Dominican Republic reaches historic record of 7.6 million tourists through September

The Minister of Tourism, David Collado, announced the arrival of 7.6 million tourists in the first nine months of the year—a figure which, he assures, is the highest in the history of Dominican tourism.

He revealed that 2023 has achieved what has never been seen before. He assured that this sector represents an essential pillar of the national economy, contributing more than 7,000 million dollars.

He acknowledged the need for more significant investment in security in the country’s tourist areas.

The official also informed that they will have received more Canadian visitors by the end of this year than ever before. And that more than one million tourists have been obtained from Canada.

Collado gave a brief account of his three-year term as head of the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur), highlighting the successful recovery of the industry after the pandemic.

Air Century expansion: six new air routes from Punta Cana airport

Punta Cana.- Air Century, the Dominican airline, has unveiled plans to open six new air routes connecting the Dominican Republic with various destinations. These new routes will operate from the Punta Cana International Airport and are set to begin service on December 15th.

The routes will connect the Dominican Republic with Havana, San Martín, Aruba, Cartagena, Curacao, and Puerto Rico. Air Century’s CEO, Omar Chahín, explained that this expansion aims to provide more than 200,000 seats for tourists from these destinations. The airline’s goal is to enhance its regional connectivity.

In addition to these new routes, Air Century plans to introduce more destinations and expand its operations. Chahín mentioned that the airline intends to include direct routes to cities like Miami, New York, and Cancun in the future. To facilitate this expansion, Air Century will acquire two new CRJ 700 aircraft by the end of November and two Airbus A320 aircraft expected in the summer of 2024.

These new routes are expected to boost connectivity for passengers traveling from the Caribbean to North America and Europe. The Punta Cana International Airport, a key hub for tourism, aims to attract over 9 million tourists from 32 countries and 79 cities by the end of 2023.

The expansion of air routes and connectivity is significant for the Dominican Republic’s tourism industry, attracting more visitors and stimulating economic growth.

The four challenges that Dominican tourism must overcome, according to David Collado

Santo Domingo.- The Minister of Tourism, David Collado, identified four main challenges facing Dominican tourism for continued consolidation in the Latin American and Caribbean region. These challenges are infrastructure, security, investments, and air connectivity.

1. Infrastructure: Collado emphasized the need to improve infrastructure to enhance the quality of tourism offerings. He mentioned road improvements in tourist areas such as Verón-Punta Cana and similar work in Las Terrenas and Bayahíbe. Additionally, renovation and construction of jetties in Santo Domingo Este and La Romana are underway to facilitate tourism.

2. Security: Collado highlighted the importance of reinforcing security in tourist spots. He proposed the creation of a Business Brigade of the Tourist Police, involving the private sector in investing in equipment and resources for enhanced security. The Ministry of Tourism has already allocated funds for equipment and technological tools to address security issues, including those related to sexual tourism.

3.  Investments: The minister stressed the need to attract more investments to increase the country’s hotel capacity. He mentioned the significant investments made in the Dominican Republic, including projects by international hotel chains such as W Hotels and Ritz-Carlton. Collado acknowledged the contributions of commercial banks and pension fund administrators in developing tourism projects.

4.  Air Connectivity: Collado recognized the importance of expanding air routes to make travel to the Dominican Republic more competitive in terms of convenience and prices. He mentioned the efforts of low-cost airline Arajet in opening new air routes in South America to enhance connectivity.

World Tourism Day found the Dominican Republic in a privileged position, with tourism contributing significantly to the economy in terms of taxes and purchases.

During the World Tourism Day event, the Ministry of Tourism recognized the contributions of various individuals, companies, and institutions to the promotion and positioning of the Dominican Republic as a Caribbean destination. This included acknowledging figures in the tourism industry who have played a pivotal role in its development and growth.

The challenges and initiatives outlined by Minister David Collado reflect the government’s commitment to further develop and strengthen the tourism sector in the Dominican Republic.

Mitur clarifies Dominican tourism is not at risk due to the situation at the border

Santo Domingo.- The ongoing conflict between the Dominican Republic and Haiti regarding the construction of an irrigation canal on the Dajabón River has not had a significant impact on tourism in the Dominican Republic. This statement was made by David Collado, the Minister of Tourism.

