Spanish group Acciona awarded contract for Cabo Rojo International Airport Construction

Pedernales.- Acciona, a Spanish business group, has secured a nearly 62.4 million euro contract for the construction of the new Cabo Rojo International Airport in Pedernales, Dominican Republic, near the Haitian border.

The project, initiated by the Pro-Pedernales Trust, includes building a 3-kilometer-long runway and taxiways or aircraft parking platforms, according to industry sources. Acciona’s construction division was chosen based on its extensive experience and qualifications among the three prequalified firms.

The contract is expected to be completed in 16 months. Subsequent phases will involve constructing a control tower, fire station, electrical substation, and hydrosanitary plant. Future stages will focus on developing passenger and cargo terminals.

The airport’s terminal is anticipated to serve as a gateway for international flights, supporting tourism to Pedernales and the newly constructed hotels in the region.

Construction for Cabo Rojo International Airport is underway in Oviedo’s Los Tres Charcos community, where the government commenced clearance work in November 2023. Recently, Sigmund Freund, head of the Pro-Pedernales Trust, visited Cabo Rojo to oversee hotel construction progress and inspect the model room of the first hotel, operated by the Spanish chain Iberostar, featuring 580 rooms. This hotel is scheduled to partially open by year’s end.

Cabo Rojo, situated on the southwestern coast of the Dominican Republic within Pedernales Province, marks the country’s southernmost point. It is approximately 330 km from Santo Domingo, the capital city.

Dominican Republic tourism: Millennials, Gen Z, and Boomers drive potential

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic’s tourism industry is undergoing a significant shift, with a growing demand for urban destinations and unique experiences. According to national authorities, by 2024, 49% of trips will be to urban areas, 56% to outside the city, and 63% to the beach. This diversification is expected to boost the country’s competitiveness in the tourism market.

A key factor driving this change is the spending habits of Generation Z, born between 1995-2000, who prioritize saving money on flights, shopping, and food. Unlike older generations, 52% of Gen Z spend their money on experiences, compared to 29% of baby boomers.

According to Acento, millennials take five trips per year and allocate 29% of their income to tourism, significantly more than both boomers and Gen Z. The data suggests that younger generations are more likely to prioritize travel and exploration.

In May 2024, the country welcomed 846,735 non-resident foreigners, with 677,475 visitors arriving through traditional channels and 169,260 via cruise ships. This marks a significant increase from the previous period, with 5,026,990 visitors counted between January and May 2024.

The majority of tourists arrived through Punta Cana International Airport (61%), followed by Las Américas (22%) and Cibao (10%). The United States remains the largest market for the Dominican Republic’s tourism industry, accounting for 53% of non-resident visitors, followed by Canada (11%) and Colombia (5%).

When it comes to spending habits, tourists from Western Europe lead the way, with an average expenditure of US$158 per capita. South Asia and Eastern Europe follow closely behind, with expenditures of US$128 and US$88 respectively. In contrast, tourists from Southeast Asia spend the least in the Dominican Republic, with an average expenditure of US$72.

Non-resident foreigners typically stay in the country for seven days, with popular destinations including La Altagracia, Santo Domingo, and Puerto Plata. As the tourism industry continues to evolve, the Dominican Republic is well-positioned to capitalize on these changes and attract even more visitors in the years to come.

Economic impact of Medical Tourism in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- Health tourism has become a “very important” sector in the Dominican Republic’s economy due to its contribution to resource generation, job creation, and technology transfer.

Alejandro Cambiaso, president of the Dominican Association of Health Tourism (ADTS), highlighted the growing influx of tourists seeking health services in the Dominican Republic. Globally, health tourism generates over 100 billion dollars and accounts for 2.5% of airline tickets.

Cambiaso noted that the Dominican Republic leads in medical tourism in the Caribbean, ranks second in Latin America, and holds the 19th position worldwide, according to the Medical Tourism Index.

