In the January-September period, the sector generated more than 6 billion dollars, with projections indicating that the year will end with foreign exchange earnings exceeding US$8.4 billion.
SANTO DOMINGO. – Despite the fact that on September 28, Tourism Minister David Collado revealed that the hurricane prevented the arrival of some 40,000 tourists who had canceled their trips due to the disruptions caused by the atmospheric phenomenon, the Dominican Republic once again reached a record number of non-resident visitors in the month of Fiona, with the arrival of 430,129 non-resident visitors.
According to the report released yesterday by Collado, at his usual monthly event, that figure represents 106,467 more than in the same month of 2019; in addition, in the January-September period the sector generated more than 6 billion dollars, projecting that the year will end with foreign exchange earnings exceeding US$8.4 billion.
“It is extraordinary to reach record numbers after being hit by a storm. This shows the strength and resilience of our tourism sector,” said the official, who was accompanied by representatives from the Association of Hotels and Tourism (ASONAHORES), the country's Airport Association, as well as business leaders and officials from the sector.
It was also highlighted that in the period January-September of this year, 5,334,291 visitors arrived, some 346,596 more tourists than the 4,987,698 of the same period in 2019.
Meanwhile, overall hotel occupancy for this month of September has been 61% with a room availability of 91%.
For the cruise sector, in September 2022, 50,423 cruise passengers arrived, with Puerto Plata being the destination with the highest arrivals, including Amber Cove port with 28,439, Taino Bay with 16,028, La Romana with 4,019, and Sans Souci with 1,939 travelers.
Meanwhile, in satisfaction surveys of some 25,996 respondents, 91% would return to the Dominican Republic and another 84% would recommend visiting Quisqueya.
40,000 fewer tourists
Between 40,000 and 45,000 foreigners stopped arriving in the Dominican Republic as a result of the weather phenomenon and the suspension of flights, according to a statement made on September 28 by Minister Collado.
"Tourism in the Dominican Republic remains strong, solid, and growing," said Collado, who predicted that September would end as the best September in the country's tourism history.
