First quarter travel figures for the Dominican Republic saw record arrivals in the first quarter of 2006 nationwide, and the country is looking to further improve on these numbers this year. Foreign air arrivals to the Dominican Republic totaled 987,599 passengers for an 8.8% increase over last year’s first quarter figure of 907,683, according to recently released Central Bank statistics. Punta Cana International Airport continues to lead in foreign arrivals, with 494,315 arrivals, 19.5% more than during January-March 2005. Puerto Plata International received 215,367 tourists, up 2% from last year. La Romana also showed increased numbers, with 95,089 foreign arrivals; up 5% from last year’s first quarter 90,414.
Santo Domingo’s Las Americas International Airport showed a decline in foreign travel, though, with 149,163 arrivals, compared to 163,067 in 2005, for a 9% decrease. Santiago’s Cibao airport experienced a healthy 14.7% growth.