To enhance security and surveillance in various tourist areas across the country, Minister Collado announced that new measures would be implemented within the tourist police.

On World Tourism Day, celebrated on September 27th, the Minister of Tourism highlighted the number of foreign tourists who have entered the country by both air and sea.

Furthermore, the government has taken steps to improve various beaches to ensure a pleasant experience for visitors. These efforts are aimed at maintaining and enhancing the tourism industry in the Dominican Republic.

The United States receives first containers of coconut water from the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- The first two containers filled with water coconuts from the Dominican Republic have successfully arrived in the United States. This significant achievement is the result of collaborative efforts between the Dominican government and various companies, marking a milestone in the export of coconut products to the US.

Engineer Rosa Lazala, the Director of Plant Health at the Ministry of Agriculture, confirmed this development and expressed appreciation for the government’s support of agribusiness and export promotion. This accomplishment reflects the commitment to ensuring the safety of local products for international markets.

In the Dominican Republic, coconut cultivation occupies approximately 44,344 hectares of land, while avocado cultivation covers around 111,812 hectares, based on 2022 statistics. The successful export of water coconuts to the US demonstrates the country’s potential to expand its agricultural exports and access new markets.

The measures would be made more flexible, but the border will not be the same

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican authorities are responding to the construction of a diversion canal by Haiti on the Masacre River by rehabilitating the La Vigía canal, which has been abandoned for 15 years. This move is aimed at saving the flow of the river from the diversion being built by Haiti, which has caused tensions between both countries.

Once the La Vigía canal is enabled, which is projected to happen within one or two weeks, President Luis Abinader stated that the government could consider making some measures on the border more flexible. He emphasized that the Dominican border will never be the same due to the situations arising from this crisis.

The Dominican Republic had closed its border by air, sea, and land in response to the construction of the Haitian canal, with the promise to lift the closure when the canal construction stops. However, the Haitian authorities have since supported the project and claimed their right to use the water from the Masacre River.

In response, the Dominican Government is rehabilitating the La Vigía canal to ensure a water supply for local producers and prevent adverse effects on the ecosystem of the Saladillo lagoon.

The La Vigía canal, built in 1966 with Haiti’s approval, was closed in 2007. The rehabilitation includes adapting the infrastructure and using pumps to transfer water from the Masacre River to the canal. This project aims to secure water supply for Dominican producers, even if the Haitian canal is completed.

President Abinader expressed a desire for dialogue with Haitian authorities while emphasizing the importance of national sovereignty. He is open to dialogue and international mediation to resolve the conflict and ensure an equitable distribution of water, in accordance with the 1929 treaty between both countries.

Abinader also highlighted the Dominican Republic’s cooperation with Haiti in closing the border with Elías Piña to counter a criminal gang’s activities, despite the impact on Dominican merchants and transporters.

Dominican Republic receives World Tourism Day with more income and visitors

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic is making significant progress in its tourism sector, generating substantial revenue in the first half of the year, positioning itself as a prominent destination in Latin America and the Caribbean. The sector has contributed $7,668.9 million in revenue to the country’s treasury during this period.

This amount represents a 58.8% increase compared to the $13,031 million generated by the sector in taxes alone, which is the highest revenue recorded in the last five years. It’s also 15.7% higher than the $10,986.6 million generated in 2019 before the pandemic.

The revenue is primarily derived from taxes on the departure of passengers abroad through ports and airports, which accounted for 64.32% of the collections. The Dominican Republic has experienced an increase in commercial flights, with 43,490 flights arriving in the country by September 10, 2023, carrying over 5.7 million passengers. Additionally, cruise tourism has grown significantly, with more than one and a half million excursionists visiting the country this year.

The government aims to reach at least 10 million visitors by the end of 2023, further boosting tourism-related revenue. Latin American countries have become significant contributors to the tourism sector, with increased air routes connecting to South America.

While Europe has experienced a slowdown in tourist flows due to geopolitical and economic conflicts, Latin American countries like Colombia, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Venezuela, and Mexico have become prominent sources of tourists to the Dominican Republic.

The high hotel occupancy rates in various regions of the country, including La Romana-Bayahíbe, Bávaro-Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, Santo Domingo, Samaná, Santiago, and Boca Chica, highlight the attractiveness of these destinations to travelers.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dominican Republic’s tourism sector is showing resilience and contributing significantly to the country’s economic growth. The global tourism industry is also gradually recovering, although it still faces the impact of the pandemic.

