Dominican Republic Announces Key 2018 Travel Trends and Initiatives
Apr 24, 2018
SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, April 20, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Leading tourism operators have declared family travel, authentic experiences and luxury are trending niches for 2018. Industry experts at this year’s Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (DATE) conference announced several initiatives that will support these trends and exceed tourist’s expectations throughout the country by years end.
Eighty percent of all visits to Dominican Republic’s protected areas are by foreigners, and once again Colonial City ranked number two –after Isla Saona, amongst the most visited attractions. This trend confirms that visitors are increasingly looking to explore beyond the beaches – and tourism operators have taken note.
At this year’s DATE, Best Day (BD) Travel shared its remarkable growth, in 2017 BD served 79,500 passengers transporting tourists to the country’s lush North Coast, cosmopolitan Santo Domingo, luxurious Punta Cana and the unexplored Southwest. As a direct result of its growth BD celebrated its second office in Santo Domingo which opened in December 2017 to support its 20% growth rate for 2018. The company has projects under way in Puerto Plata, in addition to launching a Dominican version of its successful proprietary services app., all by Q4 2018.
From romance for two, to a luxurious family soiree, Dominican Republic offers a world-class portfolio of destinations perfect for every traveler, now more accessible than ever.
In 2018 Dominican Republic will see major road renovations including the East Region Road Circuit, which contributes to nearly 80% of all tourism income.
In the Southwest, an expansion is in the works which will connect Santo Domingo to the booming Southwest. This development will increase connection between the capital city and the up-and-coming touristic areas of Barahona, Baní and Pedernales. The additional transportation opportunities will also enhance access to the hundreds of pending hotel rooms to the country in areas such as, Boca Chica, Cap Cana, including the following, but not limited, properties:
– Terrazas de Juan Dolio, a $40 million luxury project in Juan Dolio is set for completion in 2019
– The $195 million Puntarena Tourism Project in Los Corbanitos, Baní – completion for the condos, hotels among other offerings has yet to be unveiled
– In Barahona, the Perla del Sur tourism development will create 1,200 rooms through multiple stages in the coming years. The first stage, a hotel “La Casita” and “La Casita Village” a series of boutique hotels, all featuring an eco-friendly design. The final phase will unveil a marina and convention center to its extensive real estate offerings of apartments and private bungalows.
These expanded offerings complement tourists yearning desire to experience multiple destinations allowing for culinary exploration, beachside retreats, aquatic adventure and much more, all in one trip.
This year’s DATE conference was held April 11 – 13 at the Bávaro Convention Center in Punta Cana. DATE welcomes international tourism operators and professionals to discuss business plans for the year with 150 of the country’s leading tourism suppliers.
To learn more about Dominican Republic and how you can incorporate this year’s travel trends into your trip, 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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