SKY increases weekly flights between Lima and Punta Cana

Punta Cana.- SKY Airline Perú has announced an increase in its weekly flights between Lima (LIM) and Punta Cana (PUJ), from 7 to 11, starting November 25. This adjustment will include double daily flights on specific days, boosting capacity from 2,604 to 4,092 seats per week.

Matthieu Selo-Poirier, Network Planning and Strategy Manager, stated that the additional flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, utilizing their Airbus A320neo fleet, which accommodates 186 passengers.

This expansion will enhance SKY’s connectivity to other national and international destinations, such as Buenos Aires/Ezeiza (EZE), Montevideo (MVD), Santiago (SCL), and São Paulo/Guarulhos (GRU).

With this increase in frequencies, SKY aims to compete more effectively with LATAM, which already offers two daily flights on this route. Data from Cirium indicates that this change represents a 1.9% growth in seat supply compared to pre-pandemic levels.

According to the Civil Aviation Board (JAC) of the Dominican Republic, the Lima – Punta Cana route handled 282,083 passengers in 2023, with 88,314 flying on SKY. Lima ranks as the second-highest destination for passenger movement on direct flights from the DR, with 303,285 passengers traveling between Lima, Punta Cana, and Santo Domingo in 2023, served by three airlines: Arajet, LATAM, and SKY.

Adompretur to host health tourism panel at ExpoTurismo 2024

Santo Domingo.- In a collaborative effort between the Dominican Association of Tourist Press (Adompretur), the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC), the Northern Medical Union, and the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR), a panel titled “Discovering the Potential: Health Tourism in Santiago and Its Global Impact” will be held.

This event, part of the 27th edition of ExpoTurismo 2024, is scheduled for Saturday, June 8, at 3:30 pm, and will be one of the highlights of the three-day fair. The Hodelpa Gran Almirante Convention Center in Santiago de los Caballeros will host this panel, featuring notable speakers such as Amelia Reyes Mora, vice president of the Dominican Association of Health Tourism (ADTS). Mora is a recognized expert in strategic communication within the health, medical tourism, and pharmaceutical sectors.

Joining her will be Dr. Julián Sued, president of the Board of Directors of the Northern Medical Union, who will provide insights into the development of health tourism in Santiago. The panel will be moderated by health journalist and Adompretur member Elizabet Gutiérrez.

Yenny Polanco Lovera, president of Adompretur, emphasized the significance of this panel. She noted that the discussion would focus on the initiatives in Santiago de los Caballeros that have led to a bill proposing its designation as the “Province of Health Tourism.” Polanco Lovera highlighted the goal of establishing Santiago as the epicenter of health tourism in the Dominican Republic, citing figures from the VI Congress of Health and Wellness Tourism which reported that over 260,000 patients were treated in the area in 2023.

Polanco Lovera also pointed out Santiago’s role as a hub for private health investments, making it a benchmark for innovative medical procedures performed by highly qualified professionals. Santiago boasts the highest investment in private health infrastructure in the country over the past decade.

She urged Adompretur members to attend this important panel and stressed the importance of understanding health tourism, which positions the Dominican Republic as a leading destination in the Caribbean and Central America.

Polanco Lovera concluded by expressing her gratitude to Ramón Paulino and Yomaris Gómez, president and director of ExpoTurismo, respectively, for consistently including Adompretur in the agenda of this prominent event in Santiago de los Caballeros.

Dominican Republic to add over 9,000 hotel rooms

Miches, DR.- The Dominican Republic is undertaking a transformative tourism development plan that promises to revolutionize the industry in the coming years.

Nineteen new hotel investments are projected over the next three years, adding a total of 9,135 rooms with an estimated investment of $2.936 million. Of these projects, five are being constructed in Miches, El Seibo province, expected to generate around 4,500 direct jobs and 9,500 indirect jobs, according to David Llibre, president of the Hotels and Tourism Association of the Dominican Republic (Asonahores).

Currently, Miches has two operational hotels generating 1,600 direct and 3,700 indirect jobs. The new projects will create additional employment and bring a host of benefits, including housing for employees, infrastructure improvements, environmental initiatives, and better waste management.

