Club Med, the French tourism company kicked off tourism in Punta Cana in 1981, but Spanish investors were to follow with the opening of the Barceló Beach Resorts starting in 1984, making all the difference.
Foreign investment by Spanish companies from 2010 to 2019 is estimated at upwards of US$1.9 billion, representing 6.7% of the total foreign investment (US$25.5 billion) during the period, according to statistics released during Fitur by the Civil Aviation Board (JAC).
Of the total Spanish foreign investment, 55% is dedicated to the tourism sector in the Dominican Republic. 24 Spanish hotel chains are operating in the Dominican Republic with 98 hotels and 46,142 rooms, which translates into 57.5% of the total rooms available in 2019 (80,000 rooms). Most of these rooms are located in the Punta Cana beach area.
During his visit to Spain to participate in the Fitur Fair, President Luis Abinader met with Spanish President Pedro Sánchez. Shortly after, Sánchez tweeted that Spanish investors would continue investing in the Dominican Republic tourism sector. “Today I met with Luis Abinader, president of the Dominican Republic who this year repeats as #Fitur2022 Country Partner. Spain is committed to continue strengthening investment in this country in the tourism industry, but also in other sectors such as renewable energy,” wrote the Spanish head of government.
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Mitur
Ministry of Tourism
Ministry of Tourism
Civil Aviation Board
Acento
25 January 2022