The Dominican Republic has initiated a winter-themed promotional campaign. Through a series of videos and images, the “Change the Season” campaign encourages American travelers to escape the harsh winter conditions and opt for the tropical allure of the Dominican Republic. The campaign highlights the country’s picturesque beaches, rich culture, and a diverse range of activities suitable for all ages.

This promotional effort follows a significant surge in tourism for the Dominican Republic in 2023, largely fueled by U.S. travelers. Americans constitute the largest group of visitors, comprising 54% of the total, and contribute to 50% of all inbound flights, encompassing both charter and commercial flights. Additionally, the U.S. is a key player in seven out of the top 10 busiest air routes to the Dominican Republic.

Tourism minister David Collado Morales revealed ongoing efforts to establish an open skies agreement with the U.S., potentially resulting in increased capacity and reduced airfares. Morales acknowledged collaboration with airlines to lower flight costs while recognizing the influence of market dynamics on pricing. Despite the challenges posed by high flight costs, the Dominican Republic continues to experience growth in tourism.

Morales emphasized that inbound tourism from the U.S. has risen by 35% since 2019, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The country aims to achieve a record-breaking 10 million tourists globally by the end of 2023, marking a substantial increase.

Crediting the resurgence of cruising, Morales noted triple-digit growth in Dominican Republic cruise tourism in 2023. He highlighted that 1.7 million tourists arrived via cruise from January to September, surpassing the total for all of 2019, which saw 1.4 million cruise ship arrivals.

Looking ahead to 2024, Morales outlined plans to involve travel advisors in promoting tourism and attracting the U.S. market. A key initiative involves a November meeting in New York, where more than 500 travel agents and tour operators will convene to discuss strategies for continued growth and collaboration.