Welcome to the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean
Why Dominican Republic?
- #1 largest economy in the Caribbean and Central America in GDP ($67 billion)
- #1 tourist destination in the Caribbean in tourist (non-residents) arrivals (5.6 milion)
- #1 golf destination in the Caribbean and Latin America
- #3 hotel performance in the Caribbean in occupancy (82%)
- #1 Caribbean destination with the greatest number of quality tourist products and experiences
- #1 largest hotel market in the Caribbean in room supply
- #1 internationally connected airport in the region (Punta Cana International Airport, the second busiest in the Caribbean)
The Dominican Republic is THE place to live
- Best ”Overall Score” in the Caribbean: most advanced economy &
infrastructure while being a paradise in the tropic, - Most complete island – ”a small continent”, nature considered
- Always at the top in global rankings of places
to retire/have a second home - Big scale of the island to find a hideaway
- Safe, without scary neighbouring countries
- Second home for the top 1% – actors, politicians, and high net worth individuals
The Dominican Republic is one of the most versatile countries in the region
(Yes, we even have a race track :))
Conveniently connected
with the biggest airports
in the world
The Dominican Republic
is one of Hollywood's
favorite production destination
Infrastructure and access
The Dominican Republic offers all the necessary ingredients for success, including excellent infrastructure, eight international airports, and the newly completed highway DR – 104.
Since the advent of tourism as a major economic sector, Dominican governments, especially those from 1986 onward, have largely invested in roads, airports, docks and other forms of tourism-based construction. Well-maintained roads connect Santo Domingo with the north coast via Santiago de los Caballeros, running from the capital to the Haitian border and eastward to the modern tourist resorts.
Geography
The Dominican Republic is located on the island of Hispaniola, with the surface area of approximately 18,700 square miles. The country is centrally located in the Caribbean, surrounded by Turks and Caicos and the Atlantic Sea to the North, Puerto Rico to the East, the Caribbean Sea to the South, and Haiti, Jamaica and Cuba to the West. The Dominican territory contains numerous smaller islands – two of the largest are Saona and Beata, both located in the South. Dominican landscape featuring mountain ranges, valleys, rivers and plains, and various climate zones and areas suitable for agriculture and ecotourism.
Country overview
The Dominican Republic is the second largest country in the Caribbean and one of its most diverse island countries, rich in history, culture, and the natural environment.
Combining the hospitality of the Dominican people, vibrant and historical capital of Santo Domingo, world-famous beaches and four major mountain ranges, the Dominican Republic is an exciting and progressive country for both business and leisure.
Economy
According to the U.S. State Department, the Dominican Republic is the largest economy in the Caribbean and the Central American region, with a GDP of over $66 billion (2015). The country has been experiencing robust growth (annual GDP increased accordingly 7.3% and 5.5% in 2014 and 2015) Initially, an exporter of commodities like coffee, sugar and tobacco. Since the economy has evolved, it is now led by the service sector. The growth in tourism, telecommunications and free trade zones have bolstered the economy. Overall, the Dominican Republic successfully recovered from the global recession (that took place in the earlier part of the decade) and continues to drive growth through the diversification of the economy.
Tourism in the
Dominican Republic
- Eight international airports, six domestic airports and 16 maritime ports – the most significant number of air and water connections in the Caribbean
- Tourist arrivals have grown by 56% since 2010 with tourist spend growing from $4.1bn in 2010 to $7.6bn over the same period
- Punta Cana Airport (PUJ) is the number one airport in the DR, serving 53 different airlines from over 40 countries around the world – the busiest airport in the Caribbean
- Tourism accounts for approximately 20% of the GDP making it the number one priority for growth with the Government targeting 10m tourist arrivals by 2022
- Dominican Republic GDP has expanded to $81bn in 2018, from $54bn in 2010
- Hotel occupancy rate across all hotels was 78% in 2018
- The number of hotel rooms has grown by 18% over the same period, with a total of 80,000 rooms at the end of 2018
Points of interest
— natural & historical
The Dominican Republic is famed for its pristine beaches and warm Caribbean waters but in addition, the country offers an incredible diversity of culture, gastronomy and recreational activities:
- Santo Domingo, the largest cosmopolitan city in the Caribbean and Central America with nearly 4 million people, the capital features the Colonial City (a World Heritage Site), international cuisine, a vibrant dining scene and a shopping experience ranging from local artisan to luxury goods.
- Punta Cana is world famous for its beaches, golf, all-inclusive resorts offering families and couples the most extensive vacation experience.
- Samana is known for its natural beauty with waterfalls, mountains, coves, stunning views and the white sand beaches of Playa Rincon.
- Puerto Plata, a 19th century Victorian-style houses, and cable car ride to reach Mount Isabel de Torres.
- Casa de Campo–La Romana was historically built as an oil town but quickly shifted to sugar production in the 1900s; today a mix of tourism and commerce, offering a unique travel experience
Global marketing investment
The Ministry of Tourism dedicated over $45 million in 2015 to promote the country internationally, and form strategic alliances with airlines, tour operators and other hospitality related firms. Over 20 Dominican tourism offices are found worldwide in major cities such as: New York, Chicago, Toronto, Sao Paulo, London, Moscow, Sydney, and Beijing.
Hospitality and turism
The Dominican Republic has experienced tremendous growth in the hospitality industry and holds the premier position of the most visited island in the Caribbean. In 2014, the Dominican Republic received approximately 28% of 18.2 million visitors. According to the National Hotel & Tourism Association, there were 723 hotels with approximately 69,600 available rooms in the country as of December 2014. With nearly 5.6 million non-resident visitors arriving internationally in 2015, the United States represented 36% of air travelers, followed by: Canada with 13%, Europe with 20%, and other countries with 31% of all tourists. Eight international airports, notably Las Americas International Airport (SDQ), located 30 minutes from Santo Domingo and Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), located 15 minutes from Punta Cana and Cap Cana beach zones.
Golf championship tradition
The DR is called the #1 Golf Destination in Caribbean & Latin America by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators. The island features 28 designer golf courses throughout the country, such as Punta Espada, a Jack Nicklaus signature design course and home to the Senior PGA Tour, and Corales, designed by Tom Fazio and arguably the most visually breathtaking golf course set among natural cliffs, coves and the Caribbean Sea.
The Dominican Government
has prepared Tax and Foreign Investment Incentives
Tourism Incentive Act 158-01
Since 2001, Tourism Incentive Act 158-01 has been in place in Dominican Republic:
- This law grants an exemption from all national and municipal taxes for ten years. It is managed by a public- private agency that meets periodically to review the applications for proposed new developments
- The purpose of this act is to promote new development in areas of the country which have had limited growth
- It also serves to create new complementary offerings in tourist centers that have already been developed and to support the renovation of hotel properties that have been in operation for five or more years
- The Tourism Promotion Council, Confotur, grants two levels of approvals for new tourism projects: the first is provisional for starting the development; the other is final, once the project is advanced enough to be consolidated and launched
Foreign Investment Act 16-95
- Foreign Investment Act 16-95 grants equal rights and duties to foreigners and Dominicans
- This law also permits the free repatriation of invested capital and profits
- Free circulation and exchange of foreign currency with no obstacles of any kind or control of foreign currency exchange
- The Dominican Republic recognizes that foreign investment and technology transfer contribute to the country’s economic growth and social development by favoring creation of employment and contributing efficient methods of production, marketing, and administration