DR News
The Dominican Republic has shattered its tourism records, officially receiving 10,284,251 visitors in the first 11 months of this year, virtually guaranteeing a historic, record-breaking close for 2025 with projections exceeding 11 million, the Ministry of Tourism announces.
Minister of Tourism David Collado announced the positive numbers on Monday, 1 December 2025 in the capital, highlighting the sustained and robust growth of the nation’s key industry. “These arrivals, both by air and sea, mark another record: 10,284,251 visitors in eleven months. We did it again,” stated Minister Collado.
The total number of visitors recorded between January and November represents a massive 52% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, a 13% jump over 2023, and a 3.1% rise compared to last year.
Breakdown of arrivals
The report details strong performance across both major arrival channels:
Air arriving tourists: The country received 7,884,421 tourists by air, marking a 35% growth from 2019, 10% from 2023, and 3% year-over-year from 2024.
Cruise passengers: A total of 2,399,830 cruise passengers arrived, registering an astounding 153% increase compared to 2019, 25% over 2023, and 3.4% compared to last year.
Collado noted there were 1,000,484 total visitors in November alone. This single-month figure reflects a 75% growth compared to 2019, 16% over 2023, and 13.5% compared to November 2024, with 715,916 arrivals by air and 284,568 by sea.
The majority of visitors originate from the United States (39%), Canada (19%), Colombia and Argentina (6% each), Puerto Rico, Mexico and Germany (3% each).
Punta Cana continues to be the primary gateway, receiving 62% of all tourists during the January-November period, followed by Las Américas International Airport (22%), Cibao International Airport (10%), Puerto Plata (4%), and La Romana with 1%, among others.
The Dominican Republic was already on the way to set a new annual visitation record, but the scope of the record will be greater given that the DR is receiving thousands of tourists that had booked vacations in nearby Jamaica, impacted by Hurricane Melissa in early November 2025.
The Dominican Republic aviation authorities have authorized the arrival of 800 regular and charter flights to accommodate a surge in tourists who had planned to vacation in Jamaica and other nearby islands, but were rerouted following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa. In Jamaica, the Montego Bay tourist area was one of the most damaged.
“This will have a positive impact on hotel occupancy in the Dominican Republic, and Dominican hotels have the capacity to receive that influx,” said Nairobi Santos, spokesperson for the country’s Association of Hotels and Tourism. She said the additional flights will occur over eight months, noting that an average occupancy rate of more than 95% is projected for the holiday season.
“We authorized 800 flights in one fell swoop because all that tourism that was going to Jamaica, the Dominican Republic will benefit,” Héctor Porcella, president of the country’s Civil Aviation Board, told reporters this week. He lamented the disaster that the Category-5 storm unleashed in the western Caribbean last month, noting that the impact was especially hard in Jamaica.
Source: Ministry of Tourism
Dec 2, 2025
The Dominican government has authorized higher airport fees starting on 1 November 2025. This comes at the behest of the consortium that runs some of the major airports, Aerodom. Dominican Airports Siglo XXI (Aerodom) is building an entirely new terminal at Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) that will cost about US$250 million, and for that reason, it has requested that the government authorize the increases in airport fees, Diario Libre reports.
So, according to the spokesperson for the Dominican Airline Association, the new charges will be levied to all plane tickets for folks entering or leaving the country using that airport.
The association said that this could have negative effects on the overall operations of the airlines servicing Las Americas.
In numbers, the new tariff will increase by US$1.10, going to US$20.77 per passenger using the airport. In addition, there will also be a small increase in the fees charged for baggage handling, now reaching US$3.50 per passenger.
The Dominican Republic currently has the third-highest taxes on airfares in Latin America, according to the CEO of Air Century Airlines.
The Dominican Republic is a major aviation hub in the Americas, taking advantage of its central geographic location. Nevertheless, the country already has high operating costs, and ranks 17th of 20 countries in the Air Transport Competitiveness Ranking prepared by Amadeus and ALTA.
Source: DR1, Diario Libre
July 12, 2025
Tourism Minister David Collado announced on Sunday, 7 July 2025, that a significant renovation project for Boca Chica beach and surrounding areas is set to begin. This initiative, formalized through an agreement signed by Minister Collado and various local associations and social groups, represents a substantial investment in the region’s tourism infrastructure.
The government will invest around RD$600 million to revitalize Boca Chica, the beach destination near the capital city.
The comprehensive plan includes:
• Reconstruction of the Malecón: The boardwalk in this popular tourist area will be rebuilt, stretching from Andrés beach to Boca Chica.
