Juan Dolio, DR – Despite its thriving hotel sector and prime coastal location, the resort town of Juan Dolio is calling for stronger government support to boost its visibility and unlock its full potential as a tourism and investment hub, according to Francisco Bonilla, Executive Director of the Juan Dolio Hotel Association.
In remarks reported by Infotur Dominicano, Bonilla emphasized that the area’s consistent hotel occupancy has been largely sustained by niche industries—particularly film production and professional baseball. Studios such as Pinewood Dominican Republic, Lantica Studios, and Lone Coconut account for 80% to 85% of hotel bookings during filming seasons. Meanwhile, baseball academies in the region contribute to year-round demand from players and staff.
Currently, the town offers 2,000 to 2,500 hotel rooms, with accommodations ranging from Coral Costa Caribe Beach & Casino and Hodelpa Garden Suites to Emotions Beach Resort, Los Albatros Residence, and Talanquera Beach Resort. The destination consistently attracts both international travelers, particularly from Canada and Europe, and a strong base of domestic tourists drawn to its beaches, gastronomy, and artisan markets.
Community-Led Tourism Gains Momentum
Bonilla noted a growing shift toward community-integrated tourism, marked by improved service quality, transparent pricing, and a rising emphasis on environmental responsibility. Yet, he cautioned that these local efforts alone are not enough to elevate Juan Dolio to its deserved status on the tourism map.
“The community is ready, the product is solid, but the destination lacks visibility,” Bonilla said, calling on the Ministry of Tourism to launch a dedicated promotional campaign and increase investment in hotel infrastructure.
Strategic Advantage, Untapped Potential
With its natural beauty, established hospitality sector, and proximity to key airports, Juan Dolio holds significant promise as a sustainable tourism model. Bonilla believes that with targeted government backing, the town could attract more foreign investment, boost employment, and become a flagship coastal destination in the Dominican Republic’s tourism strategy.
Local stakeholders hope that renewed attention from national authorities will help transform Juan Dolio from a well-kept secret into a standout player in the country’s growing tourism landscape.
