Tortuga Bay Puntacana: Grand Hotel Champion 2024 by Traveler Made

Punta Cana.- The Tortuga Bay Puntacana Resort hotel has been honored as the 1st Grand Hotel Champion 2024 by Serandipians by Traveler Made, solidifying its position as a global icon in luxury tourism.

This prestigious accolade, bestowed by Serandipians by Traveler Made, is exclusively granted to hotel establishments that stand out in delivering an unparalleled luxury experience, underpinned by exceptional quality in all their services.

Carmen Rosa de Torres, Director of Hospitality Sales at Puntacana Resort, expressed, “This recognition serves to showcase our unwavering commitment to excellence in hospitality and our exceptional dedication to providing unique and memorable experiences to Tortuga Bay guests.”

Quentin Desurmont, President of Serandipians, commended the commitment demonstrated by certified properties in the pursuit of excellence and customer satisfaction. He emphasized, “The commitment to the community, by fully utilizing the tools we provide, ensures that you maximize your association with Serandipians and allows our members to increasingly recognize you as one of the best hoteliers in our industry.”

Traveler Made represents the international Designation of Origin in the field of luxury tourism, bringing together the most prominent experts worldwide in various sectors, including travel agencies, hotels, yachts, private jets, villas, and companies specialized in destination management.

About Tortuga Bay Puntacana Resort

Tortuga Bay Puntacana Resort & Club comprises 13 private beachfront villas designed by the renowned Oscar de la Renta. In 2017, the hotel underwent a renovation by American designer Markham Roberts, with the primary goal of evolving the hospitality experience originally envisioned by Oscar de la Renta.

In 2022, the resort received the “Change Makers” award from The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) for its support of the community and commitment to enhancing its physical, economic, and emotional well-being. It also ranked in the top 5 of the 25 Best Hotels in the Caribbean in the 2023 edition of the Best Hotels Ranking by US News & World Report magazine.

Puntacana Resort & Club, with over 50 years of experience, is a low-density destination committed to the development of sustainable luxury tourism. It features three miles of magnificent white sand beaches, 45 holes of world-class golf, and is home to the first PGA TOUR in the Dominican Republic, establishing itself as a leading resort in the Caribbean.

Dominican Republic: Sargassum combat cabinet seeks solutions

Santo Domingo.- Tourism Minister David Collado assured on Tuesday that the government, the private sector, and universities are working together to minimize the impact of sargassum seaweed on Dominican coasts.

“We are actively seeking short, medium, and long-term solutions to address this problem, which affects not only the Dominican Republic but also many coastal areas,” Collado stated at a meeting of the Sargassum Combat Cabinet.

He confirmed that a strategy is being developed by technicians from the Environment Ministry and other institutions. These teams will meet weekly to create a concrete plan for the country.

Collado also announced a $1 million investment in Dominican universities to strengthen research related to sargassum. He promised to communicate the short-term action plan at a future public meeting.

Miguel Ceara Hatton, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources and coordinator of the Cabinet, explained that they are analyzing all existing research on sargassum. A dedicated team will track the issue daily and report on progress towards solutions within a defined timeframe.

“We are comprehensively evaluating all aspects to ensure research resources are effectively allocated to address this challenge,” Ceara Hatton emphasized. He reported that the Cabinet is drafting a short-term policy to tackle the potential threat of sargassum on Dominican beaches during the months of March and April.

The Sargassum Combat Cabinet is drafting a short-term policy to tackle the potential threat of sargassum on Dominican beaches during the months of March and April. (FILE photo)

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Tourism headquarters, brought together members of the institutions that make up the Cabinet, established by decree of President Luis Abinader.

Cabinet members discussed proposals and reviewed progress and research from other countries in the region regarding sargassum management. David Llibre, president of the Association of Hotels and Tourism (Asonahores), and a representative of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) also participated.

The Sargassum Combat Cabinet was formed last August by President Abinader to propose and coordinate public policies aimed at mitigating the effects of this seaweed on the beaches and coasts of the Greater Caribbean.

