News

Dominican Republic Sees Boom in Tourism From Russia

By: Caribbean Journal Staff - April 24, 2013 - 10:52 am

Above: the Dominican Republic (CJ Photo)

By Alexander Britell

PUNTA CANA — The Dominican Republic’s tourism sector is seeing significant growth from Russia, according to Radhames Martínez Aponte, technical vice minister at the country’s Ministry of Tourism.

The country saw what Aponte described as a “massive arrival” of Russian tourists last year, with a total of around 164,000 in 2012. That was the fifth-highest total from any source nation to the Dominican Republic.

That growth has continued thus far in 2013, with Russia overtaking Germany in fourth place among global source markets to the Dominican.

Aponte was speaking at the launch of the Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange in Punta Cana on Wednesday.

The Russian boom is a result of stepped-up efforts in tourism promotion, he said, as the Dominican looks to new source markets.

“Right now, the Russian market is in expansion,” he said. “What’s important is that for Russia, for example, until two years ago, the only market [the Caribbean] had that was receiving Russian tourists was Cuba – and now we’re over and above Cuba.”

The boom comes as more and more Caribbean countries are courting Russian tourists, particularly Jamaica, which announced new service from Russian air carrier Transaero to Montego Bay last year.

Overall, the Dominican Republic’s tourism industry saw overall growth of around 4.95 percent in 2012, he said.

Popular Posts antigua long bay

25 Perfect Caribbean Beaches to Add to Your Summer Bucket List

There’s nothing like a Caribbean beach in summer. The crowds thin out, the winds relax, and the islands start breathing in a different way. The beaches you thought you knew feel new again— stretches of sand once packed with winter […]


The 15 Best Hotels in Trinidad and Tobago, From Hidden Eco-Retreats to Luxury Towers

trinidad and tobago hotels where to stay

From Port of Spain to Tobago’s quiet coasts, these are the places to check in now No two Caribbean islands are quite like Trinidad and Tobago—and no two hotels here feel the same. This is a destination of contrast: Carnival […]


This Marriott All-Inclusive Resort Is Coming to Barbados —  And You Can Book It With Points

new brand for the caribbean

Barbados has long been a haven for adults in search of refinement — the kind of place where luxury and culture blend in quiet, confident harmony. Now, that ethos is becoming the foundation of a new resort concept that aims […]


Related Posts old san juan puerto rico caribbean cities

These 5 Caribbean Cities Are Perfect for a Quick Weekend Getaway

The Caribbean is about more than just its stunning natural beauty — it’s about culture, character, and city streets that feel like they’ve lived a hundred lives. Some of the most memorable escapes happen not on a remote cay, but […]


The Dreamiest Rainforest Resorts in the Caribbean, From Dominica to Belize

rainforest resorts

The Caribbean is often imagined as a string of sun-drenched beaches — white sand, turquoise water, and endless horizon. And while that version of the Caribbean is very real, it’s only part of the story. Move beyond the shoreline, and […]


Delta Is Adding a New Caribbean Island With Waterfalls, Beach-Hopping and Luxury Hideaways

bequia delta caribbean island st vincent

Delta is launching new nonstop service from Atlanta to the island of Saint Vincent, opening up a fresh, seamless connection between the United States and one of the Caribbean’s most untouched destinations. The new flight, which begins in late December, […]