US$1.6B in tourism projects pending approval: Official

Punta Cana.- Tourism deputy minister Radhames Martinez on Wednesday announced 33 new permits issued to build 3,000 hotel rooms and related projects at a cost of US$400.0 million, and pending approval for 11 new projects at a cost of US$1.6 billion.

He said Dominican Republic received 1.5 million visitors in the first quarter, a 7.4% growth, “resulting from several public-private sector policies struggling to improve and develop the sector.”

The official also revealed that new projects for the south region will be announced in the next 60 days, which he affirms will greatly boost the region.

Speaking during the 16th annual Dominican Tourism Exchange (DATE), Martinez said that in addition to the works in the Colonial Zone, set to conclude in June, boutique hotels are being built to complement the Santo Domingo’s tourism offer.