The main health service centers for tourists are located in Santo Domingo, Santiago, Punta Cana, La Romana, and Puerto Plata. Most patients traveling to the country for health services are Dominicans living abroad, as well as individuals from the Caribbean Islands, the United States, Canada, and Spain.

In 2022, the country welcomed 338,747 health patients, with 292,902 coming for medical tourism and 75,845 for tourist medicine. These health tourists contributed 1,321 million dollars to the Dominican economy, with an average expenditure of 7,500 dollars per tourist, plus their companions, as 70% of health tourists travel with a companion.

Speaking on the program ‘Now’ on Super 7 Matutino, Cambiaso mentioned that the majority of health tourists visit the Dominican Republic for dental care and cosmetic surgery.

Dominican Embassy strengthens collaboration with Spanish entities

Santo Domingo.- Ambassador Juan Bolívar Díaz, head of the Dominican Republic’s diplomatic mission to Spain, signed legal agreements with two Spanish entities at the embassy yesterday.

The first agreement was signed with Fernando Herrera Mendieta, president of Power & Glen Asociados SL (Punto Ahorro Stores). The second was with Luis Socías Uribe, director of Invest In Madrid (IIM) and representative of the Madrid Foundation for Competitiveness (FMC). Patricia Ortiz, director of Institutional Relations at IIM, also attended.

The agreement with Punto Ahorro Stores grants Dominican consumers special advantages when purchasing products, including home accessories, electronics, sports, health, beauty, and fashion items. These can be bought in stores or online at www.puntoahorro.com, as well as through the Correos Market or Wallapop Pro digital platforms. This agreement will last for six months and can be renewed for an additional year unless terminated by either party with three months’ notice.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the FMC and the Dominican Government outlines the cooperation framework that IIM and the Embassy will develop to enhance institutional relations and foster mutual cooperation in investment and foreign trade. According to Ambassador Díaz, this MOU will facilitate periodic meetings to identify actions to promote business internationalization programs, such as export initiation and consolidation, opening new markets, and finding business cooperation methods to optimize resources.

The MOU will also encourage the regular exchange of information, publications, and data, particularly regarding the regulatory frameworks of each country, to guide business opportunities. This agreement, valid for three years, will automatically renew for another three-year term unless an extension is agreed upon in writing.

The signing of these agreements, facilitated by the commercial section of the Dominican Embassy in Spain, led by counselor José Manuel Vargas, reflects the strong bilateral relations between the two countries and aims to enhance reciprocal commercial cooperation.

Members of the Dominican Republic Embassy in Spain attended the formal signing ceremony.

Dominican tourist ports generate over $20 Million in May

Santo Domingo.- Dominican tourist ports generated approximately $20,840,040 in May, with each cruise tourist spending an average of $100 to $120 per day.

According to a report by the Dominican Port Authority (Apordom), the Dominican Republic welcomed around 176,667 passengers in May through ports including Amber Cove, Taino Bay in Puerto Plata, La Romana, Santa Bárbara in Samaná, and Santo Domingo Crucero.

Amber Cove and Taino Bay, known as the Bride of the Atlantic terminals, continue to lead the country’s cruise industry.

Jean Luis Rodríguez, the executive director of the Port Authority, highlighted the economic benefits for local communities, noting that each cruise passenger spends between $100 and $120 during their visit.

“In the Dominican Republic, the arrival of cruise ships has increased due to the country’s tourist attractions and its ports. The schedule for tour operators has also expanded significantly, with excursions growing from carrying 10 people to now accommodating 200, representing a substantial economic impact,” Rodríguez stated.

June 2024 Cruises in Dominican Ports

Until June 29, the Dominican Republic expects to receive an average of 40 vessels at its ports and anchorages.

Amber Cove, with its accommodation, entertainment, and shopping facilities, will host 19 arrivals, Taino Bay will welcome 15, and La Romana will see 2. This indicates a significant increase in vessel activity within Dominican territory.

