Tourism again achieved record levels in April, reaching the arrival of 626,010 non-resident visitors , “which constitutes the best April in the history of the Dominican Republic”.
This was revealed by Tourism Minister David Collado, who said that this growth represents 13% above April 2018, 7% above April 2019 and 91% more than the same month in 2021.
“The recovery of tourism is a reality. We did it again. The growth we achieved in April is unprecedented. It is the best April in the history of Dominican tourism,” said Minister Collado when presenting the numbers recorded by the industry last month.
Among non-resident foreigners, tourist arrivals were 513,195, which represented a growth of 2% over April 2019 and 5% more 2018, while non-resident Dominicans were listed with 112,815, 77% higher than April 2019 and 41% over the same month of 2018.
Of that number of tourists, 60% arrived through Punta Cana airport, 23% through Las Americas, 11% through Santiago, 5% through Puerto Plata and the remaining 2% through other air terminals.
Collado said that the occupancy by tourist zone has improved notoriously in the different destinations of the country.
In poles like Bávaro-Punta Cana, the occupancy went from 48% to 79%, while in La Romana-Bayahíbe the increase was from 48% to 85%.
Other destinations also registered this increase. Occupancy in Samaná is 66%, 61% in Greater Santo Domingo, 60% in Puerto Plata and 55% in Santiago, among others.
Minister Collado also highlighted the increase in the arrival of cruise passengers in April, “which has a direct impact on the population where the ships arrive”.
He reported that in April 129,440 people visited the country by sea through the different ports operating in Puerto Plata, La Romana and Samaná, among others.
“Something we must highlight, in addition to these extraordinary numbers for April, is the satisfaction expressed by those who visit us,” said Collado.
He expressed that more than 93% assured that they would return to vacation in the country.
The official assured that he will continue to work hand in hand with ASONAHORES and the other members of the Tourism Cabinet and predicted that this year will close with the historic figure of more than 7,000,000 non-resident visitors.
Minister Collado acknowledged the joint work with the different tourism actors of the private sector, who were represented by the National Association of Hotels and Tourism (ASONAHORES).