Pedernales: key tourism hub transforming the South

Pedernales.- After decades of neglect, Pedernales is set to become a world-class tourism destination, driving economic growth across the Southern Region. The province is expected to replicate the success of Punta Cana, La Romana, and Puerto Plata, creating thousands of jobs and reducing poverty. Hecmilio Galván, director of the Special Fund for Agricultural Development, emphasized that this transformation will be President Luis Abinader’s most significant legacy, with Pedernales now attracting major investments.

Government initiatives include the construction of over 13 hotels, an international airport, a four-lane highway, and a border wall. Key projects such as the Cabo Rojo Airport, Cruise Port, Paseo Marítimo, and fishing pier are already boosting the local economy. Infrastructure improvements also include wastewater treatment plants, sports facilities, and road expansions, while social programs focus on education, small business support, and municipal upgrades—surpassing the initial budget by over 80%.

Additionally, more than 3,000 hotel rooms are under development, and agriculture remains a priority, with investments in cocoa, coffee, banana, and coconut plantations, as well as livestock and goat farming. The government remains committed to sustained engagement with local communities, ensuring that Pedernales becomes a model for regional development and economic transformation.