The ships scheduled to arrive from June 1 to 29 include Carnival Horizon, Freedom Of The Seas, MSC Seashore, Carnival Venezia, Wonder Of The Seas, Adventures Of The Seas, Carnival Vista, Carnival Celebration, Marella Discovery, Norwegian Sky, and Carnival Mardi Gras.

Additionally, Enchanted Princess, Norwegian Jade, Carnival Magic, Norwegian Breakaway, Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Freedom, and Valiant Lady, among others, are expected.

The Dominican Port Authority noted that the projected schedule for visitors may vary due to weather conditions, route changes by cruise lines, and other factors that could affect the number of visits.

US Senate to consider new Ambassador to the Dominican Republic today

United States.- The United States Senate is set to convene on Thursday to consider Juan Carlos Iturregui’s nomination as ambassador to the Dominican Republic, marking a pivotal moment nearly seven months after President Joe Biden put forward the Puerto Rican native for the role.

Iturregui’s confirmation hinges on securing at least 51 votes from the 100-member Senate. If successful, he would follow in the footsteps of Hans H. Hertell as the second ambassador of Puerto Rican descent appointed by Washington to serve in the Dominican Republic. Hertell held the position from 2001 to 2007.

Iturregui’s nomination represents the second appointment during Biden’s presidency to fill the vacancy left by Robin Bernstein following the 2021 change in administration. Bernstein, who was appointed by Republican Donald Trump, served as the U.S. ambassador to the Dominican Republic.

RCD Hotels unveils Latitud 18 with two new hotels in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo.- This Wednesday, President Luis Abinader Corona, along with prominent national and international figures from the tourism and business sectors, inaugurated the new Latitud 18 project and the Santo Domingo Marriott Piantini & Aloft Piantini hotels.

These additions signify a strategic expansion in high-growth markets, further boosting both local and international tourism.

Roberto Chapur, CEO of RCD Hotels, expressed excitement about the expansion and the opening of these hotel brands, as well as the new gastronomic center, in one of the Caribbean’s most cosmopolitan destinations. He emphasized that Latitud 18 is known for its exceptional hospitality and gastronomy, featuring restaurants such as Cueva Siete, offering contemporary Mexican cuisine, and Makoto, an internationally acclaimed brand of modern Japanese food. Chapur highlighted that the Dominican Republic’s rich culture, blending ancient and modern elements, enhances the appeal of these offerings.

Economic Impact and Employment Opportunities

Chapur announced that Latitud 18 will create over 300 new jobs. The project boasts 400 rooms and five restaurants, providing a diverse array of options for visitors. He also noted that this investment will bolster executive tourism in the country, positioning Santo Domingo as a vibrant city and the first European settlement in the Americas.

Innovative Hospitality and Cultural Offerings

Yudith García, representing Marriott International in the Dominican Republic, highlighted Aloft’s vibrant and eclectic spaces designed for music lovers and creators. The brand is renowned for its innovative musical programming through the Live at Aloft platform. García also introduced the Santo Domingo Marriott Piantini, a hotel embodying Marriott International’s flagship brand known for its global hospitality excellence. This hotel aims to innovate while maintaining familiar comfort for guests worldwide.

García concluded by emphasizing that both hotel brands offer distinctive service and comfortable design, catering to the diverse needs of their guests.

Event Highlights

The event featured the presence of the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, and the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Víctor Bisonó. They joined the Chapur family on a tour of the new hotels, guided by general director Eduardo Perezmoreno and commercial director Raúl Melgen.

Dominican tourist ports generate over $20 Million in May

Santo Domingo.- Dominican tourist ports generated approximately $20,840,040 in May, with each cruise tourist spending an average of $100 to $120 per day.

According to a report by the Dominican Port Authority (Apordom), the Dominican Republic welcomed around 176,667 passengers in May through ports including Amber Cove, Taino Bay in Puerto Plata, La Romana, Santa Bárbara in Samaná, and Santo Domingo Crucero.

Amber Cove and Taino Bay, known as the Bride of the Atlantic terminals, continue to lead the country’s cruise industry.

