High airfares persist as the main obstacle to tourism in the Domincan Republic

Despite reaching an essential record in February 2024 with the arrival of 1,057,216 visitors, the Dominican tourism sector faces significant challenges that require urgent attention.

The official identified the main challenges as air connectivity and the cost of airline tickets. Despite the notable growth in visitor arrivals by air, with 755,832 in February alone, the high cost of flights continues to be an obstacle for many potential travelers. Tourism Minister David Collado emphasized the need to address this problem to ensure sustainable growth in the tourism industry.

The second major challenge is the shortage of hotel rooms. With growing demand, the country needs approximately 30,000 additional rooms to meet the needs of tourists. Although some 16,000 rooms are under construction, with an investment of US$9 billion, much remains to be done to close this gap and ensure a quality lodging experience for all visitors.

When analyzing the reasons for travel in February 2024, various activities attracting visitors to the country can be observed. Sports, at 4.4%; visiting friends, at 4.5%; business travel, at 4.4%; weddings, at 4.3%; and medical consultations, at 4.4%, represent some of the most common reasons for traveling to the Dominican Republic during this period.

Despite these challenges, Dominican tourism continues to demonstrate its resilience and attractiveness. Collado expressed optimism about the sector’s future, highlighting the continued growth in tourist arrivals and projecting that the country will receive more than 11 million visitors by the end of the year.

According to El Caribe, other aspects of Dominican tourism are also undergoing significant changes.

Regarding air connectivity, a total of 5,873 flights were recorded in Dominican airspace during February 2024, representing a 15 percent increase over the previous year. The increase in air activity underscores the importance of addressing the issue of airfare costs and improving air accessibility as priorities to strengthen the country’s tourism sector further.

Historical data on non-resident visitor arrivals by air provide a broader picture of the evolution of tourism in the Dominican Republic.

An arithmetic review and community impact
In February 2024, the country received 755,832 visitors by air, compared to 604,977 in 2020, 198,485 in 2021, 566,235 in 2022, and 661,099 in 2023. These figures show an upward trend in the flow of tourists and highlight the importance of addressing current challenges to maintain this positive growth. On the other hand, the economic impact of tourism on local communities across the country is cited.