2025 Travel News ArchiveTravel

Copa Airlines and Puerto Plata hoteliers team up to lure Latin American tourists

The North Coast destination of Puerto Plata recently rolled out the red carpet for a major “Mega Fam & Press Trip,” a strategic initiative led by Copa Airlines and its vacation arm, Copa Vacations, to aggressively market the destination across Latin America.

The campaign, organized in close coordination with the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur), the Puerto Plata Destination Tourist Cluster, and the Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Tourist Companies of the North (Ashonorte), aimed to showcase the multifaceted attractions that make Puerto Plata a complete, versatile, and dynamic travel hotspot.

A comprehensive itinerary was crafted to blend adventure, nature, culture, and signature Dominican hospitality. Guests were immersed in adrenaline-pumping experiences at Chukka Caribbean Adventures and the famed 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua, followed by an exploration of the marine ecosystem at Ocean World Adventure Park, complete with a Caribbean seaside lunch.

The cultural pulse of the city was highlighted through tours aboard the Trolley Bus and Ecomotions’ Classic Cars. Participants explored the museums of the Historic Center, the Casa del Ron Macorix (Macorix Rum House), and other emblematic sites that embody the city’s rich heritage.

At a special dinner and presentation held at the Blue JackTar Convention Center, local hotel properties and tour operators networked with the visitors, showcasing the quality of their tourist offerings amid an atmosphere of regional culture and folklore.

The group later journeyed to the vibrant coastal towns of Sosúa and Cabarete, visiting properties like Amhsa Marina & Ocean Club and Viva Wyndham. A themed party at Villa Taina captured the free-spirited, vibrant essence of the north shore.

The excursion culminated with a spectacular natural experience: a trip to Cayo Arena, a stunning sandbar paradise organized by Camel Exploring Safari and Dominicana Experience DMC, solidifying the enclave’s status as a Caribbean gem.

The week of activities closed with a grand finale at La Lola Beach Club on the Malecón (Seaside Boulevard) of Puerto Plata, supported by the Municipal Mayor’s Office. Guests enjoyed a lively evening with the Tribu Cibao group, celebrating with music, folklore, and seaside cheer.

Birgitt Heinsen, president of the Puerto Plata Destination Tourist Cluster, emphasized the significance of the event, calling it a major step in reaffirming the province as a Caribbean tourism leader.

“We want to thank the Ministry of Tourism, Copa Vacations, and Copa Airlines for believing in Puerto Plata and making this action possible, which effectively connects Latin America with our destination,” said Heinsen. “We hope they take with them the memory of our people and our joy, and that by sharing their experiences, they become ambassadors of Puerto Plata.”

The participating travel agents and press represented key Latin American markets, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico, and Trinidad & Tobago. These nations are strategic to the regional expansion being driven by Copa Airlines.

Airline executives praised the exceptional coordination and hospitality, recognizing the collective efforts of the Ministry of Tourism, the Tourist Cluster, Ashonorte, and various other industry associations as a model of effective synergy that strengthens the international promotion of the Dominican Republic.

Read more in Spanish:
El Nacional

4 November 2025