The Cabinet comprises the Ministers of Tourism (David Collado), Environment and Natural Resources (Miguel Ceara Hatton, coordinator), and Economy, Planning and Development (Pavel Issa Contreras).

It also includes the executive vice president of the National Council for Climate Change and the Clean Development Mechanism (Max Puig), the commander general of the Dominican Republic Navy (Vice Admiral Agustín Morillo Rodríguez), a representative of the Ministry of the Presidency, and a representative of Asonahores.

Dominican Republic introduces quality seal for medical tourism

Santo Domingo.- The Minister of Public Health and Social Assistance, Víctor Atallah, has introduced the “Seal as a Technical Standard for the substantial improvement of Medical Tourism,” emphasizing the country’s strides in becoming a secure destination for healthcare.

Atallah highlighted that this tool is crafted based on criteria developed for the entire medical tourism value chain. It aims to ensure best practices and patient safety through protocols and standards, enhancing confidence in the Dominican Republic as a preferred destination for health services sought by tourists.

“This seal, available today, adds value to your ongoing efforts for the benefit of the country and enhances our competitiveness in the growing health tourism market,” stated the minister.

He clarified that the Quality Seal in Health Tourism aligns with local licensing and accreditation standards of the Ministry of Public Health, regulations of the Ministry of Tourism, and international ISO standards specialized for medical tourism, validated by numerous countries.

Minister Atallah emphasized the vital role of health in common well-being, asserting the Dominican Republic’s positioning as a major health tourism destination in Latin America.

Alejandro Cambiazo, President of the Health Tourism Association, acknowledged the challenges faced by the country and emphasized that the introduction of a Technical Standard for Medical Tourism represents a significant advancement. It defines quality criteria for the sector, promoting best practices and patient safety.

The Director of the Dominican Institute of Quality, Lorenzo Ramírez, commended the effort behind the initiative, expressing appreciation for Minister Atallah’s decision to adopt the standard. He believes that this step will make history for the Dominican Republic.

Apordom’s January 2024 report: 103 ships dock in the country

Santo Domingo.- In January, the Dominican Republic experienced a significant influx of maritime activity, welcoming a total of 103 ships carrying 319,410 passengers through various ports, as reported by the Dominican Port Authority (Apordom).

Comparing the figures from January 2023 to January 2024, the number of visitors increased from 139,305 to 319,410 passengers, marking a notable percentage variation of 17%.

Analyzing the data provided by the Port Authority, Taino Bay emerged as the busiest port in the initial month of the year, hosting 35 vessels and a total of 121,458 cruise passengers. Among these, 47,122 were arrivals, 74,336 were in transit, 45,391 comprised the crew, and 118 were departures.

Amber Cove secured the second position, receiving 28 vessels and accommodating 120,599 passengers in January. The breakdown included 20,050 arrivals, 100,549 in transit, 38,361 crew members, and 109 departures.

Jean Luis Rodríguez, the Director of the Port Authority, emphasized the significance of this surge in ships arrivals during January. He expressed optimism about the positive impact on the country’s economy, particularly in provinces with tourist ports.

Closing the statement, Rodríguez declared, “We closed the first month of this year with 103 cruises received and 319,821 visitors. Our country will continue to thrive in the world of cruises, and this success will be reflected in every port community.”

Apordom’s report highlighted additional port activities, with La Romana welcoming 18 vessels and hosting 54,151 tourists. Isla Catalina saw approximately five cruise ships with 12,668 visitors, while Samaná and Cabo Rojo received 11,990 and 2,558 visitors, respectively. The inauguration of the San Souci port welcomed 247 passengers.

Terminals boasting the highest vessel traffic included Amber Cove and Taino Bay in Puerto Plata, followed by La Romana, Samaná, and Santo Domingo. President Luis Abinader announced plans for public-private alliances to enhance tourism and job opportunities, specifically mentioning the delivery of Samaná and Arroyo Barril ports in the coming weeks.