Jean Luis Rodríguez, the executive director of the Port Authority, highlighted the economic benefits for local communities, noting that each cruise passenger spends between $100 and $120 during their visit.

“In the Dominican Republic, the arrival of cruise ships has increased due to the country’s tourist attractions and its ports. The schedule for tour operators has also expanded significantly, with excursions growing from carrying 10 people to now accommodating 200, representing a substantial economic impact,” Rodríguez stated.

June 2024 Cruises in Dominican Ports

Until June 29, the Dominican Republic expects to receive an average of 40 vessels at its ports and anchorages.

Amber Cove, with its accommodation, entertainment, and shopping facilities, will host 19 arrivals, Taino Bay will welcome 15, and La Romana will see 2. This indicates a significant increase in vessel activity within Dominican territory.

The ships scheduled to arrive from June 1 to 29 include Carnival Horizon, Freedom Of The Seas, MSC Seashore, Carnival Venezia, Wonder Of The Seas, Adventures Of The Seas, Carnival Vista, Carnival Celebration, Marella Discovery, Norwegian Sky, and Carnival Mardi Gras.

Additionally, Enchanted Princess, Norwegian Jade, Carnival Magic, Norwegian Breakaway, Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Freedom, and Valiant Lady, among others, are expected.

The Dominican Port Authority noted that the projected schedule for visitors may vary due to weather conditions, route changes by cruise lines, and other factors that could affect the number of visits.

Brazilian Airline GOL increases flights to Punta Cana

Brazil.- GOL Linhas Aéreas announced that it has scheduled 1,096 flights for July 2024 on its international air network. Of these, 247 are new operations planned exclusively for this period to capitalize on the high demand of the winter season.

The company reported the addition of 46,200 new seats for the holiday month, representing a 36% increase compared to June 2024, which is considered low season. Overall, the company’s total capacity—combining both international and domestic networks—increased by 26.5% between these two months.

As part of its plan, GOL will operate daily flights to Bogotá from Buenos Aires and São Paulo. Additionally, the number of weekly flights to Punta Cana from Guarulhos will increase from 2 to 4, before being reduced to 3 flights per week starting in September, according to a company statement.

Currently, GOL serves 12 international destinations in countries across the Americas, including Colombia, the United States, Argentina, Uruguay, and the Dominican Republic.

In partnership with nine other major airlines, GOL extends its reach to an additional 216 destinations in 50 countries worldwide. Tickets are sold through GOL’s own channels, and flights are operated either by GOL or its partner airlines.

Raquel Peña oversees arrival of Arajet’s tenth aircraft

Santo Domingo.- Arajet has welcomed its tenth Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft, named “Los Haitises,” featuring the Dominican Republic flag in its design to emphasize Dominicanness and provide travel opportunities for Dominicans, according to the airline.

At the reception ceremony, Vice President Raquel Peña emphasized that Arajet is a platform that showcases the Dominican Republic’s tourist offerings and represents the Government’s support for private initiatives. Peña stated, “We have no ceiling to continue developing our country,” highlighting that Arajet’s fleet expansion demonstrates private and foreign investors’ confidence in the country’s potential.

Arajet CEO and founder, Víctor Pacheco Méndez, expressed gratitude for the support from the Dominican State, which has enabled national airlines to operate within a competitive legal framework, positioning the country as a Latin American aviation power. “This tenth aircraft is special as it increases our connections across the continent and reaffirms our commitment to democratize the skies of Latin America with low prices, top quality, and Dominican service warmth,” Pacheco said. He noted that Arajet currently flies to 23 destinations in 16 countries and aims to fly to the United States in 2024, pending the signing of the open skies treaty.

Pacheco also highlighted that in just a year and a half, Arajet has flown over a million passengers, boosting tourist numbers to the Dominican Republic and transit passengers using Arajet for connections. “The dream of turning the DR into the new Hub of the continent is becoming a reality thanks to our over 400 direct employees, recognized internationally when we were awarded the best new airline in the world in 2023 at the world aviation summit, a source of pride for all Dominicans,” he said.

