Tendering begins for highway to boost tourism between Santiago and Puerto Plata

Santo Domingo.- The Association of Merchants and Industrialists of Santiago (ACIS) has praised the Dominican Government’s decision to begin the bidding process for the Amber Highway construction. This major project aims to connect Santiago with Puerto Plata, reducing travel time to just 20 to 25 minutes.

Sandy Filpo, president of ACIS, highlighted that the new highway will enhance connectivity between Santiago and Puerto Plata, effectively merging the two provinces into a unified tourist destination.

“This has been a long-held dream of the commercial and business sectors in both Santiago and Puerto Plata. The highway will not only boost visitor numbers but also improve business opportunities,” Filpo stated.

He also noted that once operational, the Amber Highway will streamline the flow of tourists from the North Coast to Santiago, facilitating a better experience for travelers and businesses alike, according to El Nacional.

Arajet launches sales of its flights from Punta Cana

Punta Cana  – Arajet began selling routes that will connect Punta Cana International Airport with North and South America, strengthening visitors’ arrivals in the eastern part of the country and continuing to consolidate the Dominican Republic as the continent’s new air hub.

The airline informed us that operations connecting Punta Cana with Sao Paulo, Toronto, Montreal, Santiago de Chile, Lima, Mexico City, and Cancun are already available. It indicated that the routes will begin on October 27 of this year and will also include connections to other destinations in the continent.

According to a press release, the announcement of direct flights to Punta Cana coincides with a promotion to the destination, with prices starting at only US$120 each way, including taxes.

Victor Pacheco Mendez, CEO & Founder of Arajet, expressed that the airline continues reinforcing its growth and expansion by making Punta Cana its second base and connecting it with the robust network of destinations it offers.

“At Arajet we are committed to making the Dominican Republic the new air hub of the continent and very soon we will be adding other destinations that will fly from Punta Cana, such as Buenos Aires, Quito, Guayaquil, Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena with the most competitive prices in the market,” he explained.

He also indicated that the base at Las Americas International Airport (AILA) will continue to operate as usual and that many destinations to which Arajet flies will fly from both airports.

“Our idea is that all passengers have the greatest number of travel options, destinations to Mexico or Colombia, for example, will fly from both airports, and we will maintain a daily bus that will connect both airports by land in order to increase the number of possibilities for travelers to connect,” added Pacheco.

Punta Cana Airport becomes Arajet’s third destination in the Dominican Republic. In addition to the AILA, the airline maintains regular flights at Cibao International Airport and is exploring the possibility of adding flights from Puerto Plata International Airport.

Norwegian Breakaway brings over 6,000 visitors to Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata.- On Tuesday, July 16, Puerto Plata welcomed the Norwegian Breakaway cruise ship to the tourist port of Taíno Bay, bringing a total of 6,221 visitors, including tourists and crew members.

Yokasta Almonte, head of the Puerto Plata tourism office, reported, “At the Taíno Bay cruise port, we received the Norwegian Breakaway with 4,667 visitors and 1,554 crew members, for a total of 6,221 visitors.”

The arrival of the Norwegian Breakaway significantly boosts tourism and the local economy, further establishing Puerto Plata as a key Caribbean destination for international cruises, according to RS Noticias.

The Norwegian Breakaway is managed by Norwegian Cruise Line, an American cruise line founded in 1966. Incorporated in Bermuda, the company is headquartered in Miami, Florida.

Senate approves bill to promote health tourism in Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo – The Dominican Senate approved the bill regulating and promoting health tourism on the first reading.

Senator Eduardo Estrella’s initiative aims to promote health tourism throughout the national territory, encourage the installation and education of health centers, and provide services to foreigners who require specialized medical care. This would result in collective welfare and contribute to collective economic and social development.