Punta Cana, among the top 10 favorites for spring vacations 2024

Punta Cana—Spring Break 2024 is just around the corner, and several travel advisors and industry experts say that some of the most popular spring break spots are already fully booked.

Given the above, among the top 10 favorites and most popular spring break destinations on the 2024 spring break agenda are Caribbean destinations such as Punta Cana (Dominican Republic), Tulum and Los Cabos (Mexico), Jamaica, Maui (Hawaii) and Puerto Rico.

Also, there are many far-flung global destinations generating excitement, such as Europe, Tahiti, Japan, Orlando, Florida, and Norway.

Jim Campbell, travel agent and CEO of Honeymoons.com indicated that nearly two dozen of his clients have opted for Punta Cana getaways this year for spring break.

“Travelers are attracted to the destination’s beautiful beaches and variety of all-inclusive resorts. And that’s not all, resorts here cater to a variety of preferences and offer activities and amenities for every age group. And the prices aren’t bad either,” he detailed.

In addition, the all-inclusive vacation specialist said that “all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana offer excellent value for money, with options to suit different budgets,” according to Travelpulse.

Celebrating Dominican culture at the White House

Washington, US.- The Dominican Embassy in the United States hosted a reception at the White House for the first time, showcasing various aspects of Dominican culture and underscoring the deepening relations between the two nations.

Sonia Guzmán, the Dominican ambassador to the United States, expressed her honor at the White House opening its doors, especially during this month of the Homeland. She emphasized the significance of celebrating ‘Dominicanness’ by presenting elements like gastronomy, music, dances, crafts, national symbols, and other cultural facets.

“This marks the inaugural celebration of the month of the Homeland by the Dominican Embassy within the White House premises, a result of their invitation for us to exhibit the richness of our culture to the public,” stated the diplomat.

The event serves as a testament to how cultural exchanges contribute to fostering friendship, cooperation, and, most importantly, the defense of democratic values—a shared commitment between President Luis Abinader and President Joe Biden. Both leaders agree that this approach is essential for promoting freedom, coexistence, and human rights in both countries.

Dominican legislator Adriano Espaillat emphasized that the gathering highlighted the Biden-Harris administration’s dedication to Latino communities. It preceded an event organized by the congressman, an annual tradition for the past six years, where representatives of the Dominican diaspora tour the Capitol, receive recognition, and this year’s theme is “Dominicans, Breaking Barriers.”

Carlos de la Mota, Vice Minister for Dominican Communities Abroad and Director of the Institute of Dominicans Abroad (Index), noted that such meetings play a crucial role in strengthening ties and showcasing the cultural values of the Dominican Republic.

David Collado affirms resilience of Dominican tourism amidst Haitian crisis

Santo Domingo.- Minister of Tourism, David Collado, unequivocally asserted that the current crisis unfolding in Haiti, marked by a series of anti-government demonstrations resulting in casualties, does not pose a threat to the tourism sector in the Dominican Republic. Despite the tumultuous situation in Haiti, Collado expressed confidence in the resilience of the Dominican tourism industry, highlighting that January witnessed the highest percentage of visitors in the country’s history.

“We have no indications of any decline that could be of concern for tourism in the DR. Tourism remains strong and firm. We have just presented the January numbers, which mark the best January in the history of tourism in the country, and the month of February is already shaping up to be the best February in history,” remarked Collado.

The Minister emphasized that the Dominican Republic’s tourism sector is maintaining its robust performance, showing no signs of faltering amidst the challenges faced by its neighboring nation. He underscored the stability and positive trajectory, dispelling any concerns about the impact of the Haitian crisis on the tourism landscape.

In addition to his insights on the tourism sector, Collado joined the call for international organizations to actively seek and implement concrete solutions to address the complex situation in Haiti. Acknowledging the significance of international cooperation, he stressed the importance of finding sustainable resolutions to the crisis that would benefit both nations.

As the Dominican Republic remains steadfast in its commitment to a thriving tourism industry, Minister Collado’s reassurances and call for international support underscore the interconnectedness of regional stability and the broader implications of crises affecting neighboring countries.