World Tourism Day 2023 to emphasize investments for a sustainable future

New York.- In what is set to be the biggest celebration to date, the official celebrations will be held of 27 September in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. At UNWTO’s Member States will mark the occasion in every region through a range of special events and programs.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said that “tourism has never been more important for our economies or for our societies. Its potential is enormous. So, on this World Tourism Day, we celebrate tourism’s ability to drive growth while also highlighting the vital need for investments to ensure such growth is inclusive and sustainable.”

On World Tourism Day 2023, UNWTO will place the emphasis on tourism and green Investments. The day will focus on the importance of investment for people (by investing in education and skills), for planet (by investing in sustainable infrastructure and accelerating green transformation), and for prosperity (by investing in innovation, technology and entrepreneurship).

In Riyadh, UNWTO will present its Global Tourism Investment Framework and hold a series of high-level panels focusing on the challenges and opportunities surrounding investment in tourism. The official World Tourism Day celebrations will also see the winners of the inaugural UNWTO Women in Tech Startup Competition for the Middle East announced.

From Riyadh to the world

World Tourism Day is set to be the biggest celebration so far. UNWTO will welcome representatives from more than 100 of its Member States, including more than 50 Ministers of Tourism. Joining them will be high-level representatives from tourism’s private sector, both from the Middle East region and globally.

World Tourism Day

The first World Tourism Day was held in 1980. As the Global Day of Observance for tourism, it offers a chance to celebrate the sector’s vital role in advancing peace and prosperity and UNWTO’s global regions take turns in hosting the official celebrations, always around a timely and relevant theme.

The date of 27 September marks the day the Statutes of the Organization that became UNWTO were signed.

Air Canada: another option to link Bogotá with Punta Cana

Punta Cana.- José Marte Piantini, the President of the Civil Aviation Board (JAC), has unveiled plans for new flight routes connecting Punta Cana to various destinations. During a recent plenary session of the JAC, members were informed about a special permit request submitted by Air Canada. The request seeks approval for round-trip flights along the Toronto/Atlanta/Bogotá/Punta Cana and Toronto/Miami/Bogotá/Punta Cana routes, with operations set to commence on September 23, 2023.

This development is expected to significantly bolster the influx of Colombian tourists to the Dominican Republic’s premier tourist destination. It comes at a time when airlines are intensifying their efforts to meet the growing demand for flights originating from South America.

Marte Piantini highlighted that the airlines’ requests and expansion ambitions in the country are a direct response to the sustained growth of air travel in the Caribbean nation, particularly over the past three years (from August 2020 to August 2023). He emphasized that this achievement is the outcome of collaborative efforts involving the Civil Aviation Board, various government agencies, and sector institutions.

Furthermore, Marte Piantini affirmed that the government’s proactive initiatives, facilitated through the JAC, reaffirm its dedication to enhancing the nation’s air connectivity for both cargo and passenger transportation.

More than 20 boats register for Blue Marlin fishing from the Santo Domingo Nautical Club

More than 20 boats have officially registered to participate in the thirty-second edition of the International Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament, organized by the Santo Domingo Nautical Club and overseen by Alfonso Khouri. The tournament’s official opening ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday night, with fishing excursions commencing early on Thursday. Notable boats in the lineup include Delta Down, Isabella, Hook Up, Cristina, Dilu 2, Liquid, Fresh Air, and Sea Wish.

Additionally, Pícara, Doña Lucy, Lasik, Grace, Seaguapa, Mi Gorda, Lisa, Ángela, Liqueo, Coralis, Keep Fishing, Tomahawk, Mamina, Haven Can’t Wait, and Mincia will join the competition, totaling 23 boats vying for victory until Saturday the 30th in Cabeza de Toro Cove, Higüey.

The tournament will adhere to the All Release format, following the rules of the International Game Fishing Association (IGFA), with exceptions where the event’s specific regulations apply. Each released blue marlin will earn 300 points, while other billfish species will receive 150 points, as explained by the tournament director.

Fishermen from Puerto Rico, the United States, Venezuela, and local yacht clubs will participate in the competition alongside the host club.

