2025 Travel News ArchiveTravel

Puerto Plata to charge a dollar per tourist

In a move that caught many people in Puerto Plata by surprise, the local city council (the ‘ayuntamiento’) approved a US$1.00 fee for every tourist that arrives in the city by way of the several tour operators who serve the dozens of cruise ships that berth at Ambar Bay or Taino Cove cruise ship ports.

Just last year, well over two million tourists arrived on cruise ships in Puerto Plata either via the Taino Bay port in the city center, or the Amber Cove port, about 15 minutes to the west of the city.

The funds will be used to make Puerto Plata an even better place to visit, as well as for improved security and services. Areas such as La Puntilla near the city fort and amphitheater and other places along the Malecon were mentioned as well as Independence Plaza and other attractions slated to receive these improvements.

The impact should be nearly immediate since 64 cruise liners will be docking at Ambar Cove and Taino Bay this month.

Read more in Spanish:
Listin Diario

4 February 2025