Q&A with David Collado, minister of tourism, Dominican Republic
When it comes to recovery from the pandemic, the Dominican Republic is considered a global success story. The popular Caribbean destination is already up 40% on 2019 levels.
To find out more about what’s new in the destination, why Canadians should visit and what travel advisors should know, Travel Courier sat down with David Collado, minister of tourism, Dominican Republic.
Prior to the pandemic we welcomed nearly one million Canadians to the Dominican Republic each year. I’m happy and proud to say that tourism is growing at a dazzling pace this year. Across the country we are experiencing record breaking numbers, not just from Canada and the United States, but around the world. It’s truly an achievement without precedent.
I give credit to the hundreds of thousands of dedicated hospitality workers, 100% of whom have been fully-vaccinated to help ensure our advanced and industry-leading recovery of tourism.
Absolutely. I’m incredibly optimistic. The latest research tells us that North America has led the global aviation recovery. Airline capacity continues to recover and is expected to exceed 2019 levels in Q1 of next year. Every month we’re seeing more and more direct flights departing from Canada to our award-winning airports. Already there is excellent airlift from each of Canada’s leading carriers, and more flights are being added all the time. In fact, as was reported here, Sunwing just added two weekly non-stop flights from Kitchener-Waterloo airport, offering even more options to travellers in that region.
Simply put, we are welcoming record-levels of Canadians month after month. It’s incredible. The Dominican Republic is not only the top destination in the Caribbean, it’s among the top destinations in the world for Canadian travellers.
Thanks to our excellent air connectivity, wide variety of accommodations available, adventurous eco-activities, and impressive track record of safety, visitors are recognizing the Dominican Republic is a destination like no other.
Earlier this year I was honoured to stand in front of representatives of the United Nations to accept an award from the World Tourism Organization for our successful recovery in tourism. The UNWTO secretary-general highlighted the management and sanitary protocols applied in the Dominican Republic to guarantee safe tourism, achieving what’s described as the most successful recovery of the industry in the entire region, reaching record figures in tourist arrivals. We spared no effort to achieve this impressive recovery and are well-positioned to welcome even more visitors in 2023.
Data from ForwardKeys, an industry reference for global travel trends and insights, states there’s an unstoppable popularity of both the Caribbean as a region and the Dominican Republic as a preferred destination. We’re up 40% on 2019 levels. My advice to all Canadians, book now to avoid disappointment!
Beyond those stats, what excites me the most is the extremely high satisfaction rates our visitors are reporting. We do extensive research and Canadian customer satisfaction remains very high. 9 out of 10 recent exit polls show guests would return in the future. Hotels and excellent beaches are the elements Canadians cited most.
We know travel agents, tour operators and the entire travel trade industry in Canada have been vital to the swift recovery of travel to the Dominican Republic. We thank all of you for your tireless efforts to drive the recovery of tourism. It’s a dynamic industry that supports the livelihoods of so many people in the Dominican Republic, and around the world. Canada will continue to be front and center of our tourism efforts.
Year after year visitors flock here to share our abundant sunshine, vast stretches of palm-tree lined beaches, rich history, fine, fresh foods and our vibrant, welcoming culture. We’re surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the north and the Caribbean Sea on the south. We’re known as a lush tropical paradise with some of the world’s best beaches and magnificent resorts and hotels offering something for everyone.
