2026 Travel News ArchiveTravel

Digital intelligence brings relief to congested SDQ airport

Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) has transitioned to the Airport Operational Database (AODB) system, a “digital intelligence” upgrade that is also having a positive impact on airport congestion while construction of the third terminal proceeds. In January 2026, the airport handled 505,593 passengers, underscoring the urgency for efficiency. The new system enables operational efficiency at …
2026 Travel News ArchiveTravel

Commercial flights resume between the DR and Venezuela

The resumption of flights between the Dominican Republic is led by a mix of Venezuelan and Dominican carriers. Laser Airlines marked the official restart on 18 March 2026 with flight QL 2968, arriving at Las Américas International Airport (AILA) from Caracas. Commercial flights between the Dominican Republic and Venezuela officially resumed on Wednesday, 18 March …
2026 Travel News ArchiveTravel

DR learns from the Balearic tourism experience, training centers in for Miches and Samana hotels

President Luis Abinader hosted a courtesy visit from Balearic Islands President Margalida Prohens Rigo on 17 March 2026 at the Presidential Palace. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, specifically in sustainable tourism management and educational exchange. Upon her arrival to the Presidential Palace, President Prohens was received by Vice President Raquel Peña. Following a …
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Bridal Week in the Colonial City

RD Bridal Week 2026, in its 26th edition, is taking place in March 2026, centering on the Hotel Kimpton Las Mercedes in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City. Featuring designer brands like Giannina Azar, Jenny Polanco, Michelle Reynoso, and Manuel Febrillet, it showcases 2026 bridal trends, including Regency-era romance and structural tailoring. The Dominican Republic is a …
2026 Travel News ArchiveTravel

Philadelphia adds more direct flights to the DR

More flights from Dominican airports to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) are happening. PHL handled more than 30 million passengers in 2025, making this an attractive source market for Dominican travel. Of the total passengers using PHIL, over 4.1 million were traveling to and from international destinations, an increase of 7.5 percent from 2024, including many …
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No news on the restoration of the Puerto Plata skylift

The Puerto Plata skylift up to the botanical gardens at Isabel de Torres Mountain in the city of Puerto Plata is unlikely to happen soon, at least for summer travel. Former Puerto Plata senator Francis Vargas of the Fuerza del Pueblo opposition party recently complained that the authorities, namely the Ministry of Tourism, has delayed …
2026 Travel News ArchiveTravel

Luxury sea liners plan stops in DR

Based on current port schedules and shipping announcements for 2026, the Dominican Republic is seeing a significant increase in luxury and “boutique” cruise arrivals. While the main ports like Amber Cove and Taino Bay handle the larger lines, specialized luxury vessels are increasingly selecting Samaná and La Romana for their more intimate settings. These lines …
2026 Travel News ArchiveTravel

Tourism surges 13% in February, breaking all-time records

The Dominican Republic’s tourism sector continues its aggressive upward trajectory, welcoming a record-breaking 1,184,902 visitors in February 2026. The figures represent a 13.1% increase compared to the same month last year, signaling what officials describe as an “extraordinary year”. Tourism Minister David Collado released the data on Monday, 9 March 2026, during an industry briefing …