Santo Domingo.- Yomaris Macdonald, the acting Consul General of the United States in the Dominican Republic, emphasized that the DR stands out as a highly secure tourist destination, attributing the recent surge in US visitors to the country’s safety record.
Highlighting the strong partnership between the DR and the United States, Macdonald underscored collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing security in tourist hotspots. He mentioned conducting a series of training sessions in Punta Cana, Santiago, Las Terrenas, and other areas in conjunction with the Tourist Police (Politur) and the prosecutor’s office to ensure the safety of US citizens visiting the Dominican Republic.
In February, an agreement was signed among the United States Consulate, Politur, and the Hotel and Tourism Association of the Dominican Republic (Asonahores) to reinforce relations and establish a protocol for managing incidents involving US citizens, alongside facilitating prompt information exchange about US tourists in the country.
Macdonald stressed the significance of such measures, particularly as more Americans are venturing beyond their hotels to explore the country independently, often encountering challenges such as medical emergencies, petty theft, or scams, notably through dating apps.
For assistance, offices have been set up in Puerto Plata and Punta Cana to aid Americans, though they do not offer consular services, only emergency assistance.
It is noteworthy that the United States ranks as the top source of tourists for the Dominican Republic, with over four million American tourists visiting each year. In 2023, Americans accounted for 47% of non-resident tourists, marking a 22% growth. In March 2024 alone, the United States contributed 49% of tourists.