President Luis Abinader and Tourism Minister David Collado visited Cabo Rojo in southwestern Pedernales last Wednesday, 16 October 2024 to inaugurate the second phase of Port Cabo Rojo.
The port can accommodate two Oasis-class cruise ships simultaneously, or 15,000 passengers at once. This milestone comes as the port solidifies its role as a key driver of tourism development in the southern region of the Dominican Republic.
The second phase of Port Cabo Rojo includes a thematic fair, water park, bars, pools, shops, and restaurants, aimed at enhancing the visitor experience.
Port Cabo Rojo is part of a broader Tourism Development Project in Cabo Rojo, driven by the Public-Private Partnerships Agency, the Pro-Pedernales Trust and the Ministry of Tourism.
The event was marked by the arrival of the cruise ship Adventure of the Seas, which docked at the newly opened port for the first time. This vessel can carry 3,114 passengers and 1,185 crew members.
Cruise lines have been sending cruise ships to Cabo Rojo to test the port and the acceptance of the destination by their customers.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, President Abinader emphasized the robust growth of tourism in Pedernales, affirming his commitment to ongoing development in the area. “Tourism is thriving here in Pedernales, and we will continue to foster progress across every sector,” he stated.
Minister Collado welcomed the cruise passengers and highlighted the significant economic impact of their visit on the province and the wider southern region. “Today, we take another significant step in our efforts to diversify the tourism offerings of the Dominican Republic. The arrival of thousands of visitors is an invaluable opportunity for local communities, driving economic development and showcasing our natural beauty,” he remarked.
Jean Luis Rodríguez, executive director of the Dominican Port Authority (Apordom) described the economic impact of Port Cabo Rojo as substantial, estimating between US$120 million to US$150 million the potential investments and job creation in the area.
Sigmund Freund, director of the Pro-Pedernales Trust, pointed out that the arrival of the cruise ship solidifies Cabo Rojo’s positioning in international cruise markets. He reported that ongoing infrastructure projects, including hotels, an airport, and improved roads, are well advanced and demonstrate the government’s commitment to establishing a world-class tourist destination.
Mauricio Hamui, CEO of the Mexican ITM Group that has the concession for the port, emphasized that the arrival of new cruise ships reflects a commitment to the economic development of the province, with the vision of attracting one million cruise visitors annually. ITM Group also has the concession for the Taino Bay Port in Puerto Plata.
Upon disembarking, tourists were greeted with live music, cultural performances, and a showcase of local crafts, including the renowned larimar stone, a symbol of the region’s identity.
Read more:
Ministry of Tourism
Diario Libre
Noticias SIN
Cruise Industry News
22 October 2024