DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

Haydée Kuret de Rainieri, Frank Rainieri, Minister Roberto Alvarez and Vice Minister Ruben Silié / Diario Libre

The Dominican Republic is hosting the 10th Summit of the Americas from 1 to 5 December 2025 in Punta Cana. And Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez says he does not know which Presidents will come but people can expect some of the most high profile business people will be here from all around the Americas to talk business.

The theme of the summit will be “Building a safe, secure, and sustainable hemisphere with shared prosperity.”

Minister of Foreign Relations Roberto Alvarez, who heads the local organizing commission, explained that the 10th Summit, as previous summits, is really four summits in one. These are the Presidents and Ministers of Foreign Relations (high level regional politics) summit, the...

Source: El Día

After decades of free trade, the DR pays tariffs to export to US. Dominican exports are now levied at least a 10% import tariff, slapped on by the Trump administration. Previously, Dominican exports were duty free, as per the DR-CAFTA agreement. The DR is paying the 10% minimum tariff exporters are now required to pay to enter cargo to the USA.

The new tariffs have escalated current trade tensions and represent the most substantial shift in the global economy in nearly a century. As reported, the tariffs have pushed the effective US tariff rate above 17%, the highest tax Americans have paid on foreign goods since the Great Depression.

The Abinader administrations say that talks continue with the US Trade Representative Office. The DR was one of the first countries to appeal the tax.

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President Luis Abinader chaired a meeting of the oversight commission on the start of the new school year. One of the more remarkable notes that was brought up was the fact that over 120,000 teachers have been receiving training in what is called the STEAM curriculum. This is basically what is called the STEM curriculum with the addition of Arts to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

Minister of Education Luis Miguel De Camps noted that preparation for this year’s start of the school year has been focusing on four main areas: infrastructure and capacity, teachers and administrators, student welfare, and the supply of educational materials. The year will start with over 1,200 new classrooms, and 302 mobile teaching units.

The 120,000 teachers are being instructed by 8,000 technicians and academic professionals...

The building in northern Santo Domingo that was destroyed by a fire at Merca Santo Domingo on 8 June 2025 will be demolished, according to a statement from the market’s administration. Yet, there is no timeline for the needed works. The fire left an estimated 110 merchants without their usual livelihood and affected 56 storefronts, resulting in nearly RD$800 million in economic losses.

Marcos Santana, head of communications for Merca Santo Domingo, confirmed that the demolition is a necessary step to clear the way for a new building where the displaced vendors will be relocated.

“The affected building is being evaluated for demolition because it cannot withstand any kind of repair,” Santana explained. “From an engineering standpoint, it must be torn down to make way for the construction of a new building that will be designed with the lessons learned from this past...

Over the weekend, the Ministry of Public Works announced the shutdown of the “floating” bridge that crosses the Ozama River to the south of Duarte Bridge. The poontoon bridge will remain closed until Wednesday, 13 August 2025.

The ministry said that the bridge was scheduled for ordinary maintenance. The maintenance is being carried out by the Dominican Naval Industry that has a long history of dealing with maritime structures.

Due to the importance of the bridge, the National Institute of Ground Transportation (Intrant), together with the General Traffic Safety Agency (Digesett), and the city government of East Santo Domingo are notifying people of the alternate routes for crossing the river. When going from east to west, drivers are urged to use the Ramon Matias Mella bridge, also called the Bicycle Bridge, or commuters can use the Juan Bosch Bridge crossing. There will be an...

Miss Barahona Jennifer Ventura is the new Miss Dominican Republic. She was crowned by Miss Universe 2024, Victoria Kjaer of Denmark in the televised show aired on Sunday, 10 August 2025 on Channel 9 from the National Theater.

Ventura will now represent the Dominican Republic in the Miss Universe pageant to take place in Thailand on 21 November 2025. The Dominican Republic will have two contestants in that pageant, because new rules allowed for the election of the Miss Universe Latina as a participant. Miss Universe Latina reality show was won by Miss Dominican Republic (La Vega province), Yamilex Hernandez.

