Punta Cana International Airport, the busiest in the Dominican Republic, is set to welcome eight million tourists in 2024. Frank Rainieri, founder and chairman of the board of Grupo Puntacana told Diario Libre, the forecast is then for an 8% increase in passengers in 2025.
The remarks coincide with the passing in Congress of the Open Skies Agreement with the United States. The agreement enactment is in its final stages and is expected to be effective in early 2025. US President-elect Donald Trump has named Leah Francis Campos, the sister-in-law of his Secretary of Transportation nominee, to be the next US ambassador to the Dominican Republic.
New airlines, additional frequencies of airlines already operating in the Dominican Republic, and connections to new airports in the United States are expected once the agreement is enacted by both the US and DR governments. The United States is the main source of tourists for the Dominican Republic.
Rainieri emphasized to Diario Libre that the airport receives around 70% of all tourists arriving in the country, significantly impacting the region’s tourism flow. He highlighted the need for collaborative efforts to sustain tourism’s positive impact: “I believe we will see positive numbers, but we all need to work together to protect tourism. Tourism isn’t just about hoteliers or governments. We all need to contribute to social peace and ensure that our visitors feel welcome.”
Rainieri says the Dominican Republic is well-positioned for continued tourism growth, but it is essential to prioritize sustainable development and maintain the country’s competitive edge. He called for comprehensive land use planning and infrastructure development to support tourism growth.
In November alone, Punta Cana International Airport was the primary entry point for 407,748 tourists, representing 61% of the total 667,045 passengers, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
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Diario Libre
17 December 2024