Samaná News – May 30, 2025

Foreign investment hits new high in Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic attracted a record-breaking US$1.36 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) during the first quarter of 2025, reflecting a 7% year-on-year increase. According to the Central Bank, total FDI for the year is projected to reach around US$4.7 billion, underscoring strong investor confidence despite a reported 1.2% contraction in the construction sector. This surge in FDI complements the country’s robust tourism sector, which generated US$3.25 billion in foreign exchange earnings in the first quarter alone, up 1.8% compared to the same period in 2024. Analysts project total tourism-related foreign exchange earnings to close 2025 at approximately US$11.3 billion, marking a 3% increase over last year’s record.

Arajet expands U.S. network with Orlando and Chicago routes

On May 29, 2025, Arajet, the Dominican Republic’s low-cost carrier, announced it will launch new affordable flights from Punta Cana to Orlando Sanford and Chicago O’Hare airports by late 2025. Starting October 26, Arajet will offer three weekly flights to Orlando, followed by Chicago service from November 15, also three times weekly. This expansion strengthens Caribbean–U.S. connectivity, boosts tourism, and opens new travel options for leisure, business, and diaspora travelers. With six U.S. destinations planned by year-end, Arajet is positioning itself as a leading low-cost bridge between the Caribbean and major U.S. cities.

Dominican Republic sets record for cruise and air visitor arrivals

The Dominican Republic is experiencing a tourism surge, setting records across both cruise and air arrivals. By April 2025, the country had welcomed 394 cruise ships, already surpassing annual totals from some previous years. Authorities expect over 3 million cruise passengers by the end of the year, thanks to major port improvements like Cabo Rojo in Pedernales, now capable of docking two Oasis-class mega-ships simultaneously. These visits generate substantial local spending, with an average of $100 per passenger.

Meanwhile, Dominican airports handled 818,498 passengers in April 2025 alone, a 6.2% increase over April 2024—the highest monthly total ever recorded. Total air arrivals for January–April 2025 reached about 3.29 million travelers, up 1.7% year-on-year, keeping the country on track for another record-breaking year in visitor numbers.

New Dominican–Spanish cooperation agreement signed

On May 14, 2025, the Dominican Republic and Spain signed a bilateral development cooperation framework for 2025–2029. The agreement, signed by Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez and Spanish Secretary of State for International Cooperation Eva Granados Galiano, secures approximately €110 million from Spain to support Dominican projects in water and sanitation, solid waste management, education, and climate resilience. Of this amount, €70 million will be reimbursable financing through FONPRODE/FEDES, and €40 million will be non-reimbursable aid. Both governments emphasized that the agreement strengthens their historic ties and aligns with the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

A-Rod announces $1 billion luxury investment in Dominican Republic

On May 20, 2025, Tourism Minister David Collado and former Major League Baseball star and entrepreneur Alex Rodríguez (“A-Rod”) announced a $1 billion luxury tourism project at Playa Grande, María Trinidad Sánchez province. The initiative, supported by Amanera and Discovery Land Company, will add upscale hotel and real estate developments, aiming to attract global elite travelers and strengthen high-end tourism in northern areas like Río San Juan and Cabrera. Collado called the project a strong sign of private sector confidence in the Dominican Republic.

Apordom announces three new cruise terminal projects

On May 7, 2025, Jean Luis Rodríguez, director of the Dominican Port Authority (Apordom), confirmed three cruise terminal projects: Arroyo Barril in Samaná, a jungle-themed terminal also in Samaná, and a new cruise port on the Malecón in Santo Domingo, near the Colonial Zone. Rodríguez highlighted that the Santo Domingo terminal aims to operate as a home port, allowing passengers to embark directly from the capital, increasing tourism flow and providing direct access to landmarks like the Obelisco and Hotel Jaragua.

Samaná declared official Ecotourism Province by Dominican Senate

On May 16, 2025, the Dominican Senate approved a law designating Samaná as an “Ecotourism Province.” The initiative, led by Senator Pedro Catrain, aims to guide tourism growth under sustainable principles, ensuring environmental protection and benefits for local communities.

The law sets clear guidelines for promoting ecotourism, including incentives for responsible projects, regulations to prevent resource overexploitation, and environmental education programs for residents and tourists. Senator Catrain emphasized that Samaná has the potential to become a national model for sustainable tourism, calling the legislation a recognition of the province’s unique natural wealth.

Hollywood film shot in Samaná starring Jennifer López

In May 2025, Samaná gained international spotlight as Jennifer López completed filming scenes for her upcoming Netflix movie “Office Romance” in the province. The production, co-starring British actor Brett Goldstein and directed by Ol Parker, chose Samaná for its tropical scenery, reinforcing the area’s reputation as a prime Caribbean filming location. Filming wrapped on May 13, with López sharing moments from the Dominican Republic on social media during U.S. Mother’s Day celebrations.

Playa Bonita in Samaná ranked among world’s best beaches by National Geographic

On May 15, 2025, National Geographic ranked Playa Bonita, located in Las Terrenas, Samaná, among the 40 most beautiful beaches in the world. Highlighted for its palm trees, soft sand, and crystal-clear waters free of cars and vendors, the beach was praised as a peaceful Caribbean retreat. Playa Bonita was recognized alongside renowned beaches such as Navagio Beach in Greece, Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos, and Anse Source d’Argent in the Seychelles.