“The projects in Miches represent approximately 1,500 rooms, with notable developments such as the luxury hotel Zemí, led by businessman Frank Elías Rainieri, which is scheduled to open next October with 500 rooms,” Llibre added.

The opening of a hotel from the Hyatt chain and another from Viva Wyndham Resorts is also anticipated, with the latter’s first phase including 500 rooms.

Minister of Tourism David Collado emphasized the significance of these projects for developing new tourist centers in the country, according to Diario Libre. He explained that under the El Seibo-Miches Hotel and Tourism Association (Promiches) platform, seven hotel and real estate projects in Miches are expected to add over 3,000 hotel rooms and 1,624 residential units in the coming years. During the construction phase, these projects are estimated to generate around 10,000 direct jobs, with an additional 6,000 direct jobs during operation.

Collado highlighted three strategic points: promoting luxury tourism to elevate the country brand, developing convention tourism, and diversifying sports and gastronomic tourism, along with new projects in Miches and Punta Bergantín. These initiatives aim to strengthen the Dominican Republic’s position as a leading tourist destination in the region.

President Luis Abinader underscored Miches’ potential as one of the most impressive tourist destinations in the country, indicating a promising future for the region.

Additionally, the Government is advancing the Cabo Rojo-Pedernales Tourism Development Project in Pedernales. This project is planned in four phases over up to 20 years, with an estimated $2.245 million investment for the first phase. Upon completion, the southern part of the country will offer 12,000 hotel rooms, an international airport, commercial and residential areas, and restaurants.

As of March 2024, the tourism sector employed 202,954 people with an average salary of 26,000 pesos, primarily in La Altagracia, the National District, Puerto Plata, Santiago, and Santo Domingo. The sector has also significantly contributed to tax revenues, with a 23% increase compared to the previous year.

Chamber of Deputies passes new civil aviation law

Santo Domingo.- The Chamber of Deputies has passed a law modifying the country’s civil aviation legislation, previously approved by the Senate. This legislation now awaits the Executive’s decision for promulgation or veto.

The new law aims to modernize the current framework on civil aviation, covering aspects such as the use of drones in national airspace, air operators, air navigation, aeronautical meteorology, aerodrome operators, and training programs for flight instructors, among other areas. This update aligns with international standards, the Chamber stated in a release.

The initiative, reviewed by a special commission, received support and favorable votes from various party groups, who agreed on the necessity of compliant legislation to meet international organization requirements. This compliance will help the Dominican Republic maintain its category one status in civil aviation.

Alfredo Pacheco, President of the Chamber of Deputies, emphasized the deputies’ commitment to approving the legislation before it was presented to the plenary for consideration.

Napoleón López Rodríguez, president of the special commission that studied the initiative, reported that the International Civil Aviation Board mandated the Dominican Republic to update its civil aviation laws or risk losing category one status, which would prevent Dominican aircraft from flying to the US. He noted that the international body issued this order 45 days ago, and the update has been completed just 12 days before the deadline.

The Chamber of Deputies will continue its legislative work on this matter next Tuesday and Wednesday.

Samaná unveils guide highlighting sustainable tourism efforts

Samaná, DR.- The Samaná Sustainable Tourism Circuit has launched its first informative guide, a promotional tool showcasing the province’s natural riches and solidifying its status as one of five Latin American destinations in the Future Destinations Network.

Available in physical and digital formats, with English and Spanish versions, the guide emphasizes the Circuit’s commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental protection. It delves into the region’s biodiversity, warm hospitality, and delectable cuisine.

This comprehensive resource serves as a one-stop shop for visitors, featuring the destination’s top attractions, cultural events, and over 30 unique experiences. Additionally, a directory connects tourists with businesses participating in the Circuit.

The guide also celebrates female empowerment, featuring inspiring stories of four women who are making strides in training and entrepreneurship within the region.

“This guide exemplifies the power of collaboration in tourism destinations,” said Lissette Gil, a sustainability specialist involved in the Circuit’s creation. “Established and emerging businesses can work together to shape and promote the region effectively.”

She further emphasized, “This collaborative effort, built on a foundation of social, economic, and environmental sustainability, creates a well-rounded destination experience that honors the area’s natural and cultural heritage.”