• Street paving: All surrounding streets will be paved to improve access and aesthetics.
• Drainage and wastewater systems: Essential repairs will be made to the drainage and sewage treatment systems.
• New parks: Three central parks will be constructed, including Plaza Los Caracoles and a children’s park.
Minister Collado also outlined plans to support the local community and businesses:
• Tourism cluster and training: A tourism cluster will be established, offering training programs for young people in the tourism sector, supported by local universities.
• Vendor guarantees: All recognized vendors with spaces approved by the beach workers’ association are guaranteed to retain their spots within this renovation plan.
• Business upgrades: Each merchant will receive stainless steel furniture and appliances for their stands.
• Entrepreneurial loans: Through the National Council for the Promotion and Support of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (Promypime), merchants will have access to immediate entrepreneurial loans at preferential rates to help them formalize and grow their businesses.
The work is scheduled to commence within 90 days. To ensure transparency, the tenders for these projects have already been posted on the Ministry’s portal and will be supervised by universities, churches, and the municipal tourism cluster.
“It’s Boca Chica’s time, and I assure you again that I will not conclude my term until this beach is fully recovered and has nothing to envy any other beach in the country,” Collado declared to applause from the locals.
Source: DR1, Ministry of Tourism
July 12, 2025
Tourism Minister David Collado announced Santiago and Puerto Plata will soon have direct flights to Panama. Panama is a hub for connecting to South America and other destinations.
Tourism Minister Collado announced that Copa is adding three weekly flights from Panama to Puerto Plata (13 January 2026) and three weekly flights between Panama and Santiago (15 January 2026).
Collado highlighted that these nonstop flights open up doors for an increase in visitors, mainly from South America and Central America.
Santiago’s Cibao International Airport (STI) is the main gateway for the northern and central provinces, followed by Puerto Plata’s Gregorio Luperon International Airport (POP).
Source: DR1
July 12, 2025
The 8th of July marked the third month of the death of around 270 persons that happened when the cement roof of the JetSet Club collapsed during a merengue concert. Little has advanced with the case. Several media outlets continue to post updates on the story with chapters on the victims’ family plights. The official preliminary report points to the overloading of the roof as the trigger of the collapse.
Source: DR1, El Caribe
July 12, 2025
Arajet is already flying to Miami (MIA) and Newark (EWR) international airports. Boston will be Arajet’s third city in the United States. The airline also already flies to Puerto Rico (SJU).
The Boston Globe now announces the Dominican-based low-cost airline will land at the Logan International Airport (BOS) starting 20 November 2025. The direct flights will be on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
The one-way fares are priced at a competitive US$170 between the two cities. Arajet includes a personal item weighing less than 15 pounds and charges US$20 for checked luggage and US$30 for carry-on.
The airline that began operations in 2022 now flies to 24 cities in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada. Those booking the Boston flight will be able to connect to other destinations in Latin America from the stopover at the Santo Domingo (SDQ) or from the Punta Cana (PUJ) international airports.
“The Boston area is home to one of the largest Dominican communities in the US and serves as a key hub for education, business, and tourism. With this addition, Arajet’s presence in major U.S. markets will capture strong demand for low-fare, high-quality service between North America and Latin America, reflecting our commitment to building a bridge between the regions and opening new travel opportunities for both leisure and business travelers,” said Victor Pacheco, CEO and founder of Arajet.
Source: DR1, Boston Glode
May 18, 2025
Minister of Industry & Commerce Victor (Ito) Bisono said that the measure, in effect, that bans the export of Dominican goods by the land border as of 12 May 2025, will not have a major impact on Dominican exports, as these are already shipped to Haitian ports. He said the measure will impact Haitian truckers who import goods by land from the Dominican Republic. Since the worsening of the security crisis in Haiti, Dominican goods transportation to Haiti has been handled by Haitian truckers.
El Dia reports that the Data Market platform indicates that the main Dominican exports to Haiti were T-shirts (9.1%), cotton textiles (7.4%), Portland cement (7.4%), steel rebar (6.6%), and soya oil (5.1%). DR exports to Haiti in the first quarter were US$187 million, compared to US$112 million in 2024.
The Minister did not address the impact the ban will have on small vendors that purchase goods in the DR markets on market days when the border is opened to allow merchants on foot to enter to purchase goods for resale in Haiti.
Craving bold flavors and vibrant vibes? At Bollywood Bliss, we bring you the best of Indian & Sri Lankan cuisine in a stylish, friendly setting right on Dr. Rosen in Sosua!
