The Dominican Republic recently broke its all time record for the highest number of tourist arrivals into the country. The Caribbean nation, which has long since been a favorite destination for travelers from the US and Canada, welcomed a record-breaking number of travelers into the country last month in the wake of the global pandemic.
With the country recently having removed all of its Covid-19 related entry requirements, the record could well be broken again throughout the summer. Here’s a closer look at all of the details of the country’s record-breaking tourism month, plus a recap of recently-added new flight routes to the Dominican Republic that are set to make travel to the country even more accessible.
Record-Breaking Travel – Information For Travelers
Whilst the pandemic might have changed many things about the way we travel, some things have remained the same – and the popularity of the Dominican Republic is one of them. The sixth most popular international destination for Americans in 2019 and recently revealed as the fifth most in-demand destination for Americans this year, the island’s stunning beaches, top hospitality and close proximity to the US has proved irresistible once more for travelers in 2022.
Last month, the Dominican Republic welcomed 626,000 travelers, marking the first time the island had received more than 600,000 travelers in a calendar month and representing a 91% increase compared to April 2021. Most travelers arrived by plane, but a sizable contingent of 129,000 cruise ship passengers also visited the country, with the return of the cruise industry warmly welcomed across the Caribbean after months of inactivity and uncertainty. American travelers were the most popular, representing 40% of all arrivals, but plenty of Canadian travelers have also been taking the trip down south.
The record is looking increasingly like it will be broken again this year. Not only has the Dominican Republic recently removed all of its Covid-19 restrictions – making it more appealing to travelers – but the ongoing renovation of Punta Cana airport will see the country able to cope with the increased demand it is currently facing. Around 60% of April’s arrivals entered through Punta Cana airport, whilst the capital’s Las Américas International Airport welcomed 23% of the country’s visitors.
Huge traveler numbers may spell costly hotel bookings, but with plenty of worthy places to visit in the country, finding the right hotel shouldn’t prove too difficult. More and more destinations in the Dominican Republic are being connected with the US, with Frontier launching new flights from Tampa to Punta Cana and Santo Domingo that will start from the end of June. March also saw American Airlines add flights between Miami and Samaná, whilst the low-cost Canadian airline Swoop also added flights between Toronto and Punta Cana. With these new additions on top of existing flight routes, North American travelers have plenty of options when it comes to visiting the Dominican Republic.
Travelers looking for something different can also visit the Dominican Republic on a range of different cruises. Top cruise companies Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Carnival each include stops in the Dominican Republic on a variety of different cruise options, ranging from 7 nights to ten nights.
Speaking about the record-breaking month, David Callado, the Dominican tourism minister, said:
“The recovery of international travel is a reality. We’ve done it again. The recorded growth in April is an achievement without precedents. It’s the best April in the history of tourism in our country.”
Impressively, the country is welcoming record numbers whilst keeping standards high, with 93% of all travelers stating they would recommend the island to others or visit it again. With such figures reported despite the huge crowds, high hotel rates and packed beaches, the country looks set to enjoy greater traveler numbers for the foreseeable future.
