The arrival of tourists by sea to the Dominican Republic has been recovering after a pause period due to the restrictions imposed by the countries to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and that limited the arrival of foreigners.
The Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) recorded that, in March of this 2022, 41 ships arrived in the country from different parts of the world with 131,234 passengers, some 128,946 cruise passengers more than those who arrived in the same month of 2021, when the number of people was of 2,288.
The flow of visitors who used boats to travel to the country, during the first quarter of this 2022, was higher at the end of March. During January and February, 90,234 and 96,644 tourists arrived, which, added to the visitors of March, total 318,112.
First quarter 2022
318,112
On average, 85% of non-resident travelers were foreigners and the rest Dominicans. In that order, and according to the Mitur daily report, on March 26 the largest number of people arrived during that month: about 23,757.
Maritime operations have maintained a gradual growth rate, with the ports Amber Cove and Taíno Bay, both in Puerto Plata, receiving the largest number of ships in the first quarter of this year.
The evolution of this type of tourism, after the adversities that the country has faced, has been satisfactory and promises to continue evolving over time, said the Minister of Tourism, David Colladoreceiving an award in recognition of the cruise tourism in the country.
The day before yesterday, the Florida and Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) highlighted the maritime tourism activity of the Dominican Republic, acknowledging the efforts being made in the country to have properly equipped ports to receive tourists.
Collado assured that the figures will continue to increase because the Government will encourage the country to be an attractive destination for cruise tourism due to the natural benefits that the island possesses.
In its beginnings, cruise tourism was used more by the segment of the population that had greater purchasing power. Over the years, this attractive way of traveling has become popular, impacting the country’s economy.
DR will host the Cruise Federation
Just over two years ago, in April 2020, the Dominican authorities closed the ports nationwide, pausing maritime tourism activity as a strategy to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. But in September the country will host the meeting of the World Cruise Federation, informed the Minister of Tourism.
Collado exposed the details during his participation in the Cruise Fair in Miami, in which the Dominican Republic participates and through which it seeks to promote this type of activity in the country.
