Puerto Plata Announces Increase in Visitor Arrivals, Tourism Developments and Cultural Offerings

SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, April 19, 2018 -- Representatives from Dominican Republic’s Puerto Plata Tourism Cluster (CTDPP) highlighted the region’s trending visitor arrivals and hotel projects at the 2018 Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (DATE) conference. Most notably, cruise arrivals to Amber Cove increased 20 percent compared to 2016, welcoming 490,873 passengers in 2017. It was also noted that Amber Cove anticipates welcoming 700,000-plus cruise passengers this year.

Downtown Puerto Plata, Nick Argires on behalf of Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism

Dominican Republic experienced unprecedented growth in Q1 of 2018, recording a 7.7 percent growth, and Puerto Plata is on track to exceed visitor arrivals this year, thanks to additional flights. Several routes have been added to Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP) including Apple Vacations’ non-stop weekly routes from Pittsburgh; American Airlines is adding five additional routes from Charlotte, North Carolina; and additional routes have been added from Canada, Warsaw, Poland and other destinations. In 2017, POP experienced nearly a 10 percent growth of air passenger arrival.

To meet the growing tourism demand, the region will see the following developments and renovations to completion this year. These include but are not limited to: $40M Emotions by Hodelpa and recently renovated Victoria Atmosphere in Playa Dorada, Presidential Suites and Sol de Plata Garden in Cabarete, and Amanera in Playa Grande.

CTDPP announced it will host the country’s first ever Dominican Rum Festival July 6–7 at the Puerto Plata Amphitheatre located in La Puntilla. The event will celebrate Dominican’s rum heritage and offer seminars, workshops and tastings, in addition to a concert the group recently unveiled with the performance of the stellar singer Gilberto Santa Rosa.  

Year after year Puerto Plata continues to see an increase in tourism, due to its picturesque beaches and action-packed offerings. In 2017, Puerto Plata welcomed 60,000 tourists to its region which boasts 16 diverse tourism avenues including family, adventure, wellness and other trends in areas such as Cabarete, Sosúa, Punta Rucia, San Felipe and more.

In addition to the offerings above, Puerto Plata is home to a series of exclusive golf competitions, such as the second annual Puerto Plata Open, a PGA Tour qualifier held May 14–20 and the Puerto Plata Golf Classic, among others. These announcements will continue to establish Dominican Republic as the leading Caribbean destination for U.S. vacationers.

The group also shared its latest statistics and pending improvements:

• 5,000 average cruise visitors arrive weekly to Puerto Plata
• 30 new businesses openings in Puerto Plata’s historical center
• 13 successful events in 2017 at Puerto Plata Amphitheatre
• One new convention center in Playa Dorada, set to open summer 2018

CTDPP also shared its tourism conference Discover Puerto Plata Marketplace will focus on gastronomy, boasting the flavors of Dominican Republic. The event is set to return October 3 – 5.

This year’s DATE conference was held April 11 – 13 at the Bávaro Convention Center in Punta Cana.

For more information on Dominican Republic and Puerto Plata, visit www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.

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About Dominican Republic
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the north and the Caribbean Sea on the south, our lush tropical and paradisiacal country boasts nearly 1,000 miles of coastline, magnificent resorts and hotels, and a variety of sports, recreation and entertainment options. Here you can dance to the pulse pounding thrill of the merengue, renew in our luxurious and diverse accommodations, explore ancient relics of centuries past, delight in delicious Dominican gastronomy or enjoy ecotourism adventures in our magnificent national parks, mountain ranges, rivers and beaches.

Known for our warm and hospitable people, Dominican Republic is a destination like no other, featuring astounding nature, intriguing history and rich cultural experiences like music, art and festivals, plus uniquely Dominican specialties such as cigars, rum, chocolate, coffee, merengue, amber and larimar.

Dominican Republic features the best beaches, fascinating history and culture, and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families alike.  Visit Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism’s official website at: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.

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Annie Holschuh
Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism
(414) 247-2140
[email protected]