In the Miss Dominican Republic contest on Sunday, 10 August, Miss Punta Cana, Jearmanda Ramos was chosen the first runner up and Miss Peravia, Criselys García the third runner up.

The Dominican Republic has won only one Miss Universe contest...

City Center by Lady Lee is set to become a landmark development in the Dominican Republic and seeks to claim the title of the largest mall in the Dominican Republic. The ambitious project is a venture planned by the Central American investors part of the Corporación Lady Lee. Corporación Lady Lee began in San Pedro Sula, the second largest city in Honduras.

Construction is planned to start at the end of this year in Santo Domingo Este, the most populous municipality of Greater Santo Domingo, that also includes the National District, the country’s capital city. East Santo Domingo has a population estimated at more than a million inhabitants and is located east of Ozama River.

The foreign investors have noted the concentration of shopping malls in the National District. Right now, Megacentro is the leading shopping mall in East Santo Domingo, and may even be the...

Santo Domingo residents in recent years have been once again rediscovering the Malecon as the Abinader government and National District city hall invest heavily in its renovation with a focus on recreation and sports. Tourists alike see the sea-bordering Malecon as the leading attraction of the city of Santo Domingo. But judges of the leading high court think differently, or at least to tell from a recent ruling.

The First Hall of the Superior Administrative Court (TSA) with judges Luisa N. del Carmen Canaan Polanco, William Encarnacion Mejia and Willys de Js. Nuñez Mejía reinstated the validity of a minor municipal court that they understand had the authority to overturned three resolutions of the city hall of Santo Domingo that banned the construction of quick-sex motels on the Malecon. The resolutions were issued since 1990 and had created a limited tolerance sector only...

On Sunday, 10 August 2025, the Reinas del Caribe took their seventh title in the history of the Senior Women’s Pan American Volleyball Cup. The DR senior women’s team defeated Colombia 3-0 (25-21, 29-27, 25-22) at the Multifunctional Auditorium of the Morelos Sports Complex in Colima, Mexico.

It was the twentieth medal overall for the Dominican women’s team that has also collected ten silver medals and three bronze in the regional cup. Colombia earned its second silver medal, adding to its two bronze medals.

On Sunday, the Dominicans led the attack 47-40, Colombia was superior in blocks 14-13, while the two teams tied in serves at one.

Gaila González led the champions with 20 points, followed by sisters Brayelin and Jineiry Martínez with 16 and 14 points, respectively.

For Colombia, Laura Grajales and Ana Karina Olaya each scored 18 points, followed by Karen Rentería...

The DR will play Canada on 8 August 2025 in the continuing of the first phase of the 22nd Women Senior Pan American Cup in Colima, Mexico. The DR’s Reinas del Caribe senior team so far is undefeated. In its most recent game, lead by team captain’s Brayelin Martinez 26 points, the Dominican Republic senior volleyball team defeated Colombia 3-1 (23-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-16) in the team’s first match in the Pan American Cup on Tuesday, 5 August 2025.

The event is taking place in Mexico from 3 to 10 August 2025 with the participation of 10 countries from the Americas. The teams are Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Peru, Trinidad & Tobago and Venezuela.

The DR has also defeated Venezuela (25-18, 25-10, 25-21) and Trinidad and Tobago (25-9, 25-15, 25-11).

In the more recent game, the Dominican Republic outscored Colombia in all...

President Luis Abinader told the editors of Corripio Media Group that the Dominican Republic more than a migration problem with Haiti has a national security problem.

Abinader reiterated that after the murder of former Haitian President Jovenel Moise, the situation in the neighboring country has gone downhill, with an alarming increase in the control of the armed gangs, especially in the southern zone of the country. Moise was assassinated on 7 July 2021 during the first Abinader government, accelerating the collapse of institutional governance in Haiti.

President Luis Abinader warned that the crisis in neighboring Haiti has evolved beyond a migration issue and now poses a serious national security threat to the Dominican Republic.