The weight of tourism in the Dominican Republic: US$31.4 million per day in consumption

Santo Domingo—Every day, the coasts, docks, beaches, roads, and businesses are visited by some 231,270 tourists passing through the Dominican Republic.

The Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) estimate also indicates that whether they stay overnight in the country or are just passing through, as is the case of visitors, non-resident foreigners generate expenditures in goods and services six times greater than Dominicans.

Such consumption generates 31.4 million dollars per day in favor of the Dominican economy, according to the data presented by the institution in its monthly report.

For this reason, the technical vice-minister of Tourism, Jacqueline Mora, explained that if the average number of tourists who travel the country daily were multiplied by the level of consumption they have, those more than 231,000 people generate an expenditure equivalent to that of a population of more than 1.2 million individuals.

“That gives a population (…) that does not receive (support from the program) Solidaridad, that are spending distributed throughout the country and that possibly have lower levels of pollution and that do not generate a negative fiscal impact,” he added.

Multiplier effect
Tourism had a robustly positive multiplier effect in 2023: more than 184,000 new jobs were directly linked to this economic activity last year.

Likewise, the sector added to the treasury more than 55,000 million pesos paid in taxes between January and December last year and more than 316,000 million pesos in public purchases, according to Diario Libre.

Last year, the activities of hotels, bars, and restaurants grew 10.7%, with the highest incidence in the national economic growth, which was 2.4% in 2023.

Therefore, authorities expect that 2.3 million tourists will arrive in the country by air in the first quarter of 2024, 11.3 % more than in January-March 2023.

In addition, they estimate that the arrival of 742,229 non-resident foreigners last January -10.3% more than in January 2023- marks an excellent start to meet this forecast.

Banking sector confident Dominican Republic economy will remain resilient in 2024

Santo Domingo—The ABA recognizes that the country has challenges in various external and internal aspects that could be adverse.

The Asociación de Bancos Múltiples de la República Dominicana (ABA) expressed its confidence that the Dominican economy will remain resilient this year in the face of the challenges facing the country in various aspects of national life and international scenarios that could be adverse, depending on markets and geopolitical conflicts.

In its magazine Abance, the guild expressed its optimism before the critical challenges of 2024, a year in which it understands it must continue to “drive the post-pandemic economic recovery process, with controlled inflation and a vibrant economy growing around its potential.”

The second edition of the ABA’s editorial product also describes the multiple banking trends to promote financial inclusion and credit to households and productive sectors in a sustainable manner.

It also includes considerations by economist Henry Hebrard and the executive vice-president of the National Council of Private Enterprise (Conep), César Dargam, who agree in projecting a more significant increase in the Dominican Republic’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) than that achieved in 2023, with an improvement in other macroeconomic and financial indicators.

For economic analyst Hebrard, the Dominican economy may grow by 5.5%. For his part, Dargam also expressed confidence that economic activity will resume its potential growth rate.

The execution of public spending, the course of the presidential, congressional, and municipal elections, the low projection of world growth, and the international geopolitical conflicts are some of the factors that will affect the evolution of the economy this year, they said.

They agree that fiscal reform is one of the biggest unknowns that the administration that takes office next August 16 will have to clear.

ADOZONA forecasts record job growth in DR’s Free Zones for 2024

Santo Domingo, DR.- The Dominican Association of Free Zones (ADOZONA) has released projections indicating significant job growth in 2024, surpassing the historic milestone of 200,000 direct jobs within the country’s free zones.

Luis José Bonilla Bojos, President of ADOZONA, emphasized the sector’s pivotal role in the national economy, recognized as a primary catalyst for growth and development. It makes a substantial contribution, not only in attracting foreign investment and promoting exports but also in directly creating opportunities for society.

“The creation of over 200,000 direct jobs in the free zones signifies a positive impact, not only on the country’s economy but also signifies progress and sustenance for thousands of Dominican families. This achievement fills us with pride and satisfaction,” stated Bonilla Bojos.