Milka Hernández, general manager of Grupo Sarma, a tourism marketing company that also produced a promotional video for the Circuit, led the guide’s presentation.

Hernández stressed the importance of the guide in boosting tourism and commerce in the province, highlighting the commitment from both public and private entities to promote it. “This guide not only informs visitors about the breathtaking beauty of this destination, with its diverse landscapes – beaches, rivers, waterfalls, caves, mountains, and farmlands – but also underscores our responsibility to preserve these treasures and share them with the world,” she concluded.

Punta Cana Grand Prix to be held on June 7

Punta Cana.- The fourth edition of the Punta Cana Grand Prix cycling event is set to take place on June 7, 8, and 9, featuring competitors from over 15 countries across the Caribbean, Central, and South America.

Over 350 cyclists will compete in the tournament, which includes 8 categories.

Sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, the Dominican Municipal League, the Presidency of the Republic, and the Punta Cana Group, the main venue for the event is the front of Blue Mall. From there, the various stages will start, covering parts of the Coral Highway to Higüey and the Downtown Punta Cana District.

Mario de Jesús, the main organizer, announced that $10,000 in prizes will be distributed among the winners of the 8 categories, which include two women’s categories. The other categories are elite, pre-master, master A, master B, master C, recreational, and youth.

On Thursday, June 6, starting at 2:00 PM in the gastronomic area of Blue Mall, participants will receive their kits. A technical conference discussing the event’s rules will be held at 6:00 PM.

The competitions kick off on Friday, June 7, at 7:00 AM with the first stage for the recreational and women’s categories A and B, covering a distance of 54 kilometers. This will be followed by the master A and B categories, with a 76.5-kilometer route between Punta Cana and Higüey. The elite, sub-23, and youth categories will conclude the first day’s races with an 84.1-kilometer route from Punta Cana to the roundabout near Higüey.

On Saturday, June 8, the events start at 7:00 AM from Blue Mall, with a route to Toll #2 and back to the roundabout twice, finishing in front of Blue Mall.

The awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, June 9, at 1:00 PM. Cash prizes will be given to the individual champions, stage champions, flying goal champions, best Dominican champions, and best team champions. Trophies will also be awarded to the top performers in each category. The event will be broadcast on the Punta Cana Grand Prix YouTube channel.

Puerto Plata hosts international disaster preparedness seminar

Puerto Plata, DR.- AERODOM, VINCI Airports, and the North Association of Hotels, Restaurants, and Tourism Companies (ASHONORTTE) understand the critical role that ports and airports play in disaster response. That’s why they joined forces to host the second annual “Disaster Preparedness in Strategic Ports and Airports” seminar in Puerto Plata.

This two-day event brought together over 20 local and international experts to share valuable recommendations for ports and airports to effectively respond to disasters.

The seminar is part of the ongoing Disaster Preparedness and Resilience of Ports and Communities (C-PReP) Program, supported by FedEx and with collaboration from the Southeast Airport Group (ASUR) and CIFAL Mérida. The regional focus on Puerto Plata, a key hub for passenger, cargo, and tourism movement, reflects the seminar’s aim to strengthen disaster preparedness across the region.

“Airports and ports are vital centers for the immediate delivery of aid and evacuation of affected people. In the event of a natural disaster, passenger volumes increase as relatives travel to the area to help their families, the international community sends specialists and relief supplies, and the media arrives to cover the response. If this situation is not handled properly, it can cause bottlenecks in aid delivery and halt relief distribution, which consequently puts citizens and tourists at risk,” expressed Carlos Rodolí, president of Ashonorte and director of North Cluster Airports for AERODOM.

Held at the Marien Puerto Plata Hotel in the Costa Dorada complex, the seminar aimed to get everyone on the same page for emergency response. Airport and seaport operators, civil aviation authorities, civil defense agencies and tourism representatives all came together to share ideas and best practices. Participants weren’t just listening to talks; they also tackled real-world scenarios with tabletop exercises, focusing on hurricanes, natural disasters, and other emergencies.

Over 120 in-person attendees received a certificate from the International Training Center for Authorities and Leaders (CIFAL) of the United Nations Institute for Vocational Training and Research (UNITAR). The speakers weren’t just academics; they shared practical presentations and real-life experiences to prepare participants for the unique logistical challenges of natural disasters.

