Samaná Bayport opens first phase to cruise traffic
Vice President Raquel Peña inaugurated the first phase of Samaná Bayport, a new cruise terminal designed to receive up to three ships simultaneously. The facility can handle 10,000 passengers daily and has already processed 22 cruise calls and 50,000 passengers since December 2025. The USD 22 million project includes commercial areas, transport hubs, and visitor services, with projections of 45 cruises and 90,000 passengers next season.
Port Samaná to open Nov. 24, 4,000 jobs planned
President Luis Abinader and ITM Group announced that Port Samaná will open on November 24, 2026, as a major cruise and tourism hub in Arroyo Barril. The project is expected to generate 1,000 direct and over 3,000 indirect jobs. Developers target one million passengers by 2030, with infrastructure, road upgrades, and environmental measures identified as key priorities ahead of launch. Authorities also highlighted the need for improved road connectivity and nautical conditions to support large cruise operations.
Abinader inaugurates four-lane Samaná access road
President Luis Abinader inaugurated the expansion of the main access road to Samaná into a four-lane highway, benefiting over 110,000 residents. The 1.2-kilometer project includes upgraded asphalt, drainage systems, lighting, and improved urban and tourist access points. Authorities said the project strengthens connectivity to key tourism areas and supports ongoing infrastructure plans, including upcoming port developments and road upgrades across the province.
Senate advances law targeting real estate fraud
The Dominican Senate approved in first reading a bill regulating real estate brokerage and misleading advertising on April 23, 2026. The proposal introduces fines of up to 50 minimum wages and possible suspension of operations for violations. It defines misleading advertising as any communication that can distort information on pricing, availability, or conditions of sale, and aims to reduce fraud in property transactions. Oversight will be handled by the Ministry of Housing (MIVHED), which will supervise agents and enforce compliance.
TyA Samaná 2026 draws 12,000 visitors, global delegates
The third Turismo y Atracciones Samaná (TyA) 2026 fair concluded on March 15 at Hacienda Samaná Bay, attracting more than 12,000 attendees over three days. The event gathered government officials, investors, and over 40 local entrepreneurs, alongside diplomatic representatives from China, India, Russia, and Panama. Organizers said the fair strengthens Samaná’s position as a growing hub for tourism investment, international cooperation, and cultural promotion.
Infotep expands training to support Samaná tourism
Infotep presented progress in workforce training in Samaná on April 1, 2026, during a government meeting led by President Luis Abinader. The institution delivered 185 training sessions in 2025, reaching over 3,300 participants, and 76 more in early 2026 with 1,368 trainees. Programs focus on tourism services, cruise operations, and entrepreneurship, supporting labor demand linked to new port and tourism projects.
Eco-Bahia hosted regional sea turtle summit
Eco-Bahia hosted a WIDECAST international conference in the Dominican Republic from March 26 to 29, 2026, bringing together more than 100 marine conservation experts from across the Caribbean. The organization reported protecting over 152,000 sea turtle hatchlings in 2025. Sessions focused on nesting monitoring, community education, and new technologies such as real-time wildlife tracking, reinforcing the country’s role in regional biodiversity conservation efforts.
Dominican Republic tops 3.7M visitors in Q1 2026
The Dominican Republic received 3,710,374 visitors in the first quarter of 2026, Tourism Minister David Collado reported. The figure includes 2.6 million air arrivals and 1.1 million cruise passengers. March alone reached a record 1,305,866 visitors, including 953,758 by air and 352,108 by sea. Hotel occupancy exceeded 86%, with the United States and Canada as the main source markets, followed by Argentina and Colombia, confirming sustained tourism growth.
Samaná Bay Spring Regatta marks 10th edition
The Samaná Bay Spring Regatta will take place May 1–3, 2026 at Marina Puerto Bahía, marking its 10th edition. Organized with support from the Dominican Sailing Federation, the event will host cruising and dinghy categories. Organizers expect national and international participants, with onshore activities including a regatta village, artisan market, and closing awards event, reinforcing Samaná’s positioning in nautical tourism.
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