Subsectors contributing significantly to job creation include Tobacco and its derivatives, providing 42,341 jobs; services, with 41,322; textile manufacturing, employing 36,647, and medical products and equipment, generating 32,770 jobs.

Currently, there are 820 operational free zone companies and 87 parks. At the national level, the sector contributes over 197,674 direct formal jobs, with more than half occupied by women, exceeding 100,000 jobs and reflecting the sector’s commitment to promoting gender parity.

ADOZONA reiterates its commitment to the sustainable economic development of the Dominican Republic, underscoring the free zone sector’s crucial role as a driver of employment and prosperity.

David Collado and private sector strive to elevate Dominican Republic’s tourism

Santo Domingo.- The Minister of Tourism, David Collado, has declared the country’s commitment to becoming the leading sustainable tourism destination in the region, following the successful achievement of exceeding the 10 million visitor goal.

Collado emphasized a collaborative effort with the private sector to champion environmentally friendly tourism, emphasizing a vision of sustainability. He highlighted concrete actions that will gradually be implemented, including the reduction of plastics in hotels and tourist establishments.

After surpassing the milestone of 10 million visitors and securing the country’s recovery and leadership, Collado announced the decision to position the Dominican Republic as a regional leader and reference for sustainability.

“We need to better organize tourism for the long term from now on,” stated Collado, expressing satisfaction at starting the year with over a million visitors and projecting 2.3 million arrivals in the first quarter.

As part of the sustainability agreement, the promotion of various segments such as gastronomy, ecotourism, sports tourism, and adventure tourism will be encouraged. These promotions will align with environmentally friendly measures in hotels, beaches, and other tourist spaces.

Minister Collado made these statements before participating in the Mercado Change The World Summit 2024 event held at the Intercontinental Real Santo Domingo Hotel.

Cayo Levantado Resort in National Geographic’s ‘Best of the World 2024’

Samana, DR.-  The Cayo Levantado Resort has achieved recognition as one of the world’s best wellness destinations in the National Geographic’s ‘Best of the World 2024’ selection. This annual guide, curated by National Geographic’s global editorial teams, presents the most thrilling and noteworthy travel experiences for the year 2024.

The guide encompasses a diverse range of recommendations, including hotels, restaurants, and wellness retreats, with each establishment serving as a gateway to its destination. The aim is to provide travelers with options that allow for a deeper exploration of culture, history, landscapes, or local life.

Beyond a mere list of suggested travel destinations, this edition features a comprehensive catalog of activity recommendations for each location, offering travelers a wealth of ideas to kick-start their travel planning for 2024.

Courteney Monroe, President of National Geographic Content, expressed, “This year, we wanted to give travelers more ideas than ever to kick-start their 2024 travel planning. We’ve expanded our lists to include hotels, restaurants, or wellness retreats like Cayo Levantado Resort, as well as cultural venues that we think are worth taking a plane for.”

She emphasized that National Geographic is synonymous with the best in travel, adventure, and exploration. The editors aim to share their extensive knowledge across various categories with their global audience.

Remarkable tourist start: over a million visitors in January

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic has kicked off the year 2024 with a significant surge in visitor arrivals, hitting a record-breaking number of 1,063,983 individuals in January, encompassing both air and sea arrivals.

During a meeting with the private sector to present first-quarter projections, Tourism Minister David Collado revealed that the country welcomed 742,229 tourists by air alone in January, marking a 10% increase compared to the same month in 2023. This month marked the first time in the country’s history that the 700,000 tourist barrier for air arrivals was surpassed in January.

Collado also highlighted a new record for cruise passenger arrivals, with 321,754 visitors in the same month, reflecting a 17% growth compared to January 2023.

Combining both air and sea arrivals, the total number of visitors reached 1,063,983 in January. Minister Collado emphasized the achievement, stating, “We did it again, breaking our own records.”

