Dominican Republic advances regional development as tourism and exports hit records

Santiago de los Caballeros.- Regional development, infrastructure and economic growth were highlighted this week as the Dominican government advanced projects aimed at attracting investment, creating jobs and expanding opportunities outside Santo Domingo.

According to Félix Reyna, director of the Directorate of Strategy and Government Communication (Diecom), projects in Manzanillo, Punta Bergantín, Cabo Rojo and Miches are supporting infrastructure, productive activity, technical training and employment.

In Santiago, the 13-kilometer monorail, with 14 stations, is scheduled to begin trial operations in October and will connect with the cable car, bus corridors and bicycle network. The integrated fare is expected to be RD$35.

The region is also receiving infrastructure investments, including approximately RD$9 billion for the Cibao Central Aqueduct, while another RD$1.7 billion is being evaluated to strengthen Santiago’s hospital infrastructure.

Tourism and exports hit records

The Dominican Republic welcomed a record 8,556,415 visitors by air and sea from January through August 2026, an increase of 6.9% compared with the same period in 2025.

Exports also reached a record US$10.56 billion during the first eight months of the year, up 11.4% year over year, with raw gold accounting for US$2.02 billion.

Meanwhile, the government approved the 2027 General State Budget Bill, totaling RD$2.04 trillion, with priorities including education, health, infrastructure, productivity and institutional development.

On the international front, President Luis Abinader traveled to New York to participate in the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where he is scheduled to hold high-level meetings and promote issues of interest to the Dominican Republic.