SANTO DOMINGO.- During 2024, 213 million travelers entered the Americas, and seven countries in the region entered the list of the 20 with the greatest increase in tourist arrivals in the world, including: El Salvador, with a growth of 81%; Curacao, 51%; Colombia, 37%; Guatemala, 33% and the Dominican Republic, 32%, according to a report published by UN Tourism.
In the case of Caribbean countries, in 2023 alone they received 32.3 million international tourists, and in that year the Dominican Republic surpassed the 10 million visitor mark, a trend they maintain to this day.
According to David Collado, Minister of Tourism, by 2024 the nation had received 11.2 million visitors, exceeding even the country's population: 10.8 million inhabitants.
He said that in light of this situation, tourism is now one of the strongest economic sectors in the Dominican Republic, accounting for 8% of GDP and registering investments of more than US$6 million for its strengthening and progress.
"Tourism currently represents 8% of the Dominican Republic's GDP, making it one of the country's main economic sectors. In 2024, it broke tourist records with a total of 11.2 million visitors, surpassing its population of 10.8 million for the first time in history," notes a document from the Ministry of Tourism.
Strategies
The report highlights that the growth of the tourism sector is due to various key strategies to strengthen it, including investment in infrastructure, thanks to which almost US$5 million has been allocated to the recovery of coastlines and access roads; in addition, approximately US$1.5 million has been allocated to the restoration of the colonial center of Santo Domingo, one of the main tourist sites preferred by visitors.
"Another strategy has been to strengthen digital promotion, in which contracts with traditional agencies were cancelled and a focus was placed on campaigns on social networks and platforms such as Expedia, which reduced costs and increased the effectiveness of marketing campaigns," he points out.
Community tourism
Similarly, the Mitur publication highlights that efforts have also been made to promote community tourism through training programs and loans to local vendors to formally integrate them into the tourism sector.
Hotel investment
"With the aim of increasing the hotel supply, which also translates into employment for the country's inhabitants, alliances have been made to attract investment with international brands such as Four Seasons, Hilton and W Hotels, which have announced projects in the country to offer options for all tourists," the document says.
David Collado. (EXTERNAL SOURCE).
As with any Caribbean country, the report emphasizes, one of its main attractions is its beaches, in addition to other types of tourism, such as cultural tourism. "The restoration of Santo Domingo's colonial center, with over US$100 million invested, attracts travelers interested in history and architecture.".
For adventure tourism, Mitur reminds us that there are destinations such as Bahía de las Águilas, located in the city of Pedernales, and Samaná, known as the humpback whale sanctuary; these destinations offer unique experiences in natural environments.
Add to that projects like Miches and Punta Bergantín that attract luxury tourism, with high-spending travelers seeking exclusivity.
It adds gastronomy as another of the tourist offerings of the Dominican Republic, where the aim is to promote local cuisine in markets and restaurants, integrating communities and small entrepreneurs in the sector.
"Yes, in sports like tennis and golf, since the country will host an ATP tournament prior to the Miami Open, attracting tennis fans, and the PGA golf tournament, which gives participation to a significant number of international players.".
Colombia and the Dominican Republic
In Colombia, the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) indicates that it has viewed the Anato Tourism Fair as an opportunity to build bridges between the two nations, participating since 2023 as a partner country, achieving quite positive results.
"In 2024, the country received 335,000 Colombian tourists, a 200% increase compared to 2019. Likewise, during the event, we established commercial agreements with airlines such as Avianca, Wingo, and Copa, and with platforms like Despegar, which strengthens connectivity and promotion.
Our presence at Anato reinforces the perception of the Dominican Republic as a nearby, safe, and diverse destination."
