The Minister of Tourism, Francisco Javier Garcia, has told Hoy reporters that Russia is set to overtake most European nations and challenge France for first place among countries sending tourists to the Dominican Republic. Over the past two years, more Russians than Spanish and German travelers have been arriving by plane. Last year alone, Russian travel to the DR by air was up by 36%.
As a result of this increase, Russia is opening an office of their embassy in Punta Cana, destination of choice for most Russians, and is considering opening another in Puerto Plata. Garcia was speaking to reporters after a visit by Russian ambassador Vladimir Zaemskiy.
The main European source markets for Dominican tourism by air are now France, Russia, Germany and Spain.