Santo Domingo.- Nearly six million visitors arrived in the Dominican Republic in the first half of this year, marking steady growth in the tourism sector.
Minister of Tourism David Collado announced that in June alone, the country received 758,719 tourists by air, which is 7% more than the same month in 2023, 17% more than in 2022, and 39% more than in 2019. He also noted growth in arrivals by sea, with 165,017 cruise passengers visiting in June, reflecting an increase of 15% compared to last year, 111% compared to 2022, and 182% compared to 2019.
From January to June, the country received 4,474,981 tourists, a growth of 9% compared to the same period in 2023, 26% compared to 2022, and 31% compared to 2019. Additionally, the first six months saw 1,473,642 cruise passengers, registering growth of 16% compared to 2023, 166% compared to 2022, and 159% compared to 2019. This brings the total number of visitors to 5,950,726, representing an 11% increase from the first half of 2023, 45% from 2022, and 43% from 2019. Collado predicts the country will receive 11.4 million visitors by year-end, with hotel occupancy at 72% despite the low season. He also highlighted the positive impact of the open skies agreement on tourism.