Pacheco added, “It is an honor for Arajet to name an aircraft ‘Los Haitises,’ a Taíno word meaning high land or land of mountains, one of the most beautiful corners of our country, promoted by the current administration to bring development and hope to the northern Dominicans.”

“Los Haitises,” a Boeing 737 MAX 8 with a 185-seat configuration, arrived from the Boeing factory in Seattle, USA. It joins the fleet alongside other aircraft named after Dominican landmarks such as Pico Duarte, Valle Nuevo, Jaragua, Ojos Indígena, Tres Ojos, Isla Saona, Lago Enriquillo, Laguna Redonda, and Bahía de las Águilas, further establishing the Dominican Republic as the Caribbean Hub.

The event was attended by Vice President Raquel Peña, Arajet CEO Víctor Pacheco Méndez, Boeing’s President for Latin America, Landom Loomis, along with other officials, investors, and company executives.

Puerto Plata will showcase ¡Siempre real! at Expoturismo Santiago 2024

Puerto Plata, represented by its associations and its proposals for accommodations and complementary experiences, will participate in the 27th version of the Expoturismo Santiago fair on June 7, 8, and 9 at the Hodelpa Gran Almirante Convention Center.

As part of its actions in support of the alliance “Two Cities One Destination” and projecting its brand “Puerto Plata, ¡Siempre real!”, the destination strengthens its presence at the fair, with the participation of prestigious hotel chains, such as Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Resort, Marien Puerto Plata, Casa Marina Beach & Reef, VH Hotels & Resorts, and Viva Wyndham, among others.

The destination will also participate in a stand shared with the Clúster Turístico Destino Puerto Plata (CTDPP), the Asociación de Hoteles, Restaurantes y Empresas Turísticas del Norte (Ashonorte), and the Asociación de Hoteles de Playa Dorada, entities committed to projecting the values, essence, and character that represent the destination’s colorful brand.

The space will showcase the diversity of lodging options and tourist experiences offered by this interesting destination, especially for the local market and the event’s potential audience. Similarly, proposals such as Fricolandia and the Puerto Plata Bridal International 2024 event have confirmed their presence.

Expoturismo represents one of the most promising exhibition platforms for travel and tourism in the Dominican Republic. Its exhibitors include hotels, travel agencies, airlines, experience providers, and diverse sector suppliers.

JetBlue to cut routes to better service “high-performance” countries such as the Dominican Republic

New York – U.S. low-cost carrier JetBlue is preparing to cut some 20 routes in the United States and Latin America this summer 2024, which will be rewarded with increased frequency to “high-yield” destinations, including the Dominican Republic.

The airline’s cuts are in response to a cost-cutting campaign accentuated by the failed merger with Spirit and the grounding of some Airbus aircraft.

JetBlue’s vice president of network planning and airline partnerships, Dave Jehn, reported the company’s departure from five cities starting June 13, according to Business Insider, which had access to a memo sent to employees last March.

He explained that the changes would reorganize aircraft to serve better-performing routes from JetBlue’s focus cities and increase aircraft time on the ground to reduce the possibility of delays, a major complaint of the airline’s users.

The five cities affected are:
Bogota, Colombia.
Quito, Ecuador.
Lima, Peru.
Kansas City, Missouri.
Newburgh, New York

World Bank to support sustainable and resilient growth in the Dominican Republic

Washington.- The World Bank has approved a new project to assist the Dominican Republic in its efforts to promote key institutional reforms for climate resilience, reduced water, soil, and air pollution, as well as enhanced natural resource protection. The US$400 million project will support the government’s efforts to strengthen institutional and financing capacity for environmental protection, with important positive effects on public health and the livelihoods of communities involved in tourism and fishing activities.