Likewise, the plenary approved the project for the Promotion of Development and Competitiveness of Handicrafts, submitted by Senator José Del Castillo Saviñón, which seeks to promote the institutionalization of the handicraft companies existing in the country, encourage private investments, create the conditions to improve productivity, as well as promote the permanent training of the creators of handicrafts to increase their artistic, technical and economic potential.

AERODOM secures $940 Million financing for airport improvements

Santo Domingo.- Aeropuertos Dominicanos Siglo XXI (AERODOM), a subsidiary of VINCI Airports, successfully closed a $940 million financing deal on July 9, 2024. The funding comprises a $500 million global bond issue and a $440 million credit agreement.

The funds will be used to fulfill the obligations of the Renewed and Reformed Concession Contract enacted in December 2023, extending AERODOM’s administration and operation of six state airports until 2060. Under this contract, AERODOM agreed to make an initial concession payment of $775 million to the Dominican State and committed to airport improvements, including constructing a new terminal at Las Américas International Airport, José Francisco Peña Gómez in Santo Domingo.

The credit facilities were arranged by Banco Popular Dominicano, S.A. – Banco Múltiple, Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A., New York Agency, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Popular Bank LTD. INC., and The Bank of Nova Scotia. JPMorgan, Citigroup, and Scotiabank coordinated the bond placement.

“We are very pleased to have made the second payment of the concession fee to the Dominican State to complete the commitment of $775 million, and at the same time, to be in the process of executing the agreed improvements for Las Américas International Airport, including the upcoming construction of the new terminal. Without a doubt, VINCI Airports, through its subsidiary AERODOM, is consolidating its position as one of the largest investors in the Dominican Republic,” said Mónika Infante Henríquez, general director of AERODOM.

The bond issuance saw significant demand, generating one of the largest oversubscriptions for a Latin American corporate issuer, reaching a maximum of approximately $3 billion (6.0x) and receiving offers exceeding $1.3 billion before the official announcement. These bonds are among the lowest-rated high-yield corporate bonds placed since January 2021.

This nearly $1 billion deal ranks among the largest corporate financings in the history of the Dominican Republic, highlighting a favorable investment climate and investor confidence in AERODOM and VINCI Airports. This confidence is bolstered by the stability and strong performance of the tourism sector and the Dominican economy.

VINCI Airports, the world’s leading private airport operator, manages over 70 airports in 13 countries. It has been present in the Dominican Republic since 2016, when it acquired 100% of AERODOM’s shares.

Arajet begins ticket sales for new Punta Cana routes

Santo Domingo.- Arajet, the Caribbean’s low-cost airline, has started selling tickets for new routes connecting Punta Cana International Airport with North and South America. This move aims to boost visitor arrivals to the eastern part of the Dominican Republic and further establish the country as a new air hub in the Americas.

Arajet announced that flights connecting Punta Cana with São Paulo, Toronto, Montreal, Santiago de Chile, Lima, Mexico City, and Cancun will begin on October 27 of this year. The new routes will also offer connections to other destinations across the continent.

In a statement to the media, Arajet highlighted a promotion for direct flights to Punta Cana, with prices starting at $120 per trip, including taxes.

Víctor Pacheco Méndez, CEO and Founder of Arajet, emphasized the airline’s commitment to growth and expansion, making Punta Cana its second base. “At Arajet, we are committed to making the Dominican Republic the new air hub of the continent. Very soon, we will add other destinations from Punta Cana, such as Buenos Aires, Quito, Guayaquil, Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena, offering the most competitive prices in the market,” Pacheco Méndez said.

Pacheco also reassured that operations at the Las Américas International Airport base will continue as usual, with many destinations served from both airports. “Our goal is to provide passengers with the greatest number of travel options. For instance, destinations in Mexico or Colombia will be accessible from both airports. We will maintain a daily bus service connecting the two air terminals to increase connection possibilities for travelers,” he added.

With the addition of Punta Cana Airport, Arajet now serves three destinations in the Dominican Republic, including regular flights from Cibao International Airport. The airline is also exploring the possibility of adding flights from Puerto Plata International Airport.