The seminar wasn’t limited to those in Puerto Plata. It was also broadcast virtually, with over 100 participants from across Latin America and the Caribbean joining in. They learned valuable insights on strengthening logistical capacities to prevent bottlenecks and ensure relief supplies are handled quickly and efficiently after a disaster strikes.

Organic Law of the Reserve Bank now in force

Santo Domingo.- The new Law 13-24 governing the Reserve Bank of the Dominican Republic has come into effect following its promulgation by President Luis Abinader and publication in the Official Gazette.

Key updates in the legislation include adapting the bank’s name to Banco de Reservas de la República Dominicana – Banco Múltiple and ensuring the institution operates in alignment with the dynamic and competitive financial sector. The bank’s capital is set at RD$39,000 million, which can be adjusted by the board of directors as per the Monetary and Financial Law, without legislative approval, as long as the changes are from capital reserves.

The new law removes the general tax exemption previously enjoyed by the Reserve Bank, leveling the playing field with other Dominican financial institutions. It also changes the title of the head from “general administrator” to “executive president,” aligning with national and international banking norms without altering the organizational structure or roles.

“This is the first significant update to Banreservas’ regulations in 61 years, modernizing the bank to be more agile and customer-focused, enabling it to better handle digital transformation, innovation, and environmental sustainability,” said the bank’s executive president, Samuel Pereyra.

The board of directors will consist of 14 members: the Minister of Finance (who will continue to preside), the bank’s CEO, and 12 members appointed by the Executive Branch, including three recommended by the Monetary Board as independent members. The law eliminates substitute members, making previous substitutes regular members without increasing the board’s size.

Upon leaving their roles, board members, except the Minister of Finance, cannot engage in management, advisory, or legal representation activities in financial intermediation entities for one year.

The State remains the sole shareholder of Banreservas and will receive 40% of its profits, with 15% allocated for covering state debts with the bank. The remaining 60% of profits will go to the bank’s equity reserves. The law introduces new regimes to protect the bank’s integrity, streamline processes, and enhance transparency.

Additional provisions ensure the bank operates under the same rules as other multiple banks, promoting competitiveness. The Bank’s Retirement and Pension Plan and existing employee rights remain unchanged. The legislation updates the bank’s governance, structure, and operations to align with current economic conditions, inclusivity, fiduciary duties, and confidentiality requirements.

The law also strengthens transparency and accountability, and underscores Banreservas’ role in promoting the economic and social development of the Dominican Republic.

Dominican tourism surpasses 4 million visitors in the first four months

Santo Domingo.- Minister of Tourism David Collado announced on Monday during his regular press conference, held at a hotel in the city, that the country’s tourism industry continues its sustainable growth trajectory. In the first four months of the year, the Dominican Republic welcomed 4,178,683 visitors, projecting to exceed 11 million visitors by the year’s end.

Collado disclosed that between January and April, the country received 3,039,302 tourists by air, marking a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2023, 24% compared to 2019, and 30% compared to 2018.

Regarding cruise passengers, Collado reported a significant increase, with the country welcoming 1,139,381 visitors by sea in the first four months of the year. This represents a 15% increase compared to 2023, a remarkable 173% surge compared to 2022, and a staggering 234% rise compared to 2019.

“These arrivals mark a significant milestone, totaling 4,178,683 visitors in the first four months of this year, setting yet another record,” stated the Minister of Tourism.

The influx of 4,178,683 visitors represents a 12% growth compared to the same period in 2023, a remarkable 52% surge compared to 2022, and a 43% increase compared to 2019.

Collado further highlighted that in April alone, the country received 704,740 tourists by air, marking a 3% increase compared to the same month in 2023, a 12% rise compared to 2022, and a notable 20% growth compared to 2019.

In terms of cruise passenger arrivals in April, the figure stood at 248,459, indicating a significant 37% increase compared to April 2023, an impressive 175% surge compared to April 2022, and a remarkable 234% rise compared to April 2019.

Collado noted that the United States, Canada, and Colombia were the top three countries contributing visitors in April, with shares of 53%, 18%, and 3%, respectively.

