The Dominican Republic is celebrating the arrival of the 10 million tourist in a year. The Ministry of Tourism announced that Ariana Guilak, a systems engineer from California, was the symbolic 10 million arrival. She flew in on American Airlines from Miami to Punta Cana.
Tourism Minister David Collado explained the American Airlines flight brought 128 passengers for 10,031,000 visitors on 26 December 2023. He highlighted the record in arrivals is the result of the public and private sector taking decisions for the sector together. “The country is celebrating,” said Collado.
The flight was received with a water salute and Minister of Tourism David Collado and Frank Rainieri of the Puntacana Group bestowed the honor on Ariana Guilak once she touched ground at the Punta Cana International Airport.
The honor of the 10 millionth tourist could have gone to any of the 128 passengers who traveled on flight AA2638 that morning. Guilak was chosen after a random selection was made and she accepted the honor commemorating the record arrival.
As reported, under the effects of the surprising situation, the American tourist was always smiling as she walked down the plane on a red carpet to the tune of typical merengue in the voice of El Prodigio.
The American Airlines flight had departed from Miami, Florida and 90% were non-resident foreign passengers.
Guilak told reporters she had traveled from California and that this was her first visit to the Dominican Republic. She will spend six days on vacation with her boyfriend. She said she came to enjoy the climate and beach.
On the morning before the expected arrival of the 10 millionth tourist, President Luis Abinader had celebrated the record. “Today the Dominican Republic celebrates the arrival of more than 10 million new friendly tourists. “Today tourism is celebrating. With great joy we welcome everyone to our beautiful country!” wrote the President in his X account.
For the day, the Ministry of Tourism also organized celebrations for reaching the coveted milestone in tourism at two other of the country’s main airports, Las Americas in Santo Domingo, and Cibao, in Santiago, as well as in the two Cruise terminals. from Taíno Bay and Amber Cove, in Puerto Plata.
A record number of arrivals is expected for December 2023. Minister David Collado says more than 850,000 visitors will be arriving this month.
Tourism is the sector that makes the most significant contribution to the Dominican economy, with an estimated 20% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The Dominican Republic is third behind Mexico, which received 38 million tourists in 2022, and Canada, with 12.8 million in 2022, as the most visited country in the Americas.
The 10 million tourist goal was set in 2012 when President Danilo Medina initiated his Presidency. At the time, former president of the National Hotel & Restaurant Association (Asonahores) and Caribbean Tourism Organization, Dominican lawyer Enrique Eduardo de Marchena was vocal on the positive impacts of the goal.
Tourism Minister David Collado says the country will now work towards the goal of 15 million tourists in 2030.
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27 December 2023