Tourism Minister David Collado officially inaugurated a reorganization project in Bayahíbe on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, with works starting with a new parking and pedestrian complex. The new parking area was designed to end years of traffic gridlock in one of the country’s busiest coastal hubs.
The parking project is a RD$213,467,118 development that spans 26,000 square meters. The development was made possible largely through land donations from Central Romana, signaling a significant public-private partnership for the region.
The parking facility has spaces for 58 buses, 157 light vehicles and 58 motorcycles. The pedestrian infrastructure includes 2,364 square meters of new sidewalks, a pedestrian bridge and specialized trails. Storm drainage systems, cobblestone paving on the North Street and modern lighting were installed. A dedicated Tourism Police (Politur) station, public restrooms and seating areas were added.
Bayahíbe serves as the primary gateway for thousands of tourists daily heading to Saona Island. Until now, the lack of infrastructure led to chronic congestion and safety risks for pedestrians.
“Today we are fulfilling a promise and answering a long-standing demand from the community,” Minister Collado stated during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This ends the existing chaos, ensuring road and pedestrian safety for every domestic and international tourist who visits.”
The landscaping features native flora, including Gri-gri, Mara, Almácigo, and Roblillo trees.
Beyond the physical structure, officials noted that the reorganization would streamline the flow of visitors toward the public beach and commercial zones, boosting the local economy while improving the quality of life for residents.
Read more in Spanish:
Ministry of Tourism
El Dia
El Caribe
Diario Libre
23 December 2025