If bookings are right, July 2021 could become a record month for tourism for the Dominican Republic, even compared to the pre-pandemic year of 2019.
Minister Collado assured that these figures are a clear sign that “we have been growing in a firm and sustainable way, being a world reference in tourism.”
Expectations are high. Already non-resident travel to the Dominican Republic reached a 2021 record 468,367 visitors in June. This is 80% of the non-resident travelers arriving in the same period in the pre-pandemic year of 2019. Tourism Minister David Collado says that the country generated US$394 million in hard currency thanks to tourism, making a major contribution to the economic stability of the country.
Collado made the remarks during the half year statistical presentation made during a press conference. President Luis Abinader was present. Also participating were Technical Deputy Minister Jacqueline Mora, his team of deputy ministers and the president and vice president of the Dominican Association of Hotels and Tourism (ASONAHORES), Rafael Blanco Tejera and Andrés Marranzini, respectively.
From January to June 2021, some 1,903,474 non-resident tourists arrived, with the United States the main source of tourists, with 76% of these arrivals.
Collado attributes the success to the growing perception that the Dominican Republic is a safe and fun destination. The low density of beach resorts, abundance of ecotourism opportunities, the good weather and the widespread vaccination campaign are making the difference. La Altagracia province, where Punta Cana resorts are located, has 99.9% of its population vaccinated with at least a first dose. La Romana has applied a first dose to 71% of its population. And Puerto Plata has 63.7% of its population with a first dose.
Collado highlighted the country leadership in the vaccination campaigns throughout the entire hotel sector and tourist destinations. He says in many destinations the positivity rate is under 1% creating greater confidence among tourists.
The president of Asonahores, Rafael Blanco Tejera stated: “We have succeeded in our effort to recover the industry.”
Meanwhile, Puerto Plata celebrated on 7 July 2021 the arrival of the first Carnival cruise ship, Carnival Horizon to Amber Cove. This is the first cruise ship to arrive after maritime ports shut down in March for the pandemic.
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Ministry of Tourism
6 July 2021