Key details of the tournament include the use of non-metallic line up to 30 pounds of resistance, the option for boats to depart and return to Cap Cana or Cabeza de Toro, and a two-hour limit for battling marlins. The tournament features a rotating trophy in the Club Boat category and recognizes the angler with the highest score in Category A. The event encompasses both team and individual competitions, with teams composed of three fishermen, one of whom must fish from a different boat. The angler achieving the highest score will be declared the tournament’s winner.

In addition to individual awards, there will be the “Interclub Reciprocity Cup” contested by members of the San Juan Nautical Club in Puerto Rico and the Santo Domingo Nautical Club. Participation in this cup is limited to active members of both clubs.

Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world to call at Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata.- Royal Caribbean International’s new cruise ship Icon of the Seas, ranked as the largest in the world, will include Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic as part of its destinations for the premiere of its 2025-2026 season.

The Bride of the Atlantic will be included in the 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailing from Miami.

Tourists will be able to experience scenic locations booked from.
New destinations: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Charlotte Amalie and St. Thomas.

In addition to two to three days at sea, each cruise includes visiting Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island, Perfect Day at Coco Cay, which features Hideaway Beach, a new adults-only oceanfront paradise opening in January 2024.

Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas measures 365 meters long and weighs 250,800 tons. According to Resumen Turismo, it will have capacity for 5,610 passengers and 2,350 crew.

Highlights of the experiences on offer include the world’s largest water park at sea, named Category 6, consisting of six water slides. Plus, there are seven swimming pools and nine onboard hot tubs.

The ship promises more than 40 ways to dine, drink, and be entertained; many included in the cruise fare. With 20 decks and eight areas to explore, the idea is to cater to all vacationers, from sites dedicated to young families to adult-only spaces.

Reef Jet Airlines to fly from Punta Cana to Santiago, Pedernales and other tourist resorts

Reef Jet Airlines seeks to contribute to the multi-destination offer as part of the State’s policy to promote a country with a wide offer.

Punta Cana, DR.- Connecting Punta Cana with Santiago, Pedernales, and Samaná is the business bet developed by the airline Reef Jet to contribute to the multi-destination offer in the country through domestic flights.

Geraint María Barrot, Director of Operations of Reef Jet, explained that after a market survey, they saw the need to create a route that connects Punta Cana with Santiago since, in this northern city, there is a class that represents the second largest issuer of local tourism in the Dominican Republic.

Next Friday, September 29, Reef Jet will inaugurate the first flight from the Punta Cana International Airport to the Cibao International Airport.
He added that in only 50 minutes, both destinations will be linked by air on commercial flights.

He emphasized that Reef Jet seeks to provide an experience more than a flight since its services are offered through tour operator agencies, which provide passengers the options of excursions ranging from visits to thermal spas, cultural routes, and gastronomic experiences, among others.

Barrot highlighted the airline’s interest in contributing to the multi-destination offer that is part of the State’s policy of promoting a country with a vast cultural, gastronomic, religious, and adventure tourism offer, among other modalities.

He indicated that Reef Jet has excursion flights to Pedernales and Samaná, where it transports a significant number of foreign tourists.

The director of operations further explained that the aircraft that will perform the service are two Cessnas with a capacity of nine passengers. The company is certified by the IDAC and has trained personnel.

Collado and Minister of Tourism of Canada strengthen ties

Santo Domingo.- The Minister of Tourism for the Dominican Republic, David Collado, recently engaged in a significant meeting with his Canadian counterpart, Soraya Martínez. The purpose of their discussions was to outline concrete plans aimed at fortifying tourism relations between the Dominican Republic and Canada, ensuring an increased influx of Canadian visitors to the Caribbean island.

Collado emphasized the significance of this meeting, referring to it as “transcendent.” Canada stands as the second-largest source of tourists to the Dominican Republic. The discussions were centered on creating greater connectivity between the two countries, with the goal of substantially boosting the number of Canadians visiting the Dominican Republic and inching closer to the ambitious target of 10 million tourists by year’s end.

The meeting between the Tourism Ministers delved into bilateral issues designed to strengthen relations and promote tourism between both nations. Minister Collado’s agenda in Toronto also encompassed meetings with key entities like the Sunwing Travel Group and Air Canada Vacations, as well as other travel agents and tour operators.