ProDominicana event honors foreign companies for economic contributions

Santo Domingo.- In a notable event organized by the Center for Export and Investment of the Dominican Republic (ProDominicana) and led by President Luis Abinader, 11 foreign companies were honored for their significant contributions to the Dominican economy. These companies were recognized for generating jobs, facilitating foreign exchange, transferring technology, promoting exports, and enhancing international competitiveness.

ProDominicana Executive Director Biviana Riveiro Disla emphasized that these recognitions reflect the companies’ commitment and confidence in the Dominican Republic. She highlighted that their investments not only stimulate economic growth but also create quality jobs and foster sustainable development. President Abinader congratulated the companies, underscoring the importance of their efforts and dedication, which have helped the Dominican Republic achieve historic levels of foreign direct investment (FDI) and regional leadership in this area.

Special guest Mr. Ismail Ersahin, Executive Director of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), discussed global FDI trends and the positive performance of the Dominican Republic in attracting investment.

The Dominican Republic has led FDI inflow in Central America and the Caribbean, with a historic 53% increase in 2022, surpassing US$4,098.8 million for the first time. By the end of 2023, FDI flows reached US$4,390.2 million, a 7.1% increase from 2022, marking a new milestone. This period also saw a consistent yearly FDI inflow exceeding US$3,000 million from 2021 to 2023. The first quarter of 2024 set a new record with US$1,268.5 million in FDI, a 1.5% year-on-year increase.

Dominican Republic to reach US$4,500 MM in foreign direct investment by year’s end

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader announced on Thursday an ambitious vision to transform the Dominican Republic into a fully developed nation by 2036, aiming to double its real gross domestic product (GDP). This vision includes an average annual economic growth of 6%, creating 1.7 million new jobs, tripling the average salary, achieving investment grade, and becoming the most prosperous economy in Latin America.

Highlighting the growth of foreign direct investment (FDI), President Abinader projected that the Dominican Republic will reach $ 4,500 million in FDI by the end of this year, a milestone he described as “unprecedented in the economic history of the country.”

He also cited the World Bank’s economic growth projections for the Dominican Republic, predicting a 5% growth rate for 2024 and 2025. This rate is consistent with the average growth over the past 50 years and is the highest in Latin America. President Abinader emphasized that the Dominican Republic’s growth rates are double the global and regional averages, driven by structural reforms aimed at attracting and expanding FDI.

The President reiterated that the country’s recent economic stability has been crucial in creating a favorable business environment. “In the last four years, we have strengthened our foundation of resilience and social dynamism, demonstrating that we are a nation capable of prospering even amid global uncertainty,” he stated.

UN reports on Dominican Republic Cooperation Framework year one

Santo Domingo.- The United Nations System has presented the Results Report for the first year of the United Nations Cooperation Framework for Sustainable Development 2023-2027 to the Dominican Government, implementing partners, and donors. The meeting, chaired by Minister of Economy, Planning and Development Pável Isa Contreras, UN Resident Coordinator Mauricio Ramírez Villegas, and Vice Minister Olaya Dotel, highlighted the framework’s progress and impact. Attendees included government officials, civil society representatives, and members from the private sector and academia.

The report, which summarizes the UN’s contributions and challenges over the past year, reveals a financial execution of US$63.4 million across key areas including social inclusion, economic growth, climate change, and human rights. Notable achievements include the development of a National Care Policy, improved social protection capacities, and educational advancements for over 457,000 children. The report also outlines progress in inclusive growth through support for MSMEs and certification of companies with the Igualando RD Seal.

The UN’s Resident Coordinator commended the Dominican Republic’s efforts and highlighted the importance of continued collaboration. With 28% of initiatives financed by state institutions and 67.7% implemented by government entities, the report reflects a strong commitment to sustainable development. Social spending increased by 9.5% in 2023, underscoring the government’s focus on improving living conditions through enhanced education and social protection investments.