“We are not only facing a migration problem. We are facing a national security issue with the Haitian situation,” the...

President Luis Abinader confirmed the opening of the Bani bypass road for Thursday, 14 August 2025. The road cuts about half an hour of the time to reach Baní from Santo Domingo in the East or Azua in the West. Commuters not headed to Bani can avoid having to cross through the traffic-congested city and save big on time.

The President made the announcement when participating in an interview for the Corripio Group on 6 August 2025. He explained the bypass is part of seven bypasses that have been built or are under construction in his administration.

The Bani Bypass is 19 km long and has 17 bridges. It was the missing leg after the Santo Domingo, San Cristobal and Azua bypasses were completed. Travel from Santo Domingo to Barahona, in the southwest, will now take at most 2.5 hours. To reach Pedernales, now under major tourism development, further south, the government is also...

For decades, the traffic authorities have been looking away and allowing people to park even under No Parking signs. Now, Intrant (the National Institute of Transit and Transport) and Digesett (the Traffic Safety Agency) say things will be different.

Private companies have been allocated RD$4,000 to remove vehicles wrongly parked. Intrant will get RD$1,000 of the RD$5,000 recovery cost for those parked where they shouldn’t park to get their vehicles back.

Whatever, believe it or not, spare yourself the grief of being one of the first scapegoats in this new effort to reduce traffic jams in the capital city.

The private tow trucks are first working the upscale areas of Piantini, Naco, Paraiso and Seralles in the so-called Poligono Central.

Read more in Spanish:

• Hoy

The eastern province of La Altagracia, and its main city, Higüey, has the highest rate of traffic-related deaths in the country, according to the director of the General Traffic and Land Transport Safety Agency (Digesett), General Francisco Cruz Méndez.

The announcement was made during Cruz Méndez’s visit to the La Altagracia Provincial Government, where he met with local authorities, business leaders, and community representatives. The Digesett director revealed that 3,144 people died in Higüey in 2024 due to traffic accidents, averaging eight deaths per day. The majority of these deaths involved motorcyclists not wearing protective helmets.

Cruz Méndez emphasized that addressing the issue requires a community-wide effort, not just enforcement from Digesett. “The traffic problem in Higüey is a critical situation that should concern us all. It is not only the...

Edward Ramírez / El Día

The case seems to be ending with an apology by the chief of the Naco police detachment to journalist Edward Ramirez. Ramirez had left work late and went for a late exercise stroll at the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic sports park, late at night, only to be arrested.

What made the news story outstanding was that he would be reported missing because he was detained at the detachment and not allowed to call for help. He later reported his story, complaining about the violation of his rights.

Bottom line, the story makes it clear that people should avoid strolling outside of popular hours to avoid an encounter of this kind that unfortunately seem to still be happening, despite efforts to modernize the Police.

A spokesperson for the Human Rights Commission (CNDH) says that what happened to Ramirez happens too frequently to people, most of whom do not have access to tell...

Luis Emilio Velutini Urbina / Diario Lbre

Luis Emilio Velutini Urbina, the Venezuelan investor who has brought millions of dollars for real estate and commercial developments in the Dominican Republic, passed away on 6 August 2025 in Santo Domingo. He is the Venezuelan man behind the Blue Malls in Santo Domingo and Punta Cana, as part of projects he began 17 years ago when moving here from Venezuela.

A report in Diario Libre said he has invested in more than a million square meters of construction in the Dominican Republic that have resulted in 50,000 new jobs. He had established residence in Cap Cana (Punta Cana) and in Santo Domingo.

Through his contacts, he brought global brands such as most recently Tiffany jewelry to the BlueMall Santo Domingo. At present, the Blue Mall has an annex, the World Trade Center Santo Domingo, that is still in its final stages...

