This terminal will be incorporated into other port developments linked to cruise tourism, such as Taíno Bay, in Puerto Plata, and Cabo Rojo, in Pedernales, where the company has also participated.
SANTO DOMINGO– The new Port Samaná cruise terminal, located in the community of Arroyo Barril, Samaná province, is scheduled to begin operations on November 24, with the aim of boosting tourism and revitalizing the region's economy through the gradual arrival of thousands of international travelers.
According to the director of the Dominican Port Authority, Alejandro Campos, estimates anticipate receiving approximately 230,000 visitors in 2027 and around 540,000 in 2028. He also noted that expectations for the latter year increased by 35% compared to initial estimates, due to the interest of cruise lines in the area's tourism potential.
In that sense, the terminal aims to reach one million annual visitors by 2030, a goal that could contribute to expanding Samaná's tourism offerings and strengthening its position as a destination within the Caribbean.
The initiative is being implemented through a public-private partnership between the Dominican government and the ITM Group. This collaboration aims to expand the national port infrastructure and create new opportunities in sectors such as trade, transportation, hospitality, and services.
For his part, the president of the ITM Group, Mauricio Hamui, thanked the government institutions for their support and highlighted the coordination between both sectors to complete the work and put the facilities into operation.
In this way, Port Samaná will join other port developments linked to cruise tourism, such as Taíno Bay, in Puerto Plata, and Cabo Rojo, in Pedernales, where the company has also participated.
Local communities facing new economic opportunities
During a supervisory visit to the construction site, the Port Authority director was accompanied by the Minister of the Presidency, José Ignacio Paliza, and the Minister of Public Works and Communications, Eduardo Estrella, who examined the progress of the construction and the access conditions to the complex.
In that context, Paliza stated that the project represents an opportunity to transform the province's productive activity by linking the increase in cruise ship arrivals with the development of communities such as Arroyo Barril, Sánchez and Las Terrenas, as well as other nearby destinations.
Similarly, the mayor of Arroyo Barril, Luis Felipe Fermín, highlighted the expansion possibilities for small and medium-sized businesses, while the provincial governor, Teodora Mullix, reiterated her support for initiatives aimed at the economic progress of the region.
Thus, the authorities hope that the movement of passengers will favor the consumption of local products and services, as well as generate opportunities for entrepreneurs, merchants and workers linked to the tourism activity.
Road improvements to ensure mobility and safety
At the same time, the Ministry of Public Works and Communications is working on strengthening access roads, with the purpose of facilitating the movement of visitors to the main attractions of the peninsula.
In this regard, Minister Eduardo Estrella explained that it is necessary to have adequate planning to move large numbers of passengers, guaranteeing conditions of safety, accessibility and comfort.
As part of these complementary actions, interventions are planned for road access, the adaptation of public spaces and beautification work, measures intended to support the expected growth of tourism activity.
Institutional coordination to promote the project
Also participating in the tour were the Director General of Public-Private Partnerships, Andrés Lugo Risk; the President of the Board of Directors of the Dominican Port Authority (APORDOM), Julia Luz Marina Muñiz Suberví, as well as legislators, municipal officials and representatives of the entities involved.
With its opening planned for November, Port Samaná is emerging as a new infrastructure for Dominican maritime tourism. However, the extent of its benefits will depend, among other factors, on land connectivity, the readiness of local services, and the integration of communities into the opportunities generated by the arrival of cruise ship passengers.
If the announced projections are fulfilled, the complex could become a relevant point for tourism activity in Samaná by 2030, with growth prospects for commerce and services in the province.
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