The DR is seeing cruise tourism go up by 20% this year compared to 2008. According to Deputy Tourism Minister Magaly Toribio, half a million cruise tourists visited the Dominican Republic last year. Toribio said, “This is the key moment to position the Dominican Republic in the cruise industry”, adding that the DR competes with Puerto Rico, Santa Lucia, Grand Cayman, Jamaica and the Mexican resort of Cozumel, among others.
The Ministry of Tourism is working on a joint strategic plan with the cruise lines. The aim is to get cruise passengers to have more fun and spend more money while in port.
The Dominican Republic will host the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association 2010 trade show in October.