This meeting took place within the context of Minister Collado’s 4-day visit to Canada, which featured his customary Road Shows in Toronto and Montreal. These events drew the participation of more than 200 tour operators, travel agents, and airline executives, highlighting the commitment of both countries to fostering robust tourism ties.

The entanglement of the Dominican tourism sector with Airbnb

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican tourism sector, encompassing both public and private entities, finds itself grappling with the formidable competitor that is Airbnb. This challenge has been causing significant concerns for some time, leaving the Ministry of Tourism, tourist associations, and industry groups in a complex dilemma.

Mitigating the dominance of the rental giant Airbnb is a daunting task, and it appears that only a court ruling, akin to the one in New York favoring the City Council, might offer a solution to this intricate problem where various institutions and certain tourist groups play active roles.

The situation presents a paradox as some of the tourism groups advocating against Airbnb are simultaneously selling plane tickets to travelers through the Airbnb platform. This juxtaposition seems surreal: these groups are promoting travel and facilitating transportation for tourists who opt not to stay in their own hotels, whether these tourists hail from the United States, Canada, Spain, or other regions.

Adding to the surreal nature of the matter is the fact that institutions claiming to combat Airbnb’s privilege are providing financial subsidies to airlines that bring unregulated tourists to the Dominican Republic, irrespective of whether they booked through Airbnb or similar platforms. Resolving this considerable contradiction will require finding a viable solution.

Airbnb tourists and others like them are undeniably valuable to the country, even if their spending power is comparatively modest. The Ministry and hoteliers do not reject them; rather, they seek a level playing field where everyone adheres to the same rules and tax obligations. In essence, regularization is the key to fostering fair competition within the industry.

Banreservas opens its first representative office in the US in New York

New York.- Banco de Reservas of the Dominican Republic inaugurated its inaugural representative office in the United States on Wednesday evening. This significant event featured the participation of President Luis Abinader, who was in New York attending the United Nations General Assembly on behalf of the Dominican Republic.

The establishment of this second foreign branch of the Dominican bank follows the approval by the United States Federal Reserve in June to set up two representative offices, one in New York City and the other in Miami, Florida.

“This is a historic day for our bank, #ElBancodeTODOSlosDominicanos, as we officially open the doors of our first Banco de Reservas Representative Office in the United States, located in the city of #NewYork,” proudly announced Banco de Reservas on their Twitter account.

The New York office will be situated within the Radio Hotel, strategically positioned in the heart of the vibrant Little Dominican Republic in Upper Manhattan.

These representative offices of the state-owned bank aim to streamline banking services for the Dominican diaspora, which comprises nearly three million individuals.

On January 17, Madrid became the first foreign city to host a representative office of the state-owned Reserve Bank (Banreservas). With the addition of these two new offices in Miami and New York, Banreservas proudly becomes “the first Dominican bank with a presence in these significant U.S. cities,” emphasized Samuel Pereyra, the bank’s administrator.

Regarding the capabilities of these representative offices, Banco de Reservas has clarified that all of the bank’s services will be available, but financial transactions will be processed in the Dominican Republic. In practical terms, while Banreservas cannot conduct financial intermediary operations abroad, such as receiving deposits, it can facilitate the necessary procedures to its offices in the Dominican Republic.

This means that Dominicans residing abroad will initially have access to services like mortgage loan applications, remittance accounts, financial instruments, and insurance management. These services will enable them to conduct banking affairs without the need to travel to the Dominican Republic.

Banreservas disclosed that it initiated the process of establishing its foreign representative offices after obtaining approval from the Superintendency of Banks and the Monetary Board of the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic in January 2022.

UNWTO: Tourism on track for full recovery

New York.- International tourism has continued to recover from the worst crisis in its history as arrival numbers reached 84% of pre-pandemic levels between January and July 2023, according to the latest data from UNWTO. The Middle East, Europe and Africa lead the global sector’s rebound.

Tourism demand continues to show remarkable resilience and sustained recovery, even in the face of economic and geopolitical challenges. The new issue of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer tracks the sector’s recovery over the course of 2023 up to the end of July.

