Tourism Minister Felix Jimenez has revealed that the tourism sector contributed US$3.5 billion in receipts last year, 12% more than the estimated US$3.1 billion in receipts in 2004. He attributed the increase in revenue to the boom in US travelers. Last year a record 1,010,012 tourists visited from the United States, the first time the million mark is surpassed. He commented that US travel is up 33% compared to 2004, with 933,017 air arrivals.
Canadians were the second most important travel market, with 427,074. France was third with 309,529 travelers, followed by Spain (255,675 travelers) and Germany (234,368), as reported in Listin Diario. Travel from European countries totaled 1,395,409 visitors last year, up from 1,287,784 in 2004, for a 45% increase.
Felix Jimenez added that the government would be investing US$22 million in promotion and advertising abroad this year. He said that of the funds, US$17 million would be assigned to the Canadian, United Kingdom and United States markets.
Punta Cana continues to lead as the main port of entry, with 47% of all arrivals, followed by Las Americas with 20% of arrivals, and Puerto Plata with 19% of arrivals.