One Way. We are talking round trip for tourists. So slightly more than $600 isn't bad. But if you were coming to the North Coast you still have about $130 for a taxi here. Most tourists don't want to go via Caribe Tours
- Thread starter Dolores
- Start date
Pace of tourism slows, global uncertainties put a dapper on tourism increases
But they are the backbone of the economy in DR.
And if they stop coming in significant numbers then DR gets scoliosis
The DR has pretty much put all their eggs in one basket. It better pray that tourists don't finally get tired of the all-inclusive concept.
Really? There are numerous hotels and resorts that are not all inclusive, plus lots of Villa to rent as well.
Yes, there are some, but I bet they only represent very small percentage of the revenue brought in by AI's.
I believe I've noticed a trend in the small circle of expats and some repeat Canadian tourists I know.
Seems there is a growing dissatisfaction with DR.
Maybe it stems from inflation, maybe it's crumbling infrastructure or pain-in-the-ass residency process - but I know several people planning on leaving when their homes sell. I know one couple who already abandoned their significant deposit on a home in a well known North Coast development.
I also know Haitians who've left for other islands, not forced out but just decided DR isn't the future.
My plans too are to leave (hopefully this year) , complicated by the process to get my dogs to the US.
Maybe it's a general malaise, maybe it's 7-year itch syndrome.
But something seems afoot in DR. Are people turning sour on the dream of living in paradise on an island?
Seems there is a growing dissatisfaction with DR.
Maybe it stems from inflation, maybe it's crumbling infrastructure or pain-in-the-ass residency process - but I know several people planning on leaving when their homes sell. I know one couple who already abandoned their significant deposit on a home in a well known North Coast development.
I also know Haitians who've left for other islands, not forced out but just decided DR isn't the future.
My plans too are to leave (hopefully this year) , complicated by the process to get my dogs to the US.
Maybe it's a general malaise, maybe it's 7-year itch syndrome.
But something seems afoot in DR. Are people turning sour on the dream of living in paradise on an island?
CB, I susepect I know the north coast development they are abandoning. I know of one person that had issues there and left the DR VERY unhappy.
I am still here for the duration, but the lack of infrastructure, increased traffic and poor support from the government for the north coast might drive people out.
The focus remains on AI resorts and Cruise Ports. That is where the revenue is. When all of the condos and villas are completes on the norht coast, they will still be a drop in the bucket in comparison.
I am still here for the duration, but the lack of infrastructure, increased traffic and poor support from the government for the north coast might drive people out.
The focus remains on AI resorts and Cruise Ports. That is where the revenue is. When all of the condos and villas are completes on the norht coast, they will still be a drop in the bucket in comparison.
I can’t compare with Canadians and Americans but for us EU citizens there are so many better options here….cheaper, no residency hassle, less travel expenses, and better medical coverage, take your own vehicles with you,
Spain, Italy, Portugal. Better climates and the before mentioned advantages.
Many gringos are living this way here in the DR.
I'll never understand it.
I would not call them idiots for not taking a Bus in the DR. Some of them save for years just to be able to spend a week in the DR. Why wasting a whole Day for Public Transportation. Time is also Money.
My guess is the North American immigration to the DR will continue to dominate more. Some immigrate fully and get residency and many others are expats or snowbirds. I think there will be a lower percentage of Europeans in the DR for those reasons you mention.
Plus the bus services suck. If it was more modern and comfortable busses, and modern and safe bus stations, I am sure more tourists would use them. With the tourism industry in the DR at the level it is now going with a bus should not still be a third world adventure journey.
I take the bus as it cheaper. It sucks. It's not door to door, it can be a bit much on your first day and it helps a lot to have Spanish. Many tourists don't have the time or the patience to bus it. They want to get to the hotel and have that first drink as fast as possible. Every minute is important to them.
The biggest rip-off in Punta Cana is the private bus services the hotels use. The hotel will transport you from the airport to the hotel and you pay in advance. They will charge about $40-60 Dollars per person for this "service". And it does not leave until full and does not go direct to your hotel. Makes many stops.. To give you an example of what a robbery and inconvenience it is I give this example.
Let's take PUJ to Paradisus or Melia on the same property. A family of 4 would pay at least $40 apiece or $160 for the "service". You can get a private AC taxi for the price listed on the board for $30 total for the 4 people. A taxi has one price no matter how many in the car. And there is NO delay leaving...............And the ride is 15 or 20 minutes.......
Let's take PUJ to Paradisus or Melia on the same property. A family of 4 would pay at least $40 apiece or $160 for the "service". You can get a private AC taxi for the price listed on the board for $30 total for the 4 people. A taxi has one price no matter how many in the car. And there is NO delay leaving...............And the ride is 15 or 20 minutes.......
Caribe Tours is first rate. The stations outside of the capital are very Dominican but the busses themselves are fine.
Caribe Tours is very good, but Metro is even better.............