“The Dominican Republic, due to extreme natural hazards associated with climate change, annually loses an equivalent of 0.4% of its Gross Domestic Product. The World Bank’s support has been and continues to be crucial in achieving our goals of building climate resilience in agriculture, ensuring food security, improving landscape and natural resource management, and addressing the challenges posed by sargassum,” stated Pavel Isa Contreras, Minister of Economy, Planning, and Development.

The Dominican Republic faces significant challenges linked to the loss and degradation of natural resources, caused by extreme weather events, changing water cycles, and environmental pollution. These challenges impact the key drivers of economic growth and employment: tourism, fishing, and farming. Without addressing these issues, the country could lose as much as 16 percent of the Gross Domestic Product it expects to earn by 2050, according to the latest World Bank Group’s Country Climate and Development Report for the Dominican Republic.

The Sustainable Development Policy Loan project aims to enhance the government’s institutional and financial capacity for natural resource protection, climate change adaptation, and mitigation. It will also support marine conservation, reduce air and marine pollution, and strengthen river and water body protection. Additionally, the project will help regulate waste management from electrical and electronic equipment and address environmental challenges such as phasing out hydrofluorocarbon substances, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, it will help tackle the sargassum seaweed issue and establish the regulatory framework for issuing green, social, and sustainable bonds.

These efforts will contribute to climate resilience and sustainable growth, benefiting vulnerable populations, including the poor. Alexandria Valerio, World Bank Representative, emphasized, “By addressing pollution, promoting green and social finance, and strengthening the country’s institutional capacity to enhance its resilience to climate change, the project will significantly enable the Dominican Republic to continue growing economically while also preserving its natural assets.”

How many visitors did the country receive in May?

Santo Domingo.- Tourism in the Dominican Republic continues to grow steadily. During the first five months of 2024, the country received over five million visitors, marking an 11% increase compared to the same period in 2023, 48% more than in 2022, and 43% more than in 2019.

According to Minister of Tourism David Collado, 846,735 visitors arrived in May alone, representing a 12% increase over the same month last year. Collado shared these figures during his monthly presentation on the sector’s performance, held at the Embajador Hotel in the Dominican capital.

Minister Collado reported that 677,475 tourists arrived by air in May, reflecting a 9% increase compared to the same month last year and 28% more than in 2019. This sustained growth in tourism is also evident in the number of cruise passengers.

In May, the country received 169,260 visitors by sea, a 20% increase compared to the same month last year, 184% more than in 2022, and 193% more than in 2019.

“May was an extraordinary month with the arrival of 846,735 visitors, which represents an 11% increase over May of last year, 36% above the same month in 2019, and 44% more than in 2018,” said Minister Collado.

In the first five months of 2024, 3,716,262 tourists arrived in the country, marking a 10% increase compared to the January-May period last year, 24% more than in 2019, and 30% above 2018. Additionally, the country received a historic number of 1,310,728 cruise passengers from January to May, a 16% increase over last year, 174% more than in 2019, and 153% above 2018.

Minister Collado highlighted the importance of collaboration with the private sector, noting that the consistent increase in tourist arrivals month after month is a result of these joint efforts.

“When you see figures like the one we have achieved in the first five months of this year, you should feel proud as a Dominican: 5,026,990 visitors from January to May, that is a great number,” said Minister Collado.

The main tourist source countries in May were the United States (53%), followed by Canada (11%), Colombia (5%), and Argentina (4%).

Tourism invests RD$133 Million in Las Terrenas development

Samaná.- The Minister of Tourism, David Collado, recently inaugurated three major projects in Las Terrenas, Samaná, and launched the construction of a new initiative, totaling over RD$133 million in investments.

The completed projects include:

1. Road infrastructure construction in La Granja and Cosón areas, with an investment of RD$24,280,237.23.

2. Reconstruction of the access roads to Playa Estillero and Ramal Viva and Ramal Los Nómadas, Playa Cosón, with a total investment of RD$96,007,662.83.

3. Reconstruction of the pedestrian walkway in the coastal area of Las Terrenas municipality, with a cost of RD$13,352,565.52.

