The effects of Hurricane Sandy are apparent in the travel statistics for 2012, just published by the Central Bank. Country statistics shows increases in travel of more than 5% in all months, with the exception of October (up 1.14%), November (up 4.09%) and December (up 0.14%).
Sandy hit the northeastern coast of the United States in late October, affecting travel plans due to the shut down of regional airports and major damages to businesses, homes and the economy in the region.
Travel to the Dominican Republic had consistently grown more than 6.5% in 2012, but a final quarter growth of 1.61% considerably affected the end of year total numbers that closed with a 5.66% increase. In the first quarter, travel had grown 7.88%, in the second quarter growth was 7.38%, in the third 6.51% and in the fourth, 1.61%.