The Dominican Republic has once again set a new tourism record, surpassing 10 million visitors for the second consecutive year, a month earlier than in 2023. As of 30 November 2024, arrivals were 10,005,800 by both air and sea. November 2024 arrivals alone reached 881,499 visitors.
President Luis Abinader and Tourism Minister David Collado announced the November 2024 milestone on Monday, 2 December 2024, highlighting the significant impact of the tourism industry on the nation’s economy and job market.
In a ceremony held at a capital city hotel attended by key figures in the tourism sector, President Abinader emphasized the government’s commitment to further bolster the country’s tourism appeal. He expressed optimism about reaching the ambitious goal of 11 million visitors by the year’s end.
Tourism Minister Collado provided a detailed breakdown of the tourism figures, revealing that the country 881,499 visitors in November 2024 alone, were a substantial increase of 54% compared to the pre-pandemic month of November 2019. Both air and sea arrivals have shown significant growth over the years.
Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) was the port of entry for the most visitors. PUJ received 61% of the air arrivals or 407,748 passengers. Next was Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) serving the Greater Santo Domingo area with 22% of the arrivals, or 148,562 passengers. Cibao International (STI) in Santiago, was the fourth airport in arrivals, with 10%, or 69,565. Puerto Plata’s Gregorio Luperon International Airport (POP) followed with 5% or 30,960 arrivals and Casa de Campo International (LRM) in La Romana received 1% of the arrivals, or 5,198 in November 2024.
“The tourism sector continues to be a driving force behind our economy,” said President Abinader. “We are working tirelessly to strengthen existing destinations and develop new ones.”
David Llibre, president of the Dominican Hotel and Tourism Association (Asonahores), reported that the country currently boasts over 400 hotels with more than 84,000 rooms. He also noted a high hotel occupancy rate of 76%.
The Dominican Republic’s tourism industry has become a cornerstone of its economy, generating over 720,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs, accounting for approximately 18% of the country’s total employment.
In recognition of their contributions to the tourism sector, tourism pioneer Frank Rainieri, was honored during the event.
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Ministry of Tourism
3 December 2024