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BiggerThe Dominican Republic is experiencing a flight boom despite high ticket prices.
The Dominican Republic is taking firm steps to diversify its tourism offerings, not only in luxury tourism but also in cultural, culinary, sports, eco-friendly, shopping, and convention tourism.
Despite the challenges, said Tourism Minister David Collado, the Dominican Republic is receiving more than 6,500 flights per month with an occupancy rate of around 80%.
However, high airfare prices are making it less competitive, so air connectivity needs to be strengthened. Collado expressed this opinion while participating in the 37th Asonahores Trade Show, held at Blue Mall Punta Cana.
In a speech, the official asserted that the opening of more direct flights from the Dominican Republic to several cities in the United States will foster competition, something he believes is necessary to lower ticket prices, according to El Dinero.
Collado explained that tourists choose destinations with competitive prices. He recalled that a group of 10 Dominicans canceled their trip to Punta Cana and went to another destination because airfare to the Dominican Republic cost US$1,300, while the other destination only cost US$300. That is, the price of a single airfare to Quisqueya was four times higher than the price to the other destination.
This needs to be a focus of the government, especially in POP. While building is exploding from Cabarete to Bergatin, you can’t afford to fly in. Forget about family visiting g from the US during Christmas, as well. They need to look beyond just expansion of flights to Punta Cana. This is a huge barrier to growth in the North coast area.
Very expensive airfare.. it’s more understandable if these prices are solely designated for tourist areas, but a one-way $1,600 ticket to New York is ridiculous. It’s good to see the government recognizing this issue and pushing for solutions. Hopefully, we’ll see improvements soon..