Abinader Highlights the Impact of Tourism on the Economic Growth of the Dominican Republic
Cruise tourism has also experienced exponential growth.
The Dominican Republic continues to strengthen its tourism offer and consolidate itself as a leader in the region, as emphasized by President Luis Abinader in his accountability speech before the National Assembly on February 27.
“During 2024, more than 50 projects with definitive classification in Confotur were approved, which will impact seven provinces and add more than 2,800 hotel rooms to the tourism offer in the next 18 months,” said the president.
Abinader highlighted the success of the Dominican Republic’s participation in the recent FITUR fair in Madrid, where new destination brands were launched:
- Miches, as the emerging gem of Dominican tourism;
- Samaná, as the sanctuary of Caribbean diversity;
- Amber Coast, a proposal that combines culture, beach, and adventure.
He also noted that the province of Santiago is experiencing a moment of extraordinary economic dynamism.
“Just one hotel industry fact reflects this: In 30 years, until 2020, only two hotels were built in Santiago. In the last four years, three international brand hotels have been built and opened: Hilton, AC Marriott, and Residence-Inn, with another one under construction from the Hampton-Inn brand,” he pointed out.
The Renaissance of the Amber Coast Tourism
As part of the development of the Amber Coast, the president highlighted the momentum provided by Punta Bergantín for tourism in Puerto Plata.
In 2021, Abinader launched the project, and “today it is a reality.”
He said that at FITUR, the construction of three hotels from international chains was announced: Hyatt, Meliá, and Westin Puerto Plata, with the latter being the first of its brand in the country.
Additionally, ITM announced the creation of a water theme park, Abinader mentioned, ensuring that this project will strongly relaunch Puerto Plata as a key tourist destination.
Expansion in the Cruise Industry
Cruise tourism has also experienced exponential growth. In 2024, the Dominican Republic surpassed 2.6 million cruise passengers, rising from ninth to third place in receiving cruise tourists in the Caribbean, only behind the Bahamas and Cozumel.
He also mentioned that the opening of the Cabo Rojo Port in Pedernales has strengthened tourism in the region.
“We have diversified with the entry of the Cabo Rojo Port in Pedernales, which received 11,626 cruise passengers in 2024, and in just two months of 2025, we have already received 14,200,” Abinader reported.
Economic and Labor Impact of Tourism
The president emphasized the importance of tourism as the economic engine of the country, generating nearly 750,000 jobs in various sectors, including agriculture, industry, transportation, telecommunications, and construction.
“For the first time, more than 11 million visitors arrived in the country, exceeding the arrival of visitors in 2023 by 9%. These visitors directly impact 201,000 formal jobs, which represents 11.5% of total formal private sector employment,” explained the president.
He also highlighted the multiplier effect of tourism on the economy, with a significant impact on informal sector activities and total spending on purchases reaching 180 billion pesos.
Growth of Dominican Aviation
Abinader also highlighted the advances in the country’s air connectivity after the enactment of Law 57-23, which incentivizes the growth of local aviation.
He said that in 2024, 14% of the flights entering the country were operated by local airlines, “an unprecedented fact.” Furthermore, the Open Skies Agreement was signed after more than two decades of negotiations, “which allows us to expand our connectivity under more favorable conditions.”
Dominican airlines have expanded their coverage and improved prices, currently operating flights to more than 20 cities across the continent, from Canada to Chile.
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