The January 2024 visitor arrivals represent a 41% growth compared to the same month in 2019, a 70% increase from 2022, and an 11% rise from the previous year. Minister Collado predicted that the first quarter of 2024 would conclude with the arrival of 2.3 million tourists.

David Llibre, President of the Hotel and Tourism Association (Asonahores), highlighted that the Dominican Republic has consistently achieved record-breaking tourism arrivals for more than 20 consecutive months, attributing this success to the collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) and the private sector.

MICM celebrates the success of the ‘Made in the Dominican Republic’ seal

Santo Domingo.- Víctor Bisonó, the Minister of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs (MICM), celebrated the remarkable success of the “Made in the Dominican Republic” seal on its first anniversary. The MICM has authorized the use of this seal for 815 products across various sectors, representing 80 industries in the country.

Bisonó, in collaboration with the Association of Industries of the Dominican Republic (AIRD), emphasized the seal’s role in stimulating local production and employment. He lauded President Luis Abinader’s vision of placing production at the core of the Dominican Republic’s sustainable economic development.

Expressing gratitude for the enthusiastic industry support, Bisonó acknowledged substantial investments made by companies to integrate the “Made in the Dominican Republic” seal into their products. The seal has successfully passed internal and external audits and is now part of the MICM’s ISO 9001:2015 Certification, ensuring service excellence.

Juan José Attias, the first vice president of AIRD, highlighted the seal as a tool that uniformly emphasizes the identity and origin of Dominican products, fostering national pride. AIRD has embraced the initiative since its launch, aligning with its goal to enhance the positioning of local products domestically and internationally.

Mario E. Pujols, the executive vice president of AIRD, emphasized the seal’s importance in promoting, defending, and acknowledging the significance of products “Made in the DR” for the country’s sustainable development.

The impact of the “Made in the Dominican Republic” seal is evident in the economic sector, providing 146,658 formal jobs and contributing approximately 9% of private employment from January to November 2023. During the same period, local manufacturing exports reached US$1,409.6 million, equivalent to 12.2% of the country’s total exports.

The commemoration event, supported by AIRD, took place in a hotel in the Dominican capital, featuring a keynote lecture by Ricardo Hausmann from Harvard University on the importance of industrial policies for national development. The event also included a digital gallery showcasing products.

Launched on February 8, 2023, the “Made in the Dominican Republic” seal is a distinctive and coordinated effort by MICM and AIRD, available through the MICM Virtual Window. It is granted voluntarily, free of charge, and is 100% digital.

Soficu Group: sustainable tourism initiative for the Dominican Republic

Madrid, Spain.- The Soficu Group, under the leadership of Dr. Gabriel Serrano Sanmiguel, a distinguished scientist and founder of Laboratorios Sesderma, unveils its investment strategy in the Dominican Republic.

In a gathering hosted at the Real Casino of Madrid, the group disclosed its real estate ventures designed with a sustainable ethos to foster health and green tourism in the Bayahibe and Cumayasa regions.

Emphasizing the significance of a novel tourism model committed to health, the environment, and unparalleled experiences, Dr. Gabriel Serrano underscores Soficu’s mission to create local employment opportunities. The construction approach involves the use of natural materials and traditional methods, preserving the authenticity of the environment. Visitors can indulge in luxurious and integrated services with a strong focus on sustainability.

The comprehensive project encompasses hotel complexes and health and beauty services offered at Dr. Serrano’s clinic in Bayahíbe, providing top-notch treatments for discerning tourists. Soficu’s dedication extends to social initiatives, including support for local dermocosmetic products and the establishment of the Dr. Gabriel Serrano Sanmiguel Foundation and the Sesderma Academy of Arts and Crafts. These initiatives aim to enhance the quality of life and socio-economic well-being of underprivileged Dominicans.

The presentation showcased Soficu’s steadfast commitment to the country, with Dr. Serrano actively collaborating with the Dr. Huberto Bogaert Dominican Institute of Dermatology and endorsing scientific, cultural, and social endeavors. Soficu heralds a radical transformation in the Dominican Republic’s tourism offering, blending Dr. Serrano’s expertise with the natural beauty of the country. This innovative proposal embodies a transformative and sustainable vision, poised to redefine tourism standards in the region.