What makes us special?
– Authentic flavors with the finest ingredients & traditional spices
– Live Bollywood entertainment on a large screen – you choose the volume!
– A fully stocked bar serving up refreshing cocktails & drinks
– Exclusive VIP Lounge – perfect for special occasions & private parties
– We keep our prices fair and competitive.
– Open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner & late-night fun!
Hours:
Mon – Thu: 7 AM – 2 AM
Fri – Sun: 7 AM – 2 AM
Plus, don’t miss out on our daily specials! Stay tuned!
Address:
Dr. Rosen, Sosua
Tel: 809-484-9257
Instagram: / bollywoodbliss.rd
Facebook: Bollywood-Bliss
TikTok: / bollywoodbliss.rd
Map:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/cRk2kTqBmJfCqKQ38
#BollywoodBliss #SosuaEats #AuthenticIndianFood
Welcome to El Colibri Hotel, a newly renovated place nestled in the heart of Sosua. Surrounded by lush, landscaped grounds, this stylish retreat offers a perfect blend of contemporary design and tropical tranquility.
Elegant Accommodations
Our hotel features 15 spacious rooms, each designed with cool, contemporary features to ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay. Enjoy the luxury of air-conditioned rooms with queen-sized beds, a 40″ flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Your bathroom is a modern haven, with a shower and all the toiletries you need. Daily room service ensures your space remains fresh and inviting.
Versatile Apartments
For those seeking a longer stay, El Colibri offers 9 apartments available on a weekly or monthly basis. Choose from a range of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. Contact us directly for rates and availability.
Serene Surroundings
Stroll through our vibrant gardens, filled with colorful flora and the soothing sounds of tropical breezes. Whether you’re here for a romantic escape or a fun getaway, our chill oasis provides the perfect backdrop for relaxation and adventure.
Relaxation and Dining
Kick back by our expansive outdoor swimming pool with a glass of piña colada in hand. Sun umbrellas, sun loungers, beach chairs, and pool/beach towels are available for your convenience.
Indulge in delicious international cuisine at our in-house restaurant, La Carnaval, open from 9 am to 10 pm. For a casual experience, visit our street bar, Roots, which boasts an extensive drink menu, or relax at our poolside bar.
Perfect for Special Events
El Colibri is an ideal venue for special events, including weddings, anniversaries, birthday parties, and theme parties. Our beautiful setting and attentive service will make your event unforgettable.
Additional Amenities
• Free parking
• Lockers
• Concierge service
• Luggage storage
• Shuttle service
Prime Location
Situated just a few minutes walk from downtown Sosua and the beach, El Colibri Hotel offers easy access to local attractions and activities.
Book Your Stay
Experience the perfect blend of relaxation, romance, and tropical excitement at El Colibri Hotel. Book your stay with us today!
Call: 809-970-9433
info@elcolibriresort.com
www.elcolibriresort.com
@elcolibriresort (Instagram)
141 Pedro Clisante, Sosua
Dominican Republic
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BB69DhjgTD6sWZmB9
✨ *Join Us for a Pre-New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball!* ✨
*Location:* El Colibrí Resort, 141 Calle Clisante, Sosúa
*Date:* Saturday, December 28th, 2024
⏰ *Time:* 7 PM – 1 AM
As we bid farewell to 2024, we recognize the challenges faced by our community due to recent natural disasters. In solidarity, El Colibrí Resort is hosting this event *for FREE* to uplift spirits and celebrate together!
*Prepare for an unforgettable night of music, elegance, and surprises!* This is a chance to leave behind the sadness and embrace joy with the best of Sosúa.
*Music By:*
• DJ Natali Satin
• DJ Julio Rosario
• Special guest DJ!
✨ *What to Expect:*
• Exciting giveaways and surprises throughout the night!
• VIP booths available (reserve in advance).
• Dinner packages with champagne for an elevated experience.
*Tickets:*
• 500 pesos! Please reserve your spot by calling or picking up tickets from community members or at our hotel. Limited availability—don’t wait!
Dress to impress in your finest masquerade attire and join us for a night to remember!
*For reservations and tickets:* WhatsApp us at +1 (829) 662-3235 or +1 (849) 472 0258
Let’s celebrate resilience, community, and the upcoming New Year together!
#MasqueradeParty #PreNewYearsEve #SosuaEvents #ElColibriResort #SosuaBestEvent #WhatToDoInPuertoPlata #PartyOnSaturday