Tourism leader urges retention of legislative framework amid boom

Santo Domingo.- David Llibre, President of the Hotel and Tourism Association (Asonahores), highlighted the significant economic and social impacts of the tourism sector in the Dominican Republic, with over four million visitors by April. He emphasized that the benefits of tourism extend far beyond airports, hotels, restaurants, and transportation services.

“These tourism results benefit thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) nationwide. The latest study on tourism’s impact on MSMEs identified 17,000 such businesses throughout the country that are directly or indirectly linked to the tourism sector,” Llibre noted.

He celebrated the arrival of tourists by air and cruise ships, stating that their presence bolsters the economy and energizes local communities involved in tourism-related activities.

Llibre pointed out that, unlike other competing countries, the Dominican Republic’s tourism sector imports a majority of the products and services consumed, impacting various economic sectors up to 40% of their production and accounting for 10% of the country’s tax revenues, totaling 155, 000 million pesos in taxes paid both directly and indirectly.

He stressed that while surpassing the goal of 10 million visitors is commendable, the Dominican Republic has the potential to continue growing and even double the number of tourist arrivals in 2023.

Llibre urged maintaining the successful policies that have driven current investment levels in the sector. He warned that any changes, reductions, or eliminations of the existing legislative framework could lead to investments shifting to competing countries. This shift would hinder the country’s ability to keep its tourism offerings competitive, impacting contributions to GDP, tax revenues, the broader economy, and job creation.

“Tourism in the Dominican Republic is a competitive sector in the international market. Unlike other sectors, it must continue developing to maintain its global competitiveness. Despite the progress, there is still significant growth potential in various tourist centers such as Pedernales, Miches, and Punta Bergantín, which require the current legislative framework for their development,” Llibre emphasized.

Sun Country adds winter flights from Milwaukee to Punta Cana

Punta Cana.- Sun Country Airlines has announced new winter season flights from Milwaukee’s Gen Mitchell International Airport (MKE) to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and Montego Bay, Jamaica, for the 2024/2025 season.

The Punta Cana route will commence on December 26, 2024, with two weekly flights, increasing to four weekly flights starting in January. The Montego Bay route will begin on January 25, 2025, with two weekly flights.

With this addition, Milwaukee becomes the 21st U.S. city offering non-stop flights to Punta Cana. Sun Country already operates flights to this Dominican destination from Dallas-Fort Worth during the summer.

Additionally, Sun Country will resume its seasonal route to Cancun, Mexico. Including these new flights, the airline now operates eight routes from Milwaukee, according to AviacionOnline.

Sun Country Airlines operates 122 routes serving 108 airports across the United States, Mexico, Central America, Canada, and the Caribbean. The airline offers free in-flight entertainment on passengers’ devices and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages.

Dominican Republic shines on Golfweek’s Best 2024 Golf Courses list

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic has once again secured a prominent spot on Golfweek’s Best 2024 list, which highlights the top golf courses in Mexico, the Caribbean, the Atlantic Islands, and Central America. This year, the country reaffirms its status as a premier golf destination, boasting seven courses in the top 50 of the region, including the top three positions.

Golfweek’s rating panel, comprising hundreds of members, continuously evaluates golf courses based on 10 rigorous criteria, providing an overall rating for each course. These scores are averaged to produce a final cumulative ranking, which is then compared to other courses in the region.

Dominican Republic Golf Courses Featured in Golfweek’s Best 2024 List:

1. Playa Grande Golf & Ocean Club – 8.01

   • Location: Río San Juan, Dominican Republic

   • Architects: Robert Trent Jones Sr., Rees Jones (1997)

   • Position: 1

2. Cap Cana (Punta Espada) – 7.72

   • Location: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

   • Architect: Jack Nicklaus (2006)

   • Position: 2

3. Casa de Campo (Teeth of the Dog) – 7.56

   • Location: La Romana, Dominican Republic

   • Architect: Pete Dye (1971)

   • Position: T3

4. Puntacana Resort & Club (Corales) – 7.13

   • Location: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

   • Architect: Tom Fazio (2010)

   • Position: 8

5. Casa de Campo (Dye Fore) – 6.51

   • Location: La Romana, Dominican Republic

   • Architect: Pete Dye (2002)

   • Position: 23

6. Casa de Campo (La Romana) – 6.04

   • Location: La Romana, Dominican Republic

   • Architect: Pete Dye (1990)

   • Position: T44

7. Puntacana Resort (La Cana: Hacienda/Arrecife) – 5.94

   • Location: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

   • Architect: PB Dye (2001)

   • Position: 49

About Golfweek’s Best 2024

This recognition underscores the excellence and quality of the Dominican Republic’s golf courses, solidifying its reputation as a world-class golf destination. With its breathtaking landscapes, courses designed by renowned architects, and top-notch services, the Dominican Republic continues to attract golfers from around the globe seeking an unparalleled golfing experience.