The UNWTO Barometer shows that by the end of July, international tourist arrivals reached 84% of pre-pandemic levels; 700 million tourists traveled internationally between January and July 2023, 43% more than in the same months of 2022; and July was the busiest month with 145 million international travelers recorded, about 20% of the seven-month total.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “UNWTO data once again shows how tourism is recovering strongly in every part of the world. But as our sector recovers, it also needs to adapt. The extreme weather events we have witnessed over recent months as well as the critical challenges of managing increasing tourism flows underline the need to build a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient sector and ensure recovery goes hand-in-hand with rethinking of our sector.”

Results by region

The Middle East reported the best results in January-July 2023, with arrivals 20% above pre-pandemic levels. The region continues to be the only to exceed 2019 levels so far.

Europe, the world’s largest destination region, reached 91% of pre-pandemic levels, supported by robust intra-regional demand and travel from the United States.

Africa recovered 92% of pre-crisis visitors this seven-month period and the Americas 87%, according to available data.

In Asia and the Pacific, recovery accelerated to 61% of pre-pandemic arrival levels after the opening of many destinations and source markets at the end of 2022 and earlier this year.

The UNWTO World Tourism Barometer contains results by region, sub-region and country, including best-performing destinations in terms of international arrivals and  receipts over the first seven months of the year.

Year-to-date change by region

These results show international tourism remains well on track to reach 80% to 95% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023. Prospects for September-December 2023 point to continued recovery, according to the latest UNWTO Confidence Index, though at a more moderate pace following the peak travel season of June-August. These results will be driven by the still pent-up demand and increased air connectivity particularly in Asia and the Pacific where recovery is still subdued.

The reopening of China and other Asian markets and destinations is expected to continue boosting travel both within the region and to other parts of the world.

The challenging economic environment continues to be a critical factor in the effective recovery of international tourism in 2023, according to UNWTO’s Panel of Experts.

Persisting inflation and rising oil prices have translated into higher transport and accommodations costs. This could weigh on spending patterns over the remainder of the year, with tourists increasingly seeking value for money, traveling closer to home and making shorter trips.

UNDP: Dominican Republic advances 60% of Agenda 2030, but needs acceleration

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has published research on the progress made by countries toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with seven years remaining to meet the 2030 Agenda. According to the study, the Dominican Republic has reported a 62% advance in achieving the SDGs and has even recovered its pre-pandemic growth trend.

The report notes that the Dominican Republic’s economy is on a path of recovery in 2023 and is projected to accelerate in 2024-2025. This growth rate is 60% higher, on average, than the global figure and aligns with the country’s pre-pandemic growth trajectory. UNDP predicts that this economic expansion will have a moderate positive impact on poverty reduction, with general monetary poverty decreasing to 27.7% in 2022, and extreme monetary poverty at 3.8%.

The study also indicates that, under the current trend, the country could achieve the goal of “zero poverty” by 2050. However, by incorporating SDG accelerators in development interventions, the number of people living in poverty could be reduced 10 years earlier.

To accelerate the execution of the 2030 Agenda, UNDP recommends a series of actions, acknowledging that the country’s credit rating in the “speculative non-investment grade” category could slow down the growth achieved. It suggests exploring innovative financing alternatives and mechanisms to better redistribute resources and reduce negative impacts on the poorest households.

The UNDP lists possible investment options, including climate financing, mixed and public-private financing, enhancing the business environment and investment aligned with the SDGs, access to financial markets and insurance, remittances, and philanthropy.

While highlighting progress in the Dominican Republic, such as the promulgation of the Territorial Planning Law, the Ten-Year Health Plan, and inclusive industrialization, the report also notes ongoing challenges related to inequality, informality, and the professionalization of the workforce.

The Sustainable Development Goals are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and improve the lives of people worldwide. They encompass various objectives, including ending poverty, ensuring clean water and sanitation, addressing climate action, and promoting peace and justice.

United States Secretary of State affirms the Dominican Republic is improving its levels of transparency and fight against corruption

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has acknowledged the Dominican Republic’s dedicated efforts to enhance transparency and combat corruption, ultimately bolstering the credibility of its institutions among the general population.

During the “Democracy Delivers” event, Blinken highlighted the investments made through USAID, which have contributed to more effective efforts against common challenges such as corruption in the past year. He emphasized that greater transparency leads to increased citizen confidence in their government.

Blinken stated, “We are seeking new ways to deliver progress to our people in areas that truly matter and positively impact their lives. We are working to strengthen public institutions and respond more effectively to citizens’ needs.”