Air Century strengthening Dominican Republic-Sint Maarten connection

Santo Domingo.- Air Century airline joined forces with the Ministry of Tourism of Sint Maarten in a meeting aimed at promoting the Caribbean destination’s tourism benefits.

The event took place at the Radisson Santo Domingo hotel and included key airline executives such as Felipe Gutiérrez, Commercial Director, and Joubert Synal, Sales Executive for Sint Maarten. Representing the Tourist Office of Sint Maarten were Gina Illidge, Marketing Director, and Jacqueline Louis, Marketing Manager.

“The intention of this meeting is to strengthen the connection between our destinations, highlighting the advantages of each one for the benefit of our passengers,” said Gutiérrez.

The meeting facilitated dialogue between travel agencies, tour operators, and other tourism sector agents, aiming to ensure an unforgettable experience for visitors to Sint Maarten.

Air Century, with over 30 years of uninterrupted service, operates national and international flights from its hub at La Isabela International Airport in Santo Domingo and from Punta Cana International Airport. The airline connects the Dominican Republic with key Caribbean destinations such as Aruba, Cartagena, Curacao, Havana and Santiago de Cuba, Port-au-Prince, and Sint Maarten.

Las Américas International Airport undergoes major renovations with $250 Million investment

Santo Domingo.- Las Américas International Airport (AILA) in Santo Domingo is undergoing significant renovations, including the construction of a new passenger terminal, with an investment of $250 million, as announced by Aerodom on Monday.

Project Details

Aerodom’s general manager, Mónika Infante, provided details during a press conference about the modernization efforts. These upgrades are part of the commitments made under the concession contract, allowing Aerodom, a member of the French international group Vinci Airports, to operate six state airports in the Dominican Republic until 2060.

New Passenger Terminal

The design for the new passenger terminal is currently underway. Its construction is set to begin in 2025. The terminal will have a capacity of four million passengers per year, accommodating the country’s growing passenger traffic.

Hotel Development

A new hotel will also be constructed, featuring three blocks with a total area of 8,000 square meters. The hotel will include 150 rooms, around 120 parking spaces, conference rooms, a dining room, a restaurant, a swimming pool, and a terrace with a bar and restaurant area offering sea views. Carlos Núñez, Aerodom’s director of non-aeronautical business, reported that the hotel will be operated by IHG Hotels & Resorts under the Holiday Inn brand. Construction will commence soon and is expected to last 20 to 22 months.

Liverpool businessmen launch Kiskeya Cigars with Dominican partnership

Santo Domingo.- Liverpool businessmen have launched Kiskeya Cigars, a new brand honoring the Dominican Republic, in partnership with Tabacalera Díaz, led by renowned cigar maker Don Eladio Díaz. This strategic alliance, facilitated by the Dominican Embassy in the UK and spearheaded by commercial advisor Antonio Castillo and ambassador Elnio Durán, aims to strengthen bilateral relations and promote investment.

The agreement includes the development of the Kiskeya Cigars brand and the opening of “cigar lounges” in Liverpool, with plans to expand across the UK. The Liverpool team, comprising Martin Bramley, Denis Gallagher, Dave Anastasio, Perry Ng, Paolo Cillo, John Morley, Craig Greenwood, Otto Mellouki, and Luke Braithwaite, aims to honor the Dominican Republic.

“These spaces will also promote other Dominican brands like La Aurora and Arturo Fuente,” said Bramley. The collaboration is expected to enhance commercial and cultural ties, showcasing Dominican tobacco internationally.

Kiskeya Cigars plans to establish a factory in the Dominican Republic to leverage export incentives and expand its offerings. Initially, investors considered Nicaragua and Honduras, but the Dominican Embassy’s effective promotion of the country’s manufacturing quality, security, economic growth, and political stability was decisive.