Source: Visitantes.do

Dominican hotels occupancy rises in Q1

Santo Domingo.- Hotel occupancy in the first quarter of the year reached 84.3%, marking a 4.8% increase compared to the same period last year.

The regions with the highest average growth in hotel occupancy were Boca Chica-Juan Dolio, with a 20.9% increase, and La Romana-Bayahíbe, with an 8.6% rise.

Air passenger arrivals totaled 2,334,562.3, with 86.9% being non-resident foreigners and 12.1% non-resident Dominicans.

In contrast, the first quarter saw an 8.8% decrease in cruise ship arrivals, with only 258 cruise ships docking, according to the Statistics Bulletin from the Macroeconomic and Sector Statistics Division of the National Statistics Office.

Despite the drop in cruise ship arrivals, the number of cruise passengers increased. In the first quarter of 2023, 801,878 passengers arrived in the country, compared to 866,829 in 2024.

Dominican airline breaks passenger transit record

Santo Domingo – Arajet reported that it transported more than 66,000 passengers in April, not counting connections. This made it the Dominican airline with the highest passenger movement in the first four months of 2024, a historical record since never before has a local airline reached such figures.

According to the report of the Dominican Republic’s Civil Aviation Board (JAC) on Dominican airline traffic last month, Arajet led the local market, transporting 83% of all passengers who moved through the country’s airports.

The JAC report highlights that Arajet was the only Dominican airline with growth in passenger movement in April, compared to March, and that the airline already represents 4% of the total passengers transported in the country during that month, and that it is already the second airline with the highest passenger movement at Las Americas International Airport.

According to the JAC report, Skyhigh Aviation was the second Dominican airline with the highest passenger movement, with 9,400 passengers, and Air Century was the third, with only 3,853 passengers.

Victor Pacheco Mendez, CEO & Founder of Arajet, said that with these figures, which, if the connections are added, become almost 90 thousand passengers, the airline reaffirms its commitment to the development of commercial aviation in the Dominican Republic to continue offering a memorable experience with the highest standards.

“Arajet has become the main travel option for Dominicans and the American continent who have chosen to fly to the 23 destinations where we have operations aboard our comfortable and modern aircraft,” he said.

He also thanked the passengers for their confidence in the Dominican Republic’s flag carrier and the transit travelers who use this new hub to connect from Canada to the southern cone.

Frontier threatens to displace JetBlue in the Caribbean

San Juan – JetBlue’s flight leadership in the Caribbean region, especially in operations between the United States and the Dominican Republic, is under threat, as Frontier seeks to capture part of that valuable market.

Both low-cost airlines are starring in an eye-catching competition from Puerto Rican soil to the DR. For example, in the connection between the capital of Puerto Rico and Santiago de los Caballeros, Frontier has opened up powerful competition to JetBlue, planning to offer almost 34,000 seats. In the same way, it is proposed to operate five weekly flights to Santo Domingo from various airports in Puerto Rico, making JetBlue reinforce its offensive, as in fact, it is already doing, betting on its sweetest strategy: great offers, as it could. check arecoa.com. As a disadvantage for JetBlue, this fierce competition comes at a time when its image and reputation in the Dominican market are simply faltering. The cause? Its constant service failures, ranging from cancellations to delays that in many cases exceed 20 hours. Everything seems to indicate that the battle that Frontier is posing to JetBlue from Puerto Rico is just the beginning and that will then expand to other American destinations where JetBlue dominates at ease.