The “Democracy Delivers” initiative represents a collaborative effort among various countries to continue strengthening democracy and promoting development and well-being for their populations. Armenia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Malawi, Maldives, Moldova, Nepal, and Tanzania are participating in this initiative.

President Abinader also addressed the event, reiterating the importance of actively and persistently combating corruption and impunity, strengthening institutions, and enhancing the quality of public spending to deliver better services to the population. He emphasized that true democracy and development are achieved through these measures.

The event took place at the Ford Foundation headquarters as part of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. It underscores the commitment of both the Dominican Republic and the United States to promote transparency, strengthen institutions, and advance democracy.

Polish investors will build Cofresi Hills hotel in Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata.- The Polish company Factory Centrum SP, the primary investor and manager, has reported rapid progress in the construction of the “Cofresi Hills Residence” hotel project, a luxury and premium-level hotel complex in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

Ricardo Moran, the director of Cofresi Hills Residence, highlighted the reasons behind the decision of Polish investors to build hotels in the Dominican Republic. He mentioned that the government’s incentives aimed at encouraging foreign investment and driving economic growth played a significant role in their decision-making process.

Moran emphasized Puerto Plata’s appeal as an emerging market, citing various factors that make the region attractive. He noted, “The prosperous economy of the DR, and that the attractiveness of Puerto Plata is not limited only to tourists; its allure extends to apartment buyers, creating a competitive advantage that Cofresi Hills Residence is poised to capitalize on.”

In addition, he pointed out that the growth in the tourism sector, driven by Puerto Plata’s increasing appeal as a tourist destination, was a key factor influencing their decision to build Cofresi Hills Residence. The property currently features 14 premium apartments serving as models to showcase the project’s concept.

The construction of the project will take place in three phases, with a total of 100 apartments offering various accommodation options to cater to guests’ preferences. The first phase is already under construction, with the second phase set to begin in 2024 and the third phase in 2025. The new buildings are designed to meet luxury standards.

Cofresi Hills Residence aims to provide a haven of tranquility and calm, offering accommodation tailored to guests’ preferences with meticulous attention to detail. It is strategically located in Puerto Plata, adjacent to the Ocean World Adventure Park and Marina, making it an ideal destination for vacation rentals.

The project reflects a commitment to growth and luxury in the region, positioning Cofresi Hills Residence as a premier vacation rental property in Puerto Plata.

Arajet transports more than 350 thousand passengers in its first year of operations

Arajet, the airline known for connecting the Dominican Republic to North, Central, and South America with its fleet of Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft, celebrated its first anniversary of operations. During this inaugural year, Arajet transported over 350,000 passengers.

Victor Pacheco Méndez, CEO & Founder of Arajet, expressed gratitude to the passengers who put their trust in the airline, as well as the over half a million people who have purchased air tickets with Arajet. He emphasized that Arajet’s mission is to democratize air travel, making it accessible at the lowest possible prices.

In just one year, Arajet has expanded its services to encompass 22 destinations across 15 countries, effectively establishing Santo Domingo as a new hub in the Caribbean connecting to the continent.

Pacheco Méndez highlighted the airline’s positive impact on the job market, with more than 350 direct employees and over 1,000 indirect employees. Arajet has also invested in training programs for Dominican pilots and cabin crew, nurturing specialized talent in the aviation sector.

The CEO acknowledged the crucial support from investors like Bain Capital and Griffin Capital Management, as well as their partnership with Boeing Company, which has played a pivotal role in the airline’s success and the revival of Dominican aviation.

Pacheco Méndez also praised the legal support provided by the Dominican government, led by President Luis Abinader and Minister of Tourism David Collado. He shared their ambitious goal of becoming the Dominican airline that transports 5% to 10% of the tourists coming to the country by 2024.

The contributions of various aviation authorities and government agencies were recognized, underscoring their collective efforts to make affordable air travel accessible to Dominicans. Álvaro de Oleo, Senior Marketing and Electronic Commerce Consultant at Arajet, noted that the airline has positively impacted the tourism sector, with the immigration department projecting that one million Dominicans will have flown for the first time by the end of 2023. Arajet’s mission to make flying accessible to everyone aligns with this goal, ensuring that countless Dominicans have the opportunity to experience air travel.