By Rashead Esson

Staff Writer

#DominicanRepublic, August 1, 2023 – Surpassing 1.8 million tourist arrivals in just the first TWO months of 2023, Dominican Republic is setting the standard and taking the lead in the tourism industry.

The flow of tourists into Dom Rep doesn’t seem to be slowing anytime soon, if ever.  This is a big win as the Latino-Caribbean country which shares Hispaniola with Haiti, has worked its way up the ladder becoming  one of the most coveted Caribbean islands for vacationing.

In January, an incredible 948,582 tourists arrived in the DR; a surge of 52 per cent in visitor arrivals via the airports and ports.  David Collado, the Minister of Tourism said that it was the best month in the history of the Dom Rep regarding tourism arrivals.

In February, arrivals by both air and sea were practically scraping the ceiling to 1 million with 661,088 air arrivals a 17 per cent increase from 2022 and a 9 per cent from 2019, pre-COVID.

Additionally, by sea via cruise, DR attracted 250,000 tourists, a big improvement when compared to previous years.

If you ask Dominicans, they will say it is no secret why people love to visit.  They have over 100 all-inclusive resorts, with most of the top ranking having a home in the Dominican Republic.   Those wanting diversity in scenery are well satisfied, not to mention the cuisine, history and rich culture.  With all of this at their disposal, the Dom Rep continues to excel in tourism despite significant bumps in the road in recent years.

The report informs that the majority of tourists stop in La Altagracia, the home to Punta Cana with 67 percent of them in resorts there as well as in Bavaro and Bayahibe.

The amazing city of Santo Domingo is quite popular also, with its colonial architecture, beaches and clubs, it easily attracts some 8 percent of visitors.  Puerto Plata Province is also a fairly popular destination with the republic; 8 percent of visitors are drawn to that city.

Other big attractions for the DR are Santiago de los Caballeros with two percent of visitors, Samana with three percent and Romana with four percent.

It is expected this demand for vacations in the DR will continue, soon it is anticipated the country will shoot past their record 10 million visitor mark by the end of 2023.