Being the logistics hub of the region is a goal that Dominican Republic will achieve

Santo Domingo – Rafael Tactuk highlights that the Dominican authorities are making an effort to create relevant regulations The international transportation connectivity of the Dominican Republic has advantages over other countries in the area, which naturally positions it as a possible logistics “hub” for the Americas.

And the Dominican authorities are making an effort to create the regulations that allow the country to reach this goal, while the private sector makes the necessary investments to provide the required services. In other words, being the logistics “hub” of the region is a goal that the country will achieve in a short time, said Rafael Tactuk, manager of Kuehne+Nagel in the Dominican Republic, the largest sea and air carrier in the world.

“It is well known that the Dominican Republic has a very good geographical location, as it is located in the middle of the entire Atlantic coast of the Americas. For maritime shipments it is the first point that ships touch coming from the European continent towards Latin America, which gives us preference in transit times and rates,” said Tactuk.

He added that for air cargo, the airports of Santo Domingo (SDQ) and Punta Cana (PUJ) have direct flights to the different airports used as distribution centers in Europe and the United States and that is important for the connectivity of international transport of the Dominican Republic.

In the country, Kuehne+Nagel provides service for the complete “Door to Door” supply chain with international air and sea cargo transportation services, land transportation, customs management, storage and distribution of temperature-controlled and dry products.

Tactuk expressed that the company is part of the five main freight forwarders in the country and specializes in perishable cargo movements, free zone cargo such as medical devices, also health care products and products. mass consumption.

Puerto Plata strengthens its position as cruise leader with 75% of arrivals

Puerto Plata.- The Dominican Republic currently operates 10 tourist ports. In Santo Domingo, there are Don Diego (ferry) and Sans Soucí. Amber Cove and Taíno Bay operate in Puerto Plata. Additionally, there are port terminals in La Romana, Isla Catalina, Samaná, Cap Cana, Isla Saona, and the recently opened Pedernales-Cabo Rojo.

In the first three months of this year, 866,829 passengers arrived in the country by sea, with 649,751 passing through the Amber Cove (317,694) and Taíno Bay (332,057) terminals in Puerto Plata, accounting for 75% of visitors during this period. La Romana ranked second with 158,079 cruise passengers.

According to the Central Bank, 275 ships docked at Dominican ports in the first quarter of 2024, with 174 (63.3%) arriving in Puerto Plata, reaffirming its leadership in cruise ship arrivals. Cabo Rojo port received one ship in January, with no passengers reported disembarking.

The cruise terminals of Cap Cana, Isla Saona, and Pedernales have not reported any cruise passenger entries so far this year, although updates for April and May are pending.

January saw the highest number of cruise passenger arrivals, with 319,410, representing 36.8% of the first quarter of 2024. This month also recorded 103 ships docking at tourist ports, accounting for 37.5% of the quarterly total.

Throughout 2023, 2,258,941 visitors or cruise passengers arrived through ports equipped to receive tourist ships, according to El Dinero.

American Airlines expanding with new route to La Romana

Fort Worth, Texas.- This winter, American Airlines is expanding its services to the Dominican Republic by adding La Romanaas its fifth destination in the country. Starting December 5, daily flights between La Romana International Airport (LRM) and Miami International Airport (MIA) will be available, operated by Airbus A319 aircraft.

“We are proud to continue growing our presence in the Dominican Republic with our highly anticipated return to La Romana,” said Oliver Bojos, American Airlines Regional Manager in the Central Caribbean. “Next year, we will be celebrating our 50th anniversary in the country with a record operation, reinforcing our commitment to the Dominican Republic, our local team, and our customers, who year after year select American as their airline of choice.”

Flight Schedule:

• MIA to LRM: Departs at 10:30 a.m., Arrives at 2:06 p.m., Airbus A319, Daily

• LRM to MIA: Departs at 3:06 p.m., Arrives at 4:53 p.m., Airbus A319, Daily

Winter Operations in the Dominican Republic

American Airlines plans to operate up to 25 daily flights to five destinations in the Dominican Republic during peak days. These destinations include La Romana (LRM), Puerto Plata (POP), Punta Cana (PUJ), Santiago (STI), and Santo Domingo (SDQ). This expansion represents a 5% increase in flights and a 6% increase in available seats compared to the airline’s previous record winter operation.