“This approach convinced investors that the Dominican Republic is ideal for their new tobacco company,” Castillo stated. Tobacco exports from the Dominican Republic exceed US$1,200 million, mainly driven by cigars, with major markets in the US, Germany, Belgium, China, and Puerto Rico.

Dominican Republic and Keysight Technologies partner to develop semiconductor industry

Santa Rosa, California.- Keysight Technologies, represented by David Yee Arellano, General Manager for Latin America, and UNICARIBE, led by Foreign Minister Dr. José Alejandro Aybar M., along with Dominican Vice Minister of Industry and Commerce Johannes Kelner, signed a collaboration agreement to develop the semiconductor industry in the Dominican Republic at SEMICON WEST in California.

This agreement is part of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs’ efforts at SEMICON WEST 2024, the leading industry event connecting over 1.3 million professionals and featuring more than 2,500 global companies.

The collaboration aims to enhance cooperation between the Dominican government, the business sector, and higher education institutions to train personnel for the semiconductor industry in the Caribbean.

Vice Minister Kelner thanked Keysight Technologies for the opportunity to share experiences and showcase advanced facilities, calling the agreement a crucial step toward a strategic partnership with UNICARIBE and Keysight.

David Yee Arellano emphasized that the agreement includes creating semiconductor training programs, with Keysight providing industry experts, developing courses, workshops, and specialized laboratories.

Dr. José Alejandro Aybar M., Chancellor of UNICARIBE, announced the launch of the university’s first Higher Technician program in Semiconductor Technology and the formation of a Dominican University Consortium focused on semiconductors. This initiative, supported by universities such as UASD, UNADE, UNAPEC, UNICARIBE, and UTESA, aligns with Decree 324-24 from President Luis Abinader to advance the semiconductor industry in the country.

Tourism Ministry begins reconstruction of streets in Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata, DR.- Tourism Minister David Collado on Wednesday launched the reconstruction of the streets in the historic center of the San Felipe de Puerto Plata municipality with an investment of close to 80 million pesos.

The project consists of the reconstruction of the streets, sidewalks and curbs of the town’s urban center, directly impacting local residents and tourists, mainly cruise passengers who disembark at the Amber Cove and Taino Bay tourist ports.

Collado highlighted the investments and works delivered during his administration to strengthen the tourist destination and those in the pipeline, such as the rehabilitation of Sosúa beach and the remodeling of the iconic Puerto Plata cable car.

“These interventions will mark a before and after in this entire historic center. The time of Puerto Plata has definitely arrived,” said the Minister of Tourism.

This road project in San Felipe was carried out by the Executive Committee for Infrastructure in Tourist Zones (CEIZTUR) at a total cost of RD$79.855.074.95.

The sections to be intervened correspond to the avenues Juan Escaño (Old Railway Line); extension of Restauración Street (connection between Juancho Escaño Avenue and Caamaño Street).

It also includes Antera Mota, Luis Espinosa, 30 de Marzo, Los Jazmines San Felipe and Aserradero streets. In addition, 27 de Febrero Avenue, El Morro and Cardenal Sancha streets will be intervened.

Juan Escaño Avenue (Old Railway Line) will be intervened in a 751-meter extension and 27 de Febrero in an 834-meter section. Meanwhile, El Morro Street will be renovated in a 1,020-meter section and Cardenal Sancha 934 meters long.

The project includes the reconstruction of 9,318 linear meters of curb and 17,256 square meters of sidewalk, including the readjustment of the pavement of three road axes by applying a new 2″ asphalt concrete layer on the road.

Private investment and development in Cabo Rojo tourism

Pedernales, DR.- Private investment is significantly impacting the tourism surge in Cabo Rojo. The ProPedernales tourism development trust has reported a total investment of US$130 million to date, focusing on three hotels and the initial phase of an airport runway.

The airport, situated in Manuel Goya community within Oviedo municipality, is under construction by the Acciona Consortium. Simultaneously, the port development is managed by ITM Group.