The good news is that musicals producer Amaury Sanchez is behind the opening of the La Gaviota Amphitheater and a new cultural center in Ciudad Juan Bosch, the large residential area in eastern Santo Domingo. An estimated 16,000 persons already live in the eastern suburb, an area designed for 25,000 apartments.

The vice minister for investment projects of the Presidency, Camel Curi Lora has explained that the new cultural center will have rooms where music, dance, visual arts and drama will be taught. It will have a small presentation hall with capacity for 95 persons, and the La Gaviola amphitheater for large presentations.

The cultural centers are expected to help decentralize Greater Santo Domingo by providing entertainment venues for those who reside in eastern Santo Domingo.

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Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer, who represents Denmark, will be visiting the Dominican Republic. She is scheduled to arrive on Saturday, 9 August , as part of her international tour.

Her visit will include a variety of events focused on social, cultural, and institutional activities. Some of the key engagements on her agenda are:• A visit to the National Palace• Tours of the Colonial City• Reforestation activities• Meetings with non-profit organizations supporting autism• A private talk with the Miss Dominican Republic candidates about female empowerment and inclusion

The director of the Miss Dominican Republic Universe organization, Magali Febles, stated that Kjaer’s visit will help promote the country’s image as a tourist destination and as a strong contender in international beauty pageants. Kjaer herself expressed excitement about connecting with the...

Intense summer heat is exacerbated by the passing Saharan Dust. Weather forecaster Jean Suriel says the heat can be expected through September. July, August and September are the warmest months in the Dominican Republic.

The forecast is for hazy skies as the clouds of Saharan Dust move west. The passing of a trough will bring isolated rain showers, alleviating the intense hot temperatures. The humidity will prevail, nevertheless, and people should take care to stay inside and stay hydrated.

Jean Suriel says the country is covered by a new passing wave of Saharan Dust, No. 12. The hottest temperatures are felt all around the country. He mentions Dajabon and Montecristi in the Azua, Santiago, Greater Santo Domingo, La Romana and El Seibo.

Suriel says the heat will be at its peak through Thursday, 7 August, and then there will be relief for two days, until another...

The Dominican Republic’s Central Bank (BCRD) announced that the country’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.38% in July 2025. This monthly increase contributed to an annual inflation rate of 3.40%, a slight drop from the 3.56% recorded in June.

For the past 27 months, the annual inflation rate has remained within the Central Bank’s target range of 4.0% ± 1.0%, positioning the Dominican Republic among the nations with the lowest inflation in non-dollarized Latin American economies.

The report also highlighted that the core inflation, which excludes volatile items like food, fuel, and regulated prices, was 0.30% in July, bringing the annual core inflation to 4.19%. This figure also falls within the Central Bank’s target range and provides a clearer signal for monetary policy decisions.

The Central Bank says that an analysis of the July CPI found that five groups—Food and Non-Alcoholic...

The National Congress has given its final approval to a new rental bill, which now heads to the Executive Branch for enactment. The bill, which passed through the Chamber of Deputies after being modified by the Senate, aims to regulate rental contracts for residential homes, commercial properties, and spaces used by non-profit organizations.

The bill has clauses on rental prices, contract renewals, property abandonment, and the required security deposits.

The bill introduces several significant changes to how rental agreements are handled. Among the changes are:

• Security deposits: The bill sets a new limit on security deposits, which can’t exceed the equivalent of two months’ rent.

• Contract renewals: The bill specifies regulations regarding the renewal of rental contracts, aiming to provide more clarity and stability for both landlords and tenants.

• Property...

The Central Electoral Board is asking for citizens to register their telephone number and email. The JCE says this is for use in case the JCE wants to connect with the person. A new online link at [URL]https://acercate.jce.gob.do/ is made available for the verification service.

In the FAQs of the service, the JCE does not specify if filling out the online form is obligatory and explains it will enable the office to contact the person if necessary.

In its socializing of the efforts to provide locals with new ID cards, the JCE officials have admitted that there are over 2.8 million ID cards in circulation with irregularities that need to be corrected. At present, all ID cards in the Dominican Republic have expired.