Tickets for these flights will be available for purchase starting May 20 on aa.com or the American Airlines mobile app.

Archipelago International expands into the Dominican Republic with four new properties

Punta Cana, DR.- Archipelago International, Southeast Asia’s largest privately owned hotel management group, has announced a significant expansion into the Dominican Republic. The company plans to open four new hotels and condotels within the next year, adding over 600 rooms to the country’s already dynamic tourism sector.

According to a press release, this expansion marks a strategic move for Archipelago International, demonstrating its commitment to growing its presence in the Caribbean and Mexico. Beyond the Dominican Republic, the company has revealed plans for additional hotel openings in these regions.

“The Dominican Republic government has fostered a very favorable business environment for tourism,” said Gerard Byrne, CEO of Archipelago International. “This commitment played a major role in our decision to establish our second regional corporate office in Punta Cana. Additionally, we are planning new offices in Santo Domingo and Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, to further strengthen our operational capabilities.”

The company’s confidence in the Dominican Republic market stems from the success of their existing regional ventures. Since opening its first resort in Cuba in 2019, Archipelago International has grown rapidly, now boasting five hotels with over 3,200 rooms across the region.

The upcoming Dominican Republic properties cater to a variety of traveler needs. “Reserva Real by Harper, Punta Cana” offers 187 rooms, targeting vacationers seeking a luxurious escape. For business travelers, “Aston Rubí City Suites, Santo Domingo” (179 rooms) and “Aston Bocettos City Suites, Santo Domingo” (126 rooms) provide comfortable and convenient urban accommodations. Families and adventure seekers can enjoy the beachfront setting of “Grand Aston Punta Cana Beach Resort & Spa” (170 rooms).

This expansion is just the beginning for Archipelago International in the Dominican Republic. The company has announced a series of additional signed agreements for future development. These include luxury resorts, boutique hotels, and family-friendly options, further diversifying the tourism landscape. Notable projects include “Grand Aston Larimar City Golf Hotel & Residences” (228 rooms) and “Grand Aston Cáicu Coral Golf Hotel & Residences” (a massive 669 rooms), both offering golf course access in Punta Cana.

Competitive edge

Beyond showcasing their development plans, Archipelago International highlighted their competitive edge. “We offer a unique combination of proven operational and brand solutions with a fee structure significantly lower than other global brands,” explained José Luis Leonardo, Vice President of the Americas for Archipelago International. “We also leverage cutting-edge technology solutions and a flexible approach as an independent company.”

This commitment to innovation extends to a focus on improved owner-operator relationships. Byrne emphasizes that Archipelago International “has changed the paradigm” by creating new partnership models that offer owners a fairer return on investment compared to traditional fee structures.

The opening ceremony for the new Punta Cana corporate office was a well-attended affair, reflecting the positive reception Archipelago International has received in the Dominican Republic. The ceremony included speeches from government officials, industry leaders, and prominent figures from Indonesia and the Dominican Republic. This strong foundation paves the way for Archipelago International’s successful expansion and contribution to the Dominican Republic’s thriving tourism

Record number of villages vying for Best Tourism Villages 2024 designation

Madrid.– A record-breaking 260 villages from over 60 countries across all five global regions have applied for the 2024 Best Tourism Villages initiative by UNWTO. This year’s application period closed on May 8th.

Building on past successes, the program aims to inspire communities worldwide to leverage tourism for rural development and well-being. UNWTO member states submitted applications for up to eight candidate villages each.

An independent Advisory Board will evaluate the applications based on nine key areas:

• Cultural and natural resources

• Cultural resource promotion and conservation

• Economic, social, and environmental sustainability

• Tourism development and value chain integration

• Tourism governance and prioritization

• Infrastructure and connectivity

• Health, safety, and security

The winning villages and those chosen for the Upgrade Programme will be announced later this year.

UNWTO’s Tourism for Rural Development Programme actively supported member states throughout the application process. Online sessions offered in four languages attracted 117 participants, reflecting the strong commitment to promoting rural tourism development.

The Best Tourism Villages Network, a global network of 186 members, will continue to expand. It currently includes 129 recognized Best Tourism Villages and 57 villages participating in the Upgrade Programme, representing 55 countries. This network fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and partnerships to drive rural development through tourism.