The Dominican Government has invested RD$3,000 million in water projects, conditioning, planning, and design for the initiative. According to Andrés Van der Horst, Executive Vice President of Fiduciaria Banreservas, the finalization of partnerships through public offerings is nearing completion.

The ProPedernales development project operates through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), with the state holding a 52% stake and the private sector holding 48%.

Van der Horst clarified that the state will always maintain the majority share in the contract, ensuring its significant role in the partnership. The government provides the land while investors manage operations and seek financing.

The project, operating under a trust structure, prohibits the sale of land. Financing for this extensive project will be negotiated through stock exchanges, facilitating investment opportunities on the market.

Dominican Republic surpassing Latin America’s giants in Tourism

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic has surged to the forefront of global tourism, according to a recent report by Latinometrics. Despite its relatively small size, the Caribbean country has made significant strides in attracting visitors, outpacing even larger countries like Brazil and Argentina.

With a population of nearly 11 million and a surface area that could fit 175 times into Brazil’s, the Dominican Republic is one of the smallest countries in Latin America. However, it has managed to punch above its weight, boasting a diversified export economy worth $13,000 million in 2023. Key exports include electrical equipment, medical instruments, and tobacco, while services account for 57% of GDP, with tourism being a significant contributor.

As the “Tourism Bank” and a major financier of the tourism sector, Banco Popular Dominicano is committed to supporting local businesses and foreign investors seeking to capitalize on the sector’s growth potential. The bank highlights the importance of tourism as a key driver of the Dominican Republic’s economy.

The country has emerged as a global leader in tourism post-pandemic, welcoming 7.1 million visitors in 2022 and over 10 million last year. Notably, it attracted 60% more tourists than Brazil, the region’s largest country by population and size. This makes the Dominican Republic one of the most visited countries in Latin America, second only to Mexico.

The country’s tourism boom has also had a positive impact on investment, with two consecutive years of record foreign direct investment (FDI). Political stability has played a crucial role in attracting foreign capital in Latin America, and this has undoubtedly been a key factor in the Dominican Republic’s strong economic growth.

Life expectancies in the Dominican Republic and other Caribbean countries

Santo Domingo. – Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Puerto Rico are among the Caribbean territories with the highest life expectancy, between 80 and 83 years, while other countries in the region, such as the Dominican Republic, Bahamas, or Dominica, have ranges that do not exceed 75 years.

The information is contained in the ranking “Life Expectancy by Country,” developed by World Population Review with data from the United Nations (UN), corresponding to 2023.
The platform details that the last places are Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis (72 years), and Haiti, with a life expectancy of 65 years.

The Dominican population would grow until 2060

According to current projections, World Population Review notes that “the population of the Dominican Republic is expected to grow until approximately 2060 when it will reach its peak population of 12.89 million.”
“After reaching its peak population, the Dominican Republic will experience a demographic decline that will leave the population at 11.01 million people,” the organization states.

It adds, “The fertility rate in the Dominican Republic is currently 2.36 births per woman, which has declined year after year since the 1950s. This decline in the fertility rate, in combination with negative net migration, has considerably slowed the population growth rate.”

It further highlights that “from 2019 to 2020, the population growth rate was 1.01%, which added about 109,000 people to the population. This overall decline in the population growth rate will eventually bring it to zero and then the decline in the country’s population will begin.”

NSO data

Last week, the National Statistics Office (ONE) presented its latest report on the X National Population and Housing Census conducted in 2022, stating that the Dominican population growth rate has declined to 1.11% since the beginning of the last century.

Montecristi hosts Tourism in Every Corner event

Montecristi, DR.- This weekend, the province of Montecristi will host the Tourism in Every Corner promotion platform, organized by the Ministry of Tourism to showcase the unique attractions and diverse offerings of each destination.

The event will take place on Saturday, July 13th, and Sunday, July 14th, at Parque Duarte (Parque del Reloj). It will feature a large exhibition and sale of Montecristi’s tourist, cultural, gastronomic, and artisanal products, involving key players in the local value chain to promote sustainable management and development.

