Samaná News – May 6, 2025
Samaná and the Dominican Republic continue to show strong momentum across tourism, infrastructure, and economic development. In recent weeks, the country has made major strides in hotel investment, sustainable tourism, and international air connectivity. Record visitor numbers were reported during peak season, and global institutions have recognized the Dominican Republic’s economic leadership. Here’s a roundup of the most relevant updates from Samaná and beyond.
Holy Week sets record for tourist arrivals
Tourism Minister David Collado declared that Holy Week 2025 marked the best in Dominican Republic history for tourist arrivals. Between Monday and Friday of the holiday week, approximately 170,000 tourists arrived – reflecting a 5% increase compared to the same period last year. Collado made the announcement during a visit to Las Marías resort in Bahoruco province, as part of a southern tour that included Boca de Cachón in Jimaní. He praised the peaceful environment in which Dominicans, especially youth, celebrated the holiday despite national mourning over the loss of 232 lives earlier in the year.
Dominican Republic expands global air connectivity with new routes
The Dominican Republic is strengthening its air travel network with new international routes from the U.S. and Europe. Low-cost carrier Arajet began service between Santo Domingo and Miami on April 11, 2025, operating four times weekly and expanding to daily by summer. Flights to San Juan and Newark will launch in June, following the open skies agreement with the U.S. signed in December 2024. American Airlines will open four new seasonal Saturday routes to Punta Cana from Indianapolis, Nashville, Pittsburgh, and Raleigh-Durham starting December 6, 2025. Meanwhile, Air Europa added a new connection from London Gatwick to Santiago via Madrid, enhancing access to the Cibao region. These additions reflect the DR’s commitment to improving connectivity and diversifying source markets.
Dominican Republic projected to be world’s second fastest-growing economy in 2026
The Dominican Republic is projected to be the second fastest-growing economy in the world in 2026, according to the IMF’s regional economic outlook for the Western Hemisphere. The country is expected to grow by 4.8%, outpacing all of North, South, Central, and Latin America – except the Caribbean. Only Argentina is forecast to grow faster, with 5.5% in 2025 and 4.5% in 2026. IMF officials credit domestic consumption as a key growth driver in the region but warn of persistent structural challenges and a shrinking margin for monetary policy easing.
Major tourism investments to add 7,000 hotel rooms in Samaná
Samaná will add 7,000 hotel rooms through 15 projects backed by Banco Popular Dominicano, totaling half of the US$1.6 billion planned for tourism development nationwide. Javier Lara Reinhold of the Samaná Tourism Cluster reported Holy Week occupancy rates of 90% to 95%. New Air Transat routes from Canada will add 15,500 airline seats to Samaná and other cities in the 2025 high season. Canada remains the leading source of visitors, accounting for nearly 90% of arrivals. Agreements with platforms like Expedia aim to further raise Samaná’s profile, while cruise tourism is expected to support longer stays.
Deadline set to finish Samaná Malecón renovation
The Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) has launched a 28-day countdown clock to mark the deadline for completing the long-awaited reconstruction of the Samaná Malecón. Installed on April 22, the timer sets May 20, 2025, as the official delivery date. The initiative reflects a push for transparency and punctuality, with financial penalties in place if the contractor fails to meet the deadline. With over RD$500 million invested, the project has faced multiple delays but remains highly anticipated by residents, merchants, and tourists. The reconstruction aims to revitalize coastal tourism and improve urban infrastructure.
Government forum targets education improvements in Samaná
As part of the “Government in the Provinces” program, national liaison Víctor Pichardo and Governor Teodora Mullix led a working session in Samaná to identify top priorities for strengthening the local education system. The agenda included school construction, transportation routes, curriculum improvement, and vocational training. Pichardo emphasized the importance of aligning local projects with the national vision of President Luis Abinader, calling for accountability and timely execution. Officials highlighted the need for continued community oversight of ongoing education projects.
Dominican Republic wins LatinFinance award for bond market deal
The Dominican Republic received the 2024 “Sovereign Local Currency Deal of the Year” award from LatinFinance for a groundbreaking $3 billion bond operation. This included the country’s largest-ever bond issued in Dominican pesos and the Caribbean’s first sovereign green bond. The funds helped pay off older debt and support the 2024 national budget. Deputy Finance Minister María José Martínez explained that the goal was to reduce reliance on U.S. dollar debt and lengthen repayment timelines. Thanks to strong investor demand, the country was able to secure favorable conditions. The broader economic context was also positive, with 5.1% growth through November, inflation down to 3.1%, record foreign investment, and over 11 million tourists contributing $26 billion to the economy.
Dominican Republic showcases sustainable tourism at Miami Trade Show
The Dominican Republic promoted its leadership in sustainable luxury tourism during the 2025 Trade Show held in Miami from April 2–4 at the JW Marriott Marquis. Tourism Minister David Collado opened the event, which gathered over 600 industry professionals and featured 90 co-exhibitors. More than 1,500 meetings took place, resulting in 31 agreements with companies from Canada, the U.S., and Latin America. These deals are expected to bring 500,000 new visitors, $1.3 billion in hotel investments, and 33,000 new jobs. Destinations like Samaná, Miches, and Punta Cana were highlighted, alongside cultural showcases including Dominican rum, coffee, and tobacco.
Explore Opportunities in a Fast-Growing Region
With record hotel investments, expanding air access, and a strong economic outlook, Samaná is becoming one of the most dynamic destinations in the Caribbean. Whether you’re a traveler, investor, or entrepreneur, now is the time to explore opportunities in this fast-growing region. Book a call and discover the best real estate opportunities in Samaná.