Minister David Collado Unveils the Dominican Republic's New Tourism Vision in Montreal

Before an audience of nearly 200 travel agents, tour operators, partners, and specialized media, the minister expressed his gratitude to those attending this important gathering. “On behalf of the President of the Dominican Republic, Mr. Luis Abinader; the Consul General of the Dominican Republic in Montreal, Mrs. Guina Marys Serrata; and myself as Minister of Tourism, we want to emphasize that Quebec is very important to us. We deeply appreciate your work and support in attracting more people to our destination,” stated Collado.

Launch of a New Campaign

The minister unveiled the promotional campaign “Taste Paradise - Taste the Dominican Republic,” aiming to highlight the country’s beauty, which has gained popularity following the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign showcases the Dominican Republic not only as a sun-and-sand destination but also as a cultural, natural, adventurous, and sports hub.

Through interactive videos, the minister illustrated the value of Dominican culture, the warm hospitality of its people, and the diversity of landscapes the country offers.

The campaign focuses on three Dominican jewels:

• Puerto Plata, the birthplace of tourism in the DR and home to Punta Bergantín, a perfect retreat for relaxation.
• Samaná, renowned for its untouched nature and adventurous spirit, with destinations like Las Terrenas ideal for enjoyment and relaxation.
• Punta Cana, a favorite among Canadians, featuring 38 beaches, 20 casinos, 14 nightclubs, and 10 golf courses. It is also home to the prestigious PGA golf tournament.

Additionally, the spotlight was placed on La Romana, home to the luxurious Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, famous for its four golf courses, one of which is certified as among the best in the Caribbean. This region also houses Altos de Chavón and an impressive marina.

Altos de Chavón and the Marina 

Altos de Chavón is a replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village, featuring art workshops, restaurants, shops, and an archaeological museum. Its 5,000-seat amphitheater, inaugurated by Frank Sinatra in 1982, has hosted artists like Sting, Elton John, Juan Luis Guerra, Shakira, Luis Miguel, Andrea Bocelli and more.

A Safe Destination 

The minister emphasized that security in the Dominican Republic is a top priority, stating, “We treat tourists as our own.” He noted significant improvements in safety. “We have enhanced security measures to protect visitors and ensure the highest standards in hotels, with established protocols and health measures,” Collado highlighted.

Investments and Hotel Developments

Collado underlined major investments in new tourism and hotel projects:

• El Dorado Park Cap Cana, the largest water park in the Caribbean, with an investment of $80 million.
• In Punta Bergantín, Puerto Plata, plans include 4,000 hotel rooms and 16,000 residences. Two Hyatt hotels, Hyatt Zilara and Hyatt Ziva, are already under development with a $200 million investment.
• In Miches, $176 million is being invested in hotels such as Zemi Miches & Curio Collection by Hilton, set to open in March 2025. Additional projects include Dreams and Secrets Playa Esmeralda, with a $400 million investment, and Viva Miches by Wyndham, which will open in December with a $137 million investment.

Quebec Tourists

Tourism to the DR has grown notably, particularly after the pandemic. If current trends continue, the country will welcome 11.5 million visitors by the end of 2024, surpassing the 10 million in 2023. Canada is the second-largest source market for the Dominican Republic.

The minister noted that tourist arrivals from Quebec increased from 281,616 between January and December 2022 to 425,307 in 2023 and reached 382,755 between January and November 2024. With December data, a 4% increase is expected between 2023 and 2024.

A Promising Announcement for Montreal

The minister concluded by expressing his gratitude to all attendees and shared an exciting announcement: “Just as we brought an immersive dome experience to Times Square in New York, featuring traditional music, authentic cuisine, chocolate, and coffee, I promise to bring this concept to Montreal in the winter of 2026.”