In its explanation of the new service, the JCE says that before 1997, a birth certificate was not required for the issuing of the ID card. The Civil Registry...

The “cedula,” the official ID card of all in the Dominican Republic is expired. The Central Electoral Board (JCE) has announced a pending procedure to issue new cards to all. But behind the process is a major challenge. As reported, there are an estimated 2.8 million cards that were issued irregularly.

This means the effort to issue new cards also encompasses the major legal entanglements of cases of people who knowingly or unknowingly acquired fraudulent identities. The matter is worse because based on the fraudulent identities, others were issued to their descendants and now need to be corrected. Thus, the issuing of new IDs needs to find solutions to the millions of people who may find their daily lives seriously impacted and turned upside down as the JCE civil registry officials sort out who is who.

A recent report in El Informe con Alicia Ortega gives...

The closure of hundreds of private schools in the Dominican Republic over the past six years has placed a significant burden on the public education system, according to education sector leaders, Diario Libre reports. While official data doesn’t directly track the movement of students from closed private schools to public ones, experts believe it is a key factor behind the increased demand for public school enrollment. The public school system is now hard pressed to meet the demand in time for the school year that opens this August 2025.

Once the government authorized that 4% of the GDP be allocated to public school education in 2012, private schools found themselves hardpressed to compete for students. The better teachers in private schools moved on to the better-paying public schools that also offered better perks. Likewise, parents were attracted by free school meals...

Breastfeeding is hard work, but its rewards are immense. But, as recent surveys show, it is not part of women’s child care culture in the Dominican Republic. Unicef, on occasion of the celebration of the World Breastfeeding Week from 1 to 7 August, highlights that only 1 of 10 mothers breastfeed their babies in the Dominican Republic.

Unicef urges more protection from commercial influence. The reality is that companies freely distribute formula samples to new mothers, breaking the impetus for breastfeeding that needs to start at birth in the hospital. Nurse availability or volunteers to teach breastfeeding to new mothers appears is much needed to instate breastfeeding from the start. More support from obstetricians and pediatricians is also needed.

According to Unicef, the Dominican Republic has one of the lowest exclusive breastfeeding rates in Latin America. Only 16% of...

From January to August 2025 at least 48 women of a population of 11 million were murdered by their spouses or former spouses, according to data from the Ministry of Interior and Police. Of those, 36 deaths were categorized as intimate feminicides because of the direct ties between the victim and aggressor, as reported in Diario Libre. The data was shared during the Monday, 4 August 2025, meeting of the members of the follow up committee for the Citizen Security Plan, with the participation of Vice President Raquel Peña.

During the meeting, Minister of Interior and Police, Faride Raful said that her office, working closely with the Attorney General Office would implement a new nationwide initiative to combat feminicides. The focus will be on prevention and comprehensive actions. She also announced the creating of a Comprehensive Center for Mental Health for members of the...

Dominican authorities announced on Tuesday, 5 August 2025 the seizing of a record haul of liquid cocaine in Santo Domingo province. After what is described as “a meticulous five-day operation”, agents from the National Drug Control Agency (DNCD), in collaboration with the Public Ministry, forensic analysts, and military security personnel, were able to confiscate the historic shipment of liquid cocaine at the Multimodal Caucedo Port. The illicit substance, with a total weight of 137 kilograms, was concealed within bottles of juices and soft drinks.

Acting on intelligence reports, anti-narcotics agents and military officials intervened a freight container destined for export, which contained more than 46,000 bottles of beverages. The inspection revealed a suspicious substance in one of the bottles, immediately triggering a full-scale operational protocol.

The...

Two foreign nationals were arrested in the Dominican Republic while allegedly attempting to flee to Haiti. They are wanted in connection with the killing of a young woman in Haina, in a 5 August dated Diario Libre report.

