Santo Domingo’s Colonial City attracts 14% of tourists visiting the Dominican Republic

The Colonial City of Santo Domingo now attracts an average of 14% of tourists arriving in the Dominican Republic each month, Tourism Minister David Collado said as he delivered the rehabilitation of two streets in the historic district.

Collado said the figure reflects a significant increase in the area’s popularity, noting that the share of visitors has doubled from about 7% in previous years to the current 14%.

The government is also working to expand the Colonial City’s tourism appeal, including plans to bring cruise tourism projects to the historic district. New infrastructure and urban improvements are expected to further strengthen the area as a major attraction for international visitors.

Collado said ongoing projects in the Colonial City are expected to be completed by December. He acknowledged that the scale of the work has caused some disruption but said authorities have sought to coordinate the projects as efficiently as possible.

The Ministry of Tourism has completed RD$468 million in projects in the area, including improvements to the Gate of Mercy, the Alcázar de Colón, more than 12 church facades and the National Pantheon.

More than RD$250 million has also been invested in sidewalks, curbs and paving, while the broader rehabilitation program includes RD$500 million from the Ministry of Tourism and US$90 million from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).