Non-resident air travel to the Dominican Republic in September 2019 was slightly down from September 2018. Overall, non-resident tourist arrivals by air (including foreigners and non-resident Dominicans) were 323,662 visitors in September 2019, a decline of 41,706 passengers (11.4%) compared to September 2018.
The numbers released by the Central Bank compare the 4,987,698 air arrivals for January to September 2019 to the 5,009,417 air arrivals that came during the first nine months in 2019. The 21,719 fewer air arrivals represent less than half percent decline.
The Central Bank acknowledges the negative media campaign followed in the North American press and economic problems in Europe as the main reasons for the decline in the usual upwards growth trend for Dominican tourism. The Caribbean region also was affected by stormy weather alerts that caused flight cancellations in September.
The Central Bank says that non-resident Dominicans increased their visits 14.6% in September, compensating for the 121,216 drop in foreign visitors, or 2.8%.
60.6% of visitors to the Dominican Republic came from North America (Canada, USA and Mexico). 22.3% is from Europe, 12.6% from South America and 4.2% from Central America and the Caribbean.
As of September 2019, air arrivals from North America are down 1.7% or 42,941 fewer air arrivals. There were 33,148 fewer travelers from the United States and 18,538 less from Canada.
Punta Cana International Airport continues to be the main port of entry, with 2,782,285 arrivals so far this year. Las Americas International (Santo Domingo) follows with 709,994 entries; Puerto Plata 308,828; Cibao International (Santiago) 191,409; La Romana International 135,259; Samana International 65,813; and La Isabela International (Santo Domingo) 13,732.
The Central Bank poll reveals that 94.9% of visitors came for leisure, with 93.2% saying they would be staying at hotels. 59.3% of arrivals were 21 to 49 years old, 54.4% were women and 45.6% men.
15 October 2019