According to a statement from the National Police’s Interpol Santo Domingo office, the suspects are identified as Yasil Riaz, a 31-year-old Pakistani national, and Hikma Tullah Atta Mohammad, a 29-year-old Afghan national. Both are allegedly linked to the death of Bébele Estefanía Fernández Casado, 23, whose body was discovered on the banks of the Haina River in the San Cristóbal province.

The arrests were made in Sábana Cruz, a district in the Bánica municipality of Elías Piña, on the border with Haiti during a joint police operation. Authorities stated that the men were stopped while riding a red Tauro 200 motorcycle and asking unusual questions about how to...

In his weekly press conference on Monday, 4 August 2025, President Luis Abinader explained the support of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Sports to sports programs for public school children.

The reach of the National Institute of Physical Education (Inefi), under the Ministry of Education, is now 1.5 million students. The President explained that more than 60,000 coaches have also received sports training. Abinader had praise for the expansion of the program under director Alberto Rodriguez.

During the press conference, Rodriguez highlighted the school sports program has had a major impact on reducing school desertion levels.

President Abinader says his government backs these efforts not only for its role in physical development of the students but for the positive influence in educating in values, discipline, self-confidence and collective spirit...

The Dominican Republic’s economy is showing strong momentum, with foreign direct investment (FDI) hitting US$2.89 billion in the first half of 2025, according to preliminary figures from the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (BCRD). This marks a significant 15.3% increase compared to the same period last year.

The robust performance has the Central Bank projecting that FDI will surpass US$4.7 billion by the end of the year, a result that underscores international investor confidence in the country. For the third consecutive year, the Dominican Republic has cemented its position as the top recipient of foreign investment in the region, a fact highlighted by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

Sectoral analysis reveals that nearly half of the FDI inflows were concentrated in the tourism and energy sectors. The energy...

It was a take it or leave it situation, and President Luis Abinader chose to enact the Penal Code bill as received from the ruling party majority Congress. The code does not go into effect until August 2026, giving still time for society and other branches of government to present recommendations for Congress to pass changes.

In his weekly press briefing, President Luis Abinader on 4 August 2025 defended his enactment of the new Penal Code. Abinader framed the recently enacted legislation (Law 74-25) as a significant improvement over the current code which has been in effect since 20 May 1884.

The President admitted that the new code, slated to take effect in 2026, falls short of being ideal. However, he stressed it was the best version achievable given the current political and social climate.

“The truth is, and I repeat, there is no perfect law. Every law is perfectible. This...

Maria Estela de Leon Veloz / Diario Libre

The Senate has appointed Maria Estela de Leon Veloz as the new alternate member of the Central Electoral Board (JCE). She will replace Iván Vladimir Félix Vargas, who was recently appointed as a deputy prosecutor at the Attorney General Office.

De León Veloz, an attorney and journalist with 31 years of experience at the JCE, will serve as the alternate to Samir Chami Isa, one of the five primary members of the board.

Her appointment fills the vacancy left by Félix Vargas, who was chosen by the National Council of the Magistracy to join a team of seven deputy prosecutors assisting Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso.

Félix Vargas previously led the Special Prosecutor’s Office for Crimes and Offenses of High Technology (Pedatec) and is now coordinating the G-5 project, an initiative focused on the technological...

Carolina Rendon / The World Bank

Peruvian lawyer Carolina Rendón will be the new World Bank resident representative for the Dominican Republic, succeeding Mexican Alexandria Valerio who held the position for the past five years. Most recently, she has held the position of World Bank Resident Representative in Uruguay.

Based in Santo Domingo, Rendón will lead the dialogue with representatives from the government, civil society, the international community, and other key figures in Dominican society, with the aim of supporting the country’s efforts to strengthen human capital, improve employment opportunities and the provision of quality public services, and increase climate resilience.

Rendón joined the World Bank in 2005. Since then, she has served as a Public Sector Specialist in various regions including Latin America, Europe, Central Asia, and Africa. She was also...

A win by the women’s U23 Dominican Republic team is nothing extraordinary, but a gold medal win by the U23 Dominican Republic’s men’s volleyball team in the U23 Pan American Cup is unheard of. Yet it happened.