Official report: Tourism and free trade zones show growth in December 2023

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development released the “Panorama Sectorial” report for December 2023, highlighting positive performances in tourism and free trade zone exports during the past year.

The report specifies that the arrival of non-resident foreigners by air reached 682,691 tourists in December 2023, for an interannual increase of 17.3%, equivalent to 100.6 thousand additional tourists. Throughout 2023, the arrival of tourists by air reached 6.7 million, which is equivalent to an accumulated interannual variation of 15.9%.

Regarding manufacturing, the real value of the demand for manufactured products reached RD$1,345,243.1 million at the end of the year, a value 0.6% higher than that registered the previous year. However, in December it stood at RD$109,413.3 million, for an interannual reduction of 0.3%.

Real exports from free trade zones showed an interannual increase of 11.7% in December 2023. In contrast, exports and local manufacturing operations, in real terms, showed interannual reductions of 17.9% and 2.2%, respectively.

In the accumulated year 2023, real exports from free trade zones stood at RD$311,250.0 million, for an increase of 1.2%, compared to January-December of the previous year. While real exports of local manufacturing showed an accumulated reduction of 17.9% in 2023 compared to the previous year, after reaching RD$65,552.5 million at the end of the year.

The report also indicates that the value of agricultural exports was US$47.1 million in December 2023, equivalent to an interannual reduction of 9.3%. At the end of the year, accumulated agricultural exports totaled US$784.0 million, for an interannual variation of -6.3%.

Regarding the construction sector, the direct cost index for the construction of housing (ICDV) stood at 220.4 in December 2023, for a monthly variation of 2.4% and an accumulated variation of -1.8%.

In December 2023, a total of 2,300,030 workers were registered as active in the Dominican Social Security System (SDSS), which translates into an accumulated variation of 1.3%, compared to December 2022. The number of formal jobs registered an increase of 1.2% compared to December 2022. In turn, multiple employment showed an interannual decrease of 1.2%.

Regarding salaries, the global index of personnel and remunerations showed an interannual increase of 6.5 points, going from 103.6 to 110.1. In this period, the global index of active workers in the economic sectors showed an expansion of 1.3%, while the global index of salaries in the economic sectors, in real terms, increased to a greater extent (7.7%). This translates into an average real salary higher than that observed in December 2022.

For more information, see the full report “Panorama sectorial” published by the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development.

Collado secures a deal for four weekly flights from Italy to La Romana

Santo Domingo.- The Minister of Tourism, David Collado, has inked an agreement with Alpitour directors, ensuring the continuity of four weekly direct flights from Italy to La Romana and expressing intentions to introduce a new route from France.

Expressing gratitude for their confidence in the country, Collado remarked, “Thank you very much for believing in our country and ratifying this agreement for four weekly flights to the Dominican Republic.”

The signing ceremony involved Gabriele Burgio, the executive president of Alpitour, along with officials from La Romana Airport and the Civil Aviation Board (JAC), including José E. Marte Piantini and Héctor Porcella from the Civil Aviation Institute (IDAC).

Burgio acknowledged the honor of the opportunity, stating, “We have been flying to the Dominican Republic for many years with direct flights, and we will continue to do so now with four, and who knows if we will be able to increase them in the future.”

Dominican Republic: a rising hub for Microchip investments

Washington, DC.- The Dominican Republic is gaining recognition as a prospective investment hub for the global semiconductor and printed circuit board industry, specifically in the realm of microchip assembly, testing, and packaging (ATP).

The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), a prominent think tank for emerging technology sectors based in Washington, DC, has released a feasibility study assessing the country’s potential participation in the semiconductor value chain. The study suggests that the Dominican Republic possesses the necessary conditions to become a strategic player in emerging technology industries.

Semiconductors, often referred to as the “new oil of the modern economy,” are integral components of advanced technologies.

