourism in the country’s economic landscape.