Punta Cana.— The Dominican Republic’s tourism engine is accelerating into the winter high season, with a sharp rise in flight arrivals and a historic milestone in sight for 2025. Tourism leader Frank Rainieri, speaking at the UN Tourism International Conference on Tourism Cooperation, said Punta Cana International Airport is poised to set a new arrivals record next year—underscoring the region’s continued momentum as one of the Caribbean’s top gateways.
To keep operations running seamlessly amid the surge, Rainieri confirmed that five additional emergency stands are under construction and slated for completion by year-end. The expansion aims to enhance aircraft handling capacity, reduce congestion, and maintain the airport’s hallmark efficiency during peak travel periods.
Rainieri also urged a strategic shift in how growth is measured. With the sector already performing at a high level, targeting annual increases of 10% is increasingly impractical, he noted. The priority now is sustainable expansion paired with superior service delivery. According to Rainieri, the wave of new, high-end hotel developments will elevate average spend per visitor, increase tourism receipts, and fortify the national economy while continuing to attract discerning international travelers.
“Keeping the inflow of dollars strong is essential,” Rainieri emphasized. “It’s not only about chasing double-digit growth rates—it’s about ensuring tourism generates greater revenue and that the Dominican Republic remains a welcoming, high-quality destination for visitors year-round.”
Optimism across the industry is fueled by solid air connectivity, resilient demand from key markets, and ongoing infrastructure improvements—positioning Punta Cana and the wider Dominican Republic to capitalize on a record-setting winter season and a transformative 2025.