Victor Ito Bisonó, the Minister of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs, visited Washington, DC, to conclude an agenda that included the unveiling of the feasibility study at the ITIF headquarters.

This event signifies a significant step in the government’s efforts, led by President Luis Abinader, to diversify the economy, ascend the value chain of advanced technologies, and generate new and improved employment opportunities within the country. As one of the primary investment destinations in the region, the Dominican Republic offers a conducive environment for investments in the semiconductor industry and the microchip assembly, testing, and packaging (ATP) sector.

The Dominican Republic is actively establishing avenues for international cooperation to facilitate workforce training, in collaboration with institutions such as Infotep, ITLA, Educa, and other universities. Additionally, the country is investing in research and innovation programs focused on the manufacturing of advanced electronics.

Minister Bisonó, accompanied by business associations including Conep, AIRD, Adozona, Amcham, and media representatives, participated in the presentation of the ITIF report. The speakers included officials from the CHIPS Office of the United States Department of Commerce, representatives of multinational technology companies, industry associations, and experts.

The feasibility study is anticipated to underscore the Dominican Republic’s significant potential in this favorable context, positioning the country as a crucial investment destination and a key partner in the semiconductor industry in a relatively short timeframe.

With the CHIPS Act and the substantial investments announced in the sector, the United States is expected to experience an unprecedented boom in chip manufacturing. The Dominican Republic aims to position itself as a close and reliable alternative for these processes, especially considering the limited number of assembly, testing, and packaging (ATP) facilities in Latin America.

Cabo Rojo’s airport construction is set for March

Santo Domingo.- Sigmund Freund, the director of DGAPP, has revealed that the Cabo Rojo International Airport, situated in Oviedo, is set to break ground in the first week of March 2024. He emphasized that this development marks a significant step in closing the essential circle for tourism growth in the region.

Freund also highlighted the notable progress in ongoing projects in Cabo Rojo, particularly the advancement of the first three hotels under construction. He mentioned that these hotels are making substantial progress in their execution.

The first hotel, set to be operated by the Spanish hotel chain Iberostar, is projected to partially open before the year’s end. The other two hotels are scheduled to commence operations in the first half of 2025.

Regarding the infrastructure, including access roads and the Pedernales-Enriquillo highway, Freund assured that certain sections are already paved. He stated that work is proceeding according to the timeline, aiming to complete these projects in the shortest possible time.

Universal Aviation and Aerodom plan new hangar construction at Puerto Plata Airport

Santo Domingo.- Universal Aviation and Aeropuertos Dominicanos Siglo XII sponsored by Banreservas and the Punta Bergantín Trust, have joined forces to manage the Puerto Plata private flights terminal (FBO). This collaboration involves significant investments to align the facility with the renowned world-class service standards of Universal Aviation.

Danilo Rosario Jiménez, the Director of Universal Aviation in the country, expressed pride in the agreement, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing the user experience at the Puerto Plata FBO. As of February, during the remodeling and construction of a new hangar, they plan to introduce exclusive concierge services, valet parking, Barista coffee, a buffet, and a signature menu for air catering. Additional amenities include covered luggage carts, mini-van transfers to the aircraft, and high-speed internet on the ramp.

This partnership strengthens the existing successful relationship between Universal Aviation and Aerodom, as Universal Aviation has previously managed the La Isabela airport terminal.

Fabien Gourdon, Chief Commercial Officer of Aerodom, highlighted the response to the increasing demand from high-profile clients in Puerto Plata. He noted the success of Universal Aviation’s operations at the La Isabela Airport in Santo Domingo, expressing confidence that the company will bring the same world-class standards to Puerto Plata.

The North coast of the country, encompassing destinations such as Puerto Plata, La Isabela, Sosúa, Cabarete, Gaspar Hernández, Río San Juan, and Cabrera, has experienced a resurgence with the development of prominent tourism projects, including the Aman Group, and new investments like Punta Bergantín, aiming to establish itself as a leading hub for hospitality, business, and leisure in the region.