The fastest growing destination in Central America and the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic could have more than 80,000 hotel rooms by the end of the year, says Tourism Minister Francisco Javier García. García said on average 5,000 hotel rooms have been added over the past years. In 2016, 5,470 new rooms entered the market. Most of these hotel rooms have been opened in Punta Cana.
García said that while the increase in hotel rooms is a usual indicator of tourism development, in the case of the Dominican Republic, the occupancy percentage has increased to 87%. In Puerto Plata, occupancy is estimated to be 90%.
He highlighted the improvement in the hotel room occupancy in the Colonial City that is now at 74%, up from 50% over the past years.
García told the audience of the American Chamber of Commerce luncheon event that the industry generated US$6.72 billion last year.
He said the industry has grown 137% since year 2000. “More tourists are coming, and they are spending more money,” he said. More than 6 million tourists arrived in 2016, for a 101% increase since year 2000.
He highlighted maritime visits have also been extraordinary, with 836,000 passengers visiting in 2016. He said first quarter statistics already show an increase in cruise ship passengers of 37%.
25 April 2017
