Dominican Republic to add over 9,000 hotel rooms

Miches, DR.- The Dominican Republic is undertaking a transformative tourism development plan that promises to revolutionize the industry in the coming years.

Nineteen new hotel investments are projected over the next three years, adding a total of 9,135 rooms with an estimated investment of $2.936 million. Of these projects, five are being constructed in Miches, El Seibo province, expected to generate around 4,500 direct jobs and 9,500 indirect jobs, according to David Llibre, president of the Hotels and Tourism Association of the Dominican Republic (Asonahores).

Currently, Miches has two operational hotels generating 1,600 direct and 3,700 indirect jobs. The new projects will create additional employment and bring a host of benefits, including housing for employees, infrastructure improvements, environmental initiatives, and better waste management.

“The projects in Miches represent approximately 1,500 rooms, with notable developments such as the luxury hotel Zemí, led by businessman Frank Elías Rainieri, which is scheduled to open next October with 500 rooms,” Llibre added.

The opening of a hotel from the Hyatt chain and another from Viva Wyndham Resorts is also anticipated, with the latter’s first phase including 500 rooms.

Minister of Tourism David Collado emphasized the significance of these projects for developing new tourist centers in the country, according to Diario Libre. He explained that under the El Seibo-Miches Hotel and Tourism Association (Promiches) platform, seven hotel and real estate projects in Miches are expected to add over 3,000 hotel rooms and 1,624 residential units in the coming years. During the construction phase, these projects are estimated to generate around 10,000 direct jobs, with an additional 6,000 direct jobs during operation.

Collado highlighted three strategic points: promoting luxury tourism to elevate the country brand, developing convention tourism, and diversifying sports and gastronomic tourism, along with new projects in Miches and Punta Bergantín. These initiatives aim to strengthen the Dominican Republic’s position as a leading tourist destination in the region.

President Luis Abinader underscored Miches’ potential as one of the most impressive tourist destinations in the country, indicating a promising future for the region.

Additionally, the Government is advancing the Cabo Rojo-Pedernales Tourism Development Project in Pedernales. This project is planned in four phases over up to 20 years, with an estimated $2.245 million investment for the first phase. Upon completion, the southern part of the country will offer 12,000 hotel rooms, an international airport, commercial and residential areas, and restaurants.

As of March 2024, the tourism sector employed 202,954 people with an average salary of 26,000 pesos, primarily in La Altagracia, the National District, Puerto Plata, Santiago, and Santo Domingo. The sector has also significantly contributed to tax revenues, with a 23% increase compared to the previous year.