The Minister emphasized that these projects are part of the government’s efforts to promote Samaná as a tourist destination in the Dominican Republic and benefit the local residents. He stated that “human tourism” is essential for the country’s development.

The projects include:

• Reconstruction of the access road to Playa Estillero, El Limón municipality, with a total length of 2.45 kilometers and an investment of RD$47,624,942.24.

• Construction of Las Terrenas road infrastructure, second stage, with a total length of 1.86 kilometers and an investment of RD$24,280,237.23.

• Reconstruction of the accesses of Ramal Viva and Ramal Los Nómadas, Playa Cosón, with a total length of 1.20 kilometers and an investment of RD$48,372,720.59.

• Reconstruction of the pedestrian walkway in the coastal zone of Las Terrenas municipality, with an investment of RD$13,352,565.52.

The Minister concluded that these projects will not only benefit tourists but also improve the quality of life for local residents.

Abinader announces 23% increase in Dominican Republic’s exports

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader has announced that the country has achieved its best export figures in the last three years, with a total increase of 23% compared to the period from 2016 to 2019. The president attributed this success to the National Export Promotion Plan (PNFE), which was launched in November 2020 to promote exports and improve competitiveness in global markets.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and international trade tensions, the Dominican Republic has managed to increase its exports by 23% since 2020, with a total value of $45,804 million. The country’s main export partner is the United States, accounting for 54.38% of total exports, followed by other major destinations such as Argentina, China, and Japan.

The president highlighted the growth of medical instruments and devices as a key sector, with an increase of over $148 million. He also emphasized the importance of promoting women’s participation in the national productive process and their incorporation into international business activities.

The PNFE has been implemented in a consensual and coherent manner, incorporating the perspectives and proposals of national and international institutions, companies, associations, and organizations involved in productive and export development. The plan has been recognized as a benchmark in good international practices and has positioned the Dominican Republic as a world-class logistics hub.

The government has also implemented various initiatives to promote exports, including the modernization of the General Customs Law, the lifting of impediments to the entry of Dominican products to international markets, and the migration to non-face-to-face channels in the provision of services.

The PNFE has achieved significant progress in its implementation, with more than 70% of measures completed or in execution. The plan is expected to continue promoting exports and improving competitiveness in global markets, with a focus on diversifying exports to new markets and improving product quality standards.

Europe will buy sargassum from the Caribbean for the textile industry

Brussels – Through the Global Gateway, the European Union (EU) and its member states seek to contain the impact of sargassum in the Dominican Republic and other Caribbean countries by importing macroalgae as a raw material for the textile industry.

The European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, pointed out that it is a great initiative to turn sargassum “into an economic opportunity” and added that they are talking to governments and private companies to support innovative ideas that take advantage of sargassum, as she considers that its use in the textile industry is only one of its applications.

In mid-2023, the European Union, Latin America, and Caribbean Summit were held in Brussels, where an additional financing package of 45 billion euros (USD 48.6 billion) was approved to invest in the entire Caribbean area, particularly in the energy, environmental, and digital sectors, as reported by Summa Magazine.

Air Century contemplates reopening domestic flights to Cabo Rojo

Carlos Jiménez, executive vice president of Air Century, informed us that domestic flights from the Dr. Joaquín Balaguer International Airport (La Isabela) in Santo Domingo to the Cabo Rojo Aerodrome in Pedernales have been discontinued for a year.

The executive said the airline is contemplating reopening the commercial route despite this. However, he added that this is a project “to be explored” for next year.

“The commitment assumed by our company to carry out these operations ended on June 30, 2023,” he said.

The initial agreement was for 60 hours, with an appendix for an additional 30 hours. “The agreements were being fulfilled in the times that had been agreed, and we had to discontinue the operations,” he said.

He specified that the agreements made between the company and the Fideicomiso Pro-Pedernales were closed based on “milestones” or hours flown, according to Diario Libre.

