Dominican Republic announces record-breaking tourism numbers

The Dominican Republic experienced record-breaking tourism numbers in 2017, welcoming over 837,000 Canadians who came to the island to experience the country’s rich history, culture, cuisine and beaches.

The numbers make the Dominican Republic the second-most popular sun destination for Canadians, second only to Mexico.

“The Dominican Republic is extremely proud to be the premier vacation destination in the Caribbean for Canadians,” says Cosette Garcia, director of the tourism office of the Dominican Republic in Montreal. “Our arrival numbers grew last year by 3.9 per cent over 2016 with a difference of 65,265 additional Canadians and we anticipate an even better year in 2018.

For many years, we have invested in infrastructure to maintain our tourism product. Today we have new roads, expanded ports and improved air terminals. This investment has clearly paid off as Canadians continue to visit our country in growing numbers.”

With new hotel openings and increased room inventory, new flight routes to the country from Canadian cities and the extremely accessible cruise terminal, Amber Cover in Puerto Plata, the DR was seamlessly able to accommodate the influx of tourist arrivals in 2017. It has never been easier for Canadians to visit this welcoming country and Dominican Republic President Danilo Medina predicts overall tourism numbers will continue to grow in 2018.

According to Garcia, there are also many exciting new developments on the horizon for the country in the year to come. “We have been restoring the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo for a few years now and as that job nears completion, we look forward to welcoming more guests to the first and oldest city in the New World. Visitors can wander on the cobblestone street of Calle de las Damas, tour the house of the son of Christopher Columbus and visit The Basilica Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor, the oldest cathedral in North America.”

Garcia adds, “We invite visitors to try our one-of-a-kind cuisine and discover other exuberant parts of our country such our mountains in Constanza or Jarabacoa. Explore the fascinating marine world surrounding the Dominican Republic, a perfect setting to enjoy all kinds of water sports, especially diving. Visit the breathtaking Samana, recognized for its impressive mix of natural landscape that includes beaches, mountains and waterfalls. La Romana boasts amazing coastal golf courses for which the DR is recognized. Continue south to get to Pedernales, to the stunning Bahía de las Águilas beach, where water lovers can snorkel or simply sunbathe in tranquility. We challenge our guests not only to visit, but to discover the Dominican Republic.”