Vice President Raquel Peña Highlights Tourism and Infrastructure as Pillars of Growth in La Altagracia
La Altagracia, Dominican Republic. – Vice President Raquel Peña emphasized that tourism, construction, and connectivity have become the main drivers of development in La Altagracia, the province that is home to Punta Cana — the country’s leading tourist destination.
Speaking at the conference “La Fuerza de lo Cercano” at the UASD campus in Higüey, Peña underscored that more than 8 million tourists visited the Dominican Republic last year, with over half arriving through Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). This, she said, consolidates the province’s role as the tourism capital of the nation.
Strategic Projects to Boost Connectivity
The Vice President pointed to 35 strategic infrastructure projects currently underway to strengthen both air and road connectivity. Among the highlights are:
- The expansion of Terminal B at Punta Cana International Airport, scheduled to be inaugurated next year.
- The Punta Cana Free Zone, already generating jobs and invigorating the local economy with new investment opportunities.
“These pillars guarantee more jobs, broader opportunities, and a future of sustainable growth for all of La Altagracia,” Peña affirmed, noting that the government of President Luis Abinader is committed to bringing prosperity to every Dominican community.
Economic Impact in the Eastern Region
Peña also highlighted the macro-economic contribution of the Eastern region, noting that it represents 14% of the Dominican Republic’s GDP. In just the first quarter of 2025, the country received $1.329 billion in foreign direct investment, evidence of strong international confidence in the Dominican market.
She recalled that a decade ago, the Yuma region — which includes El Seibo, La Romana, and La Altagracia — was among the least developed in the nation. Today, thanks to sustained government and community collaboration, the area has become one of the most dynamic engines of national growth.
Toward a Model of Sustainable Development
Peña closed her remarks stressing that La Altagracia has the potential to serve as a model of sustainable development for the entire Dominican Republic, provided the collaboration between public institutions, private investment, and local communities continues to advance.