It is recalled that the operations opened in October 2022 for US$50 each way, operating twice a week (Mondays and Fridays) and lasting only seven months.

Transfers were carried out in an aircraft with a capacity for 19 passengers and each trip would last 35 minutes.

Forum explores opportunities between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- Economic Intelligence Inc., a consulting firm based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, along with its subsidiary in Santo Domingo, organized a forum titled “Trade and Investment Opportunities” between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

The aim of the event was to convene a gathering of business leaders and government officials to foster increased investment and trade between the two largest economies in the Caribbean.

Both countries boast a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $113 billion (RD) and $116 billion (PR), respectively. Bilateral trade between the two islands stands at around $1,200 million annually, with the current trade balance favoring the Dominican Republic at $400 million.

An analysis conducted by economists Ellen Pérez-Ducy, the manager of the Economic Intelligence subsidiary in Santo Domingo, and Gustavo Vélez, CEO of the San Juan-based firm, underscored the vast potential for expanding this exchange. They emphasized that significant growth could be achieved with the right strategies, led by the private sectors of both countries with support from their respective governments.

Former Governor Luis Fortuño inaugurated the forum, highlighting the opportunities for both neighboring islands to attract manufacturing and investments from the United States and Asia. This is driven by the need for “nearshoring” and the revival of the concept of twin plants.

On the Dominican side, the forum saw participation from key figures including Fabrizio Gomez from Proyipime, Vladimir Pimentel from Prodominicana, Luis Bencosme from Cardnet, William Calderón from the Dominican-Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce, Luis Miura from Codopyme, and Jaime Moreno from various enterprises. They emphasized the necessity of implementing measures to facilitate logistics for sample shipments and promoting access to digital tools for MSMEs, crucial sectors in both economies.

From Puerto Rico, participants included Luis Fortuño, Agustín Rojo from the VRM Group and the Puerto Rico Builders Association, Herbert Lewy from Microsoft, Julio Cabral from VRDG Group, and Nelson Torres from the Commercial Office of Puerto Rico in the Dominican Republic. They highlighted the need for skilled personnel in Puerto Rico to supply the Dominican Republic and explored potential collaborations in waste management and construction projects.

The consensus among businessmen from both countries was that there are ample opportunities for collaboration in the technology industry and leveraging tourism marketing to attract new markets. They emphasized that both islands are natural partners for cultural and economic reasons.

Economist Gustavo Vélez stressed the importance of dialogue between the private sectors of both countries to increase trade and support economic growth, noting the Dominican Republic’s strong growth rate and Puerto Rico’s emerging growth post-hurricanes and bankruptcy.

Ellen Pérez-Ducy expressed optimism about the potential for business leadership and government cooperation to support trade integration, suggesting that Dominican businesses should strategically explore opportunities in the Puerto Rican market.

Nelson Torres urged Dominican businessmen to explore the tax incentives offered by the Puerto Rican government and expand their commercial and investment horizons. He emphasized that collaboration between businessmen and governments could unlock significant potential for increasing bilateral trade.

The major cruise lines strengthen their commitment to the Caribbean in summer

New York (Reuters) – Royal Caribbean Group, Carnival Corporation, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings have increased their commitment to the Caribbean and Alaskan destinations that will sail this summer.

As a result, in 2024, 202 ships will sail in the Caribbean, an 8% increase over last year. In Alaska, the number of boats sailing this summer has increased 9.3% since last year. According to Reuters, increased supply in both regions contributes to the drop in summer prices.

Indeed, many lines sent ships to Alaska and the Caribbean that would have sailed in the Red Sea. However, operators are rerouting vessels due to continued attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.

Prices are down 21% compared to last year’s period for Royal Caribbean’s seven-day Caribbean and Bermuda itineraries. Meanwhile, prices are down 12% for Norwegian and 11% for Carnival for similar itineraries.

Carnival’s July and August Alaska itineraries are 20% cheaper than last year. Royal Caribbean’s Alaska voyages are 6% more affordable in July and 12% cheaper in August.