On 3 August 2025, in Guatemala City, following what Norceca league reports as a “thrilling five-set battle,” the Dominican Republic was crowned champions of the Men’s U23 Pan American Cup after defeating the United States 3-2 (25-23, 21-25, 23-25, 25-19, 16-14) at the Domo Polideportivo in Guatemala City.

Norceca’s press release describes the match as “a power-packed match, with both teams showcasing their offensive strength.” The Dominican defense stood out, led by libero Eliander Jiménez, who kept the ball off the floor. The Dominicans executed better to take the first set.

The second and third sets went to the United States, that despite their attacking and...

Saul Leonardo (Mena RD) is now a three-time Evo champion after winning Evo 2025, EvoJapan 2025 and Evo Japan 2024. He previously captured two Capcom Cup championship titles. He is also one of the top Street Fighter 6 players in the world. His victory brought a cash prize of US$16,932.

MenaRD is now a three-time Evo champion after winning Evo 2025, Evo Japan 2025 and Evo Japan 2024. Adding that to his two Capcom Cup championship titles and MenaRD is one of the top Street Fighter 6 players in the world right now.

Leonardo for years has been calling for more support for the DR’s Street Fighter scene to build the local community.

Esports will be a medal sport for the first time at the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games. This marks a significant step in recognizing esports as a mainstream sport and integrating it into a major regional...

Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) has activated an alternate runway to handle the arrival and departure of international, cargo, and domestic flights, Diógenes Tejada reports for Hoy. This measure was implemented to allow for maintenance work on the airport’s main runway, the 17-35.

According to Aeropuertos Dominicanos Siglo XXI (Aerodom), the company managing the airport, the alternate runway will remain fully operational throughout the maintenance. This ensures increased operational capacity, as well as the safety and efficiency of all air traffic.

Aerodom reported that all air operations, both international and domestic, are proceeding smoothly, highlighting the company’s commitment to continuously improving airport services. The first airline to use the alternate runway was Frontier, with a departing flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

This initiative...

Hyatt is promoting its new adults-only all-inclusive haven, part of Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection portfolio, the Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort that formally opened on 1 August 2025 in the newly developed Miches area. The hotel is about an hour and a half drive north from the Punta Cana International Airport.

Tucked along the untouched shoreline of Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic’s emerging Miches region, this new adults-only resort redefines romantic travel with a curated blend of privacy, indulgence, and immersive connection to one of the Caribbean’s most pristine natural landscapes.

Set across a private, palm-lined stretch of Playa Esmeralda and surrounded by lush tropical scenery in Miches, Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa features 500 elegantly appointed suites, each with a private terrace or balcony, with many offering ocean views...

With a planned opening of 1 September 2025, Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa will offer a parallel experience designed for families and multigenerational travelers, and ideal for destination weddings. With 500 suites, a waterpark, Explorer’s Club for Kids, Core Zone Teen Club, ten restaurants and seven bars, this new resort will provide inclusive amenities alongside beachfront fun.

The Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa is located adjacent to the adults-only Secrets Playa Esmeralda. Guests at Secrets have access to the facilities at Dreams.

The hotels are located in the new Miches beach destination area, about 100 km from the Punta Cana International Airport, about an hour and a half drive.

Tourism Minister David Collado officially inaugurated the newly renovated Juan Pablo Duarte Park and reopened the meticulously restored Las Mercedes Street on Wednesday, 30 July 2025 in the historic center of Santo Domingo.

The extensive restoration efforts of the two prioritized streets fall under the “Integral Program for the Touristic and Urban Development of the Colonial City,” a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) and the Inter-American Development Bank (BID), backed by a substantial US$90 million investment.

The initiative seeks to transform the historic Colonial City’s thoroughfares into more livable, walkable, inclusive, and accessible public spaces for its residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

The renovation of Duarte Park encompassed a range of upgrades, including new lighting, enhanced landscaping, the...