He stated that this growth represents 13% above April 2018, 7% above April 2019 and 91% more than the same month in 2021.
SANTO DOMINGO- Tourism reached record levels again in April, with the arrival of 626,010 non-resident visitors, "making it the best April in the history of the Dominican Republic."
This was revealed by the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, who stated that this growth represents 13% above April 2018, 7% above April 2019 and 91% more than the same month in 2021.
“The recovery of tourism is a reality. We did it again. The growth we achieved in April is unprecedented. It is the best April in the history of Dominican tourism,” said Minister Collado when presenting the figures recorded by the industry last month.
Among non-resident foreigners, tourist arrivals totaled 513,195, representing a 2% increase over April 2019 and a 5% increase over 2018. Non-resident Dominicans accounted for 112,815 arrivals, a 77% increase over April 2019 and a 41% increase compared to the same month in 2018.
Of that number of tourists, 60% arrived through Punta Cana airport, 23% through Las Américas, 11% through Santiago, 5% through Puerto Plata and the remaining two percent through other air terminals.
Collado stated that occupancy rates in tourist areas have noticeably improved in the various destinations across the country.
In tourist hotspots like Bavaro-Punta Cana, occupancy went from 48% to 79%, while in La Romana-Bayahibe the increase was from 48% to 85%.
This increase is also being seen in other destinations. Occupancy rates in Samaná are at 66%, 61% in Greater Santo Domingo, 60% in Puerto Plata, and 55% in Santiago, among others.
Minister Collado also highlighted the increase in cruise ship arrivals in April, "which has a direct impact on the population where the ships arrive.".
He reported that in April 129,440 people visited the country by sea through the different ports that operate in Puerto Plata, La Romana and Samaná, among others.
“Something we must highlight, in addition to these extraordinary numbers for April, is the satisfaction expressed by those who visit us,” Collado stated.
He stated that more than 93 percent said they would vacation in the country again.
The official assured that he will continue working hand in hand with ASONAHORES and the other members of the Tourism Cabinet and predicted that this year will close with the historic figure of more than 7,000,000 non-resident visitors.
Minister Collado acknowledged the joint work with the different actors in the private sector tourism industry who were represented by the National Association of Hotels and Tourism (ASONAHORES).