Attendees can enjoy artistic presentations from the folkloric ballet and typical ensemble of the Ministry of Tourism, performances by the Ángeles Especiales foundation, baton ballet, children’s groups, and cultural events like carnival traditions and “roba la gallina.”

Montecristi is one of the 32 provinces of the Dominican Republic, located in the northwest. Founded by Nicolás de Ovando in 1506, it boasts attractions like El Morro National Park, Cayo Siete Hermanos, Isla Cabra, and the Montecristi mangroves. Visitors can also explore the Montecristi Clock, designed by Gustave Eiffel, and the Máximo Gómez House Museum. Local cuisine features traditional dishes like goat, Dominican flag, and fresh seafood along the Montecristi boardwalk, complemented by artisanal ice cream and a vibrant nightlife scene.

Montecristi is divided into six municipalities: Castañuelas, Guayubín, Las Matas de Santa Cruz, Montecristi, Pepillo Salcedo (Manzanillo), and Villa Vásquez, with five municipal districts: Palo Verde, Hatillo Palma, Villa Elisa, Cana Chapetón, and Santa María.

Tourism Ministry begins reconstruction of streets in Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata, DR.- Tourism Minister David Collado on Wednesday launched the reconstruction of the streets in the historic center of the San Felipe de Puerto Plata municipality with an investment of close to 80 million pesos.

The project consists of the reconstruction of the streets, sidewalks and curbs of the town’s urban center, directly impacting local residents and tourists, mainly cruise passengers who disembark at the Amber Cove and Taino Bay tourist ports.

Collado highlighted the investments and works delivered during his administration to strengthen the tourist destination and those in the pipeline, such as the rehabilitation of Sosúa beach and the remodeling of the iconic Puerto Plata cable car.

“These interventions will mark a before and after in this entire historic center. The time of Puerto Plata has definitely arrived,” said the Minister of Tourism.

This road project in San Felipe was carried out by the Executive Committee for Infrastructure in Tourist Zones (CEIZTUR) at a total cost of RD$79.855.074.95.

The sections to be intervened correspond to the avenues Juan Escaño (Old Railway Line); extension of Restauración Street (connection between Juancho Escaño Avenue and Caamaño Street).

It also includes Antera Mota, Luis Espinosa, 30 de Marzo, Los Jazmines San Felipe and Aserradero streets. In addition, 27 de Febrero Avenue, El Morro and Cardenal Sancha streets will be intervened.

Juan Escaño Avenue (Old Railway Line) will be intervened in a 751-meter extension and 27 de Febrero in an 834-meter section. Meanwhile, El Morro Street will be renovated in a 1,020-meter section and Cardenal Sancha 934 meters long.

The project includes the reconstruction of 9,318 linear meters of curb and 17,256 square meters of sidewalk, including the readjustment of the pavement of three road axes by applying a new 2″ asphalt concrete layer on the road.

Dominican Republic expands airline industry with 281 new connections

Santo Domingo.- José Marte Piantini, president of the Civil Aviation Board (JAC), emphasized the critical role of air connectivity in the Dominican Republic’s economic development. From August 2020 to June 2024, a total of 438,836 air operations were conducted, averaging 1,275 flights per week. These operations, involving passenger and cargo movements, generated an estimated $49,807 million in direct and indirect income for the economy.

Marte Piantini highlighted the significant achievements during President Luis Abinader’s first term. The JAC authorized 46,002 non-regular or charter air operations and approved 18,940 flights under Special Permits, underscoring the sector’s resilience and progress despite challenges.

In his fourth management report, Marte Piantini detailed the administration’s efforts to strengthen civil aviation, resulting in 281 new connections and establishing routes to various global destinations. He stressed the importance of expanding the country’s air connectivity network to enable national air operators to access more markets, reflecting President Abinader’s commitment to enhancing the national airline industry and promoting trade and investment.