Central Bank statistics indicate that foreign air travel is up 8.1% to the Dominican Republic during the first four months of the year. So far this year, some 100,692 more tourists have come by air than came from January through April in 2003. Tourism continues to be one of the bright spots in Dominican economy. Foreign tourist arrivals were up 8.6%, while non-resident Dominican arrivals increased 8.9%.
The Central Bank attributed the increase to the higher purchasing power of the US dollar in the DR, which continues to be a magnet attracting increasing numbers of tourists. Word is out that the DR, which has always been a good value destination, is on a clearance sale. Statistics analysts also attribute the increase in arrivals to the recovery of the US economy towards the end of 2003.
The increase in arrivals has upped hotel occupancy 5% this year to a nationwide average of 85%. La Romana-Bayahibe area posts 93% occupancy, followed by Punta Cana-Bavaro with 92%. Puerto Plata occupancy was at 84%, while Boca Chica-Juan Dolio in the southeast posted an average 75% occupancy. Santo Domingo, which depends on business travelers, experienced 50% occupancy, a 13% decline compared to last year?s occupancy.