The Minister of Tourism, David Collado, informed that “6.9 million tourists are projected to come in 2023: from Canada, the United States and Latin America”.
The arrival of tourists would generate gross foreign exchange of at least US$7.9 billion, as well as US$5 billion in net foreign exchange, 7% of the country’s fiscal income and more than 70,000 occupied rooms, according to Mitur estimates.
Collado indicated that travel agencies or tour operators in the Americas represent 9% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), as they have been responsible for sending tourists to Dominican soil.
“For our country tourism is not sun, beach and piña colada. For our country it is the main industry: it represents 15% of the GDP; more than 899 thousand Dominicans live from this sector, directly and indirectly, according to the WTTC -World Travel & Tourism Council-“, he expressed.
The Minister of Tourism gave the details during the launching of the first global loyalty program: “DO Travel Rewards”, which aims to massify the entry of foreigners to the Dominican Republic, with the collaboration of hundreds of international travel agencies.
The plan was also presented by President Luis Abinader, who after taking the stage in front of some 500 travel agents said: “This innovation is the first loyalty system that a country has in the world”, as reported by the local press.
“Thanks to you (tour operators) and to the joint work with us, we are going to make it a great success and at the same time we are going to show our gratitude for the loyalty, for the fidelity, that you have had for years to bring tourists to our country”, said the president.
Source: Arecoa
