The Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) reported that, in March of this year, 41 ships arrived in the country from different parts of the world with 131,234 passengers, some 128,946 more cruise passengers than those who arrived in the same month of 2021, when the number of people was 2,288.
Taken from Diario Libre
SANTO DOMINGO.- The arrival of tourists by sea to the Dominican Republic has been recovering after a period of pause due to the restrictions imposed by countries to minimize the spread of COVID-19, which limited the arrival of foreigners.
The Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) reported that, in March of this year, 41 ships arrived in the country from different parts of the world with 131,234 passengers, some 128,946 more cruise passengers than those who arrived in the same month of 2021, when the number of people was 2,288.
The flow of visitors who traveled to the country by ship during the first quarter of 2022 was higher than at the end of March. During January and February, 90,234 and 96,644 tourists arrived, respectively, which, added to the March visitors, totals 318,112.
On average, 85% of non-resident travelers were foreigners, and the rest were Dominicans. According to the daily report from the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur), the highest number of arrivals that month occurred on March 26th: approximately 23,757.
Maritime operations have maintained a gradual growth rate, with the Amber Cove and Taíno Bay ports, both in Puerto Plata, receiving the largest number of ships in the first quarter of this year.
The evolution of this type of tourism, after the adversities the country has faced, has been satisfactory and promises to continue evolving over time, said Tourism Minister David Collado, upon receiving an award in recognition of cruise tourism in the country.
Two days ago, the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) highlighted the Dominican Republic's maritime tourism activity, recognizing the efforts being made in the country to have ports properly equipped to receive tourists.
Collado assured that the figures will continue to increase because the Government will incentivize the country to become an attractive destination for cruise tourism due to the natural advantages that the island possesses.
Initially, cruise tourism was primarily used by the wealthiest segment of the population. Over the years, this attractive way of traveling has become increasingly popular, impacting the country's economy.
