The American Express Global Travel Trends Report reveals that a staggering 77% of tourists are placing a higher premium on the quality of their travel experiences than on the cost. Furthermore, 78% seek more spontaneous trips, according to the report. The Dominican Republic, noted for its high levels of tourist satisfaction, is capitalizing on these evolving preferences.
Jacqueline Mora, the Technical Vice Minister of Tourism, highlighted these emerging trends during her presentation, “New Regional Realities in Tourism,” at the recent Asonahores Tourism Investment Forum.
The American Express report underscores that 84% of travelers plan to spend the same or more on travel in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Mora emphasized that Dominican tourists are increasingly seeking experiences beyond traditional hotel stays, desiring deeper connections with local communities. “This indicates that tourists are paying closer attention to the destination itself,” she stated.
Nevertheless, Mora mentioned that while Europe remains a significant source market for the Dominican Republic, economic challenges post-Covid-19 and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict have impacted travel patterns. European tourists are now more budget-conscious, considering factors such as travel costs, personal finances, and the impact of climate change on destinations.
Mora noted that 27% of European travelers allocate between €501 and €1,000 per person for their trips, with only 13% spending over €2,500. “Today, they are seeking less crowded destinations with lower travel costs, accessible infrastructure, cultural heritage, and improved transportation routes,” she analyzed.
To compensate for the changing European market, the Dominican Republic has intensified efforts to attract tourists from Central and South America. While this strategy is beneficial due to geographic proximity, Latin American tourists tend to have shorter stays compared to Europeans. “Europeans stay for eleven days, while Latin Americans stay for four. I need double the number of Latin Americans to offset the European decline, which is a significant challenge,” Mora acknowledged. She highlighted the increased air connectivity between the Dominican Republic and Central and South America as a positive development.
Despite these challenges, the Dominican Republic consistently receives high satisfaction ratings from tourists. Beaches (82%), hotels (78%), food (71%), airports (69%), and safety (69%) are the top-rated aspects of the destination.
While acknowledging these positive trends, Mora also identified areas for improvement, particularly in terms of pricing and transportation services.
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Diario Libre
American Express Global Trend Report 2024
26 November 2024