The Caribbean island is an oasis of wonder and safety to such an extent that tourism has truly been reborn: how and why
A true paradise to which we can't wait to return is the Dominican Republic, a destination recognized internationally for its excursions in naturalistic contexts of great beauty, the rich culture, the numerous services and the temperate climate, perfect throughout the year. A Caribbean destination that has always been loved and above all an island where the tourism is truly being reborn.
The Ministry of Tourism made it known Dominican Republic (MITUR) which recently revealed i data on the recovery of international tourism towards the Caribbean destination between the months of February and March. The good news on this topic is that in March of this year alone, the country received visits from 263.857 non-resident foreign passengers. A value that leads to growth of 56% compared to February 2021 and a + 3,4 % compared to 2020. It is worth specifying, however, that over 70% of these arrivals concern American tourists. And the reason is quite simple: for Italy, but also for some European countries, the ban on reaching the island for tourist reasons still remains.
But it doesn't end here, again in March 2021 this Paradise on Earth was reached by a total of 3.142 flights of one hundred different airlines belonging to over forty countries around the world. A figure that shows an increase of 39% compared to February 2021. While in the last week of March the occupancy of arriving flights reached (for the first time) levels similar to the pre-pandemic period. A great success also with regards to flight bookings, since the seven main airlines operating in the country recorded an increase expected for the second quarter of the year.
And to confirm this continuously growing trend in the Dominican Republic there are also other indicators: hotel occupancy and flight and room bookings. Very important sectors in which, in the last week of March, the attendance rate reached 70,6%, the highest figure in the last twelve months.
The five main tourist destinations in the country (La Romana, Bayahibe, Punta Cana, Samana, Puerto Plata) recorded occupancy rates above 68%. While the number of room reservations as of April 1, 2021 it is even (and almost incredibly) higher than in the years before the crisis. In particular, the volume of room sales per night for stays in the next 30 days has reached historical highs for Punta Cana and La Romana – Bayahíbe.
All this is certainly a clear sign that the tourism strategy adopted by the Dominican Republic is having a real success. And it was also stated by the Tourism Minister David Collado, who I underlined that the main objective "was to regain the trust of foreign travelers by implementing effective protocols and initiatives with an impact on the entire tourism chain, and last month's data shows that we are on the right path".
The Dominican Republic is confirmed, therefore, a of the safest tourist destinations in the Caribbean area and for several reasons. Just think of the low incidence of positivity, but also of the data that shows the mortality rate for Covid-19 in the country which is only 1.31%. But not only that, the introduction of the health care plan for locals and tourists, an ongoing mass vaccination program which is continuing well, to the public-private alliances of the health and tourism sectors was also fundamental (Ministry of Tourism , the ASONAHORES hotel association and more), to the health measures and protocols in its main internal areas of the island and its network of medical centers of excellence, members of the Dominican Association of Health Tourism.
Precisely for this reason the jewel island of the Caribbean has been considered a success story in responsible tourism management, to the point that several international entities, including the World Tourism Organization, have praised its ability to respond to the responsible relaunch of tourism based on rigorous safety protocols that protect the health of visitors and locals.
Furthermore, free healthcare for tourists has been extended until April 30, 2021. This means that all international visitors arriving by plane and staying in a hotel on the Caribbean island have a free medical coverage plan that includes all types of emergencies, including possible Covid-19 infection.
But not only that, the tourism model has been reimagined to become more world with the signing of important agreements to protect the environment, a recovery plan for the island's beaches and thanks to the digitalisation of services and licenses and a digital information system. Just think of the introduction of the e-ticket, an electronic entry and exit form which replaced the three paper forms that travelers had to complete to enter the Dominican Republic.
A dream territory that is easily reachable with direct flights from the main international airports and which, in addition to being a safe destination, is also aideal oasis for celebrities, couples and families. After all, in these parts it is possible to get lost among incredible nature itineraries, beaches that seem like something out of a dream and high-level golf courses. Also an ideal place to relax in luxury facilities, explore the memories of past centuries, taste the typical dishes and products of the tasty Dominican gastronomy or venture into eco-tourism routes through fabulous national parks, rivers, mountain ranges and many other incredible wonders.
However, it is good to know that according to the Dpcm of March 2, 2021, valid until April 30th of the current year, the Dominican Republic is part of these countries of the world included by our Government in List E. That is to say that this island is included in that list of destinations for which travel is permitted only in the presence of precise reasons, such as: work, reasons of health or study, absolute urgency, return to one's home, home or residence. Travel for tourism is therefore (and unfortunately) not permitted. For this reason, before organizing any trip, especially in this particular period, it is advisable to always consult the information sheet for the country of interest on the ViaggiareSicuri website, in order to find out more about the Italian entry and exit regulations, but also to check for any restrictions once they have reached their destination by the local authorities.
Source: iStock
