AGP Executive Report

Hotel Fire Response: A fire at the Senator Hotels & Resorts complex in Puerto Plata has been brought fully under control, with the affected unit closed and operating hotels (Senator Bachata and Senator Puerto Plata) continuing normally. Santo Domingo Games Boost: President Luis Abinader inaugurated the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games, with first medals set to be awarded Saturday across sports including rowing, badminton, road cycling, judo, taekwondo, and archery—plus a major police security plan covering venues and tourist areas. Air Connectivity: Cathay Pacific adds a new Santo Domingo–Hong Kong connection via Madrid through Iberia codeshare, expanding long-haul options for travelers. Tourism Infrastructure: APORDOM is upgrading tourist and fishing docks nationwide with preventive maintenance to improve safety and support coastal tourism. Local Economy & Travel Costs: Father’s Day shopping in Greater Santo Domingo is up in foot traffic but sales are still well below past years, with high living costs shaping what people buy. Sports Spotlight: Venezuelan Paola Pérez won open-water gold at the CAC Games in Santo Domingo, while the first day of competition begins with medal events in multiple disciplines. Policy & Heritage: The Senate advanced a Cultural Heritage Protection bill, and the country is preparing for broader heritage and health-tourism planning.

Central American & Caribbean Games (Santo Domingo 2026): The XXV CAC Games opened in Santo Domingo with President Luis Abinader inaugurating the event at the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium, as the first medals began to be awarded Saturday across 22 sports. Sports Tourism Boost: Organizers say the Games will bring thousands of athletes and fans, with venues and transport plans in place, while Dominican National Police will deploy 500+ officers and tourist-area security support throughout the event. First Medal Highlights: Trinidad and Tobago’s Teniel Campbell won the first T&T medal with bronze in women’s road cycling time trial, and Venezuela’s Paola Pérez took gold in open-water swimming (10km) at San Souci beach. Visitor Convenience: Santo Domingo will allow passport renewals at five airports (including AILA and Punta Cana), supporting travelers during the Games and the rollout of biometric passports. Culture & Heritage: The Senate approved a Cultural Heritage Protection bill, strengthening safeguards for historic and cultural assets—an angle that matters for visitors planning heritage-focused trips. Air Connectivity: Cathay Pacific added a Santo Domingo–Hong Kong connection via Madrid through a codeshare with Iberia, expanding long-haul options for travelers.

Central American & Caribbean Games (Santo Domingo 2026): President Luis Abinader officially inaugurated the XXV Games at the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium, with the first medals set to be awarded Saturday across 22 sports—an event expected to draw thousands of athletes and visitors and put Santo Domingo’s venues and transit plans in the spotlight. Security for Visitors: Dominican National Police will deploy 500+ officers to protect competition sites and tourist areas during the Games, including rapid-response posts and interagency coordination. Air Connectivity: Cathay Pacific adds a new Hong Kong–Santo Domingo connection via Madrid in partnership with Iberia, expanding long-haul options for travelers heading to the Dominican Republic. Tourism Infrastructure: APORDOM launched preventive maintenance for tourist and fishing docks nationwide, including anti-corrosion work and lighting repairs to improve maritime safety and support coastal tourism. Travel Convenience: The Dominican Republic will let passengers renew passports at five airports (including AILA and Punta Cana), easing last-minute travel disruptions while rolling out biometric passports. Culture & Heritage: The Senate approved a Cultural Heritage Protection and Acquisition bill to better safeguard the country’s tangible and intangible assets.

Central American & Caribbean Games (Santo Domingo 2026): The first official day of competition begins Saturday with medal finals in six sports (rowing, badminton, road cycling, judo, taekwondo, archery) and the first medals in six disciplines, as venues across Santo Domingo gear up for the July 24–Aug. 8 event. Security for visitors and athletes: Dominican National Police will deploy 500+ officers to protect competition sites and tourist areas during the Games, with interagency command centers and rapid-response posts. Tourism push via sport: Organizers say the Games are tied to a broader tourism investment push, with billions invested in venues and infrastructure and an expected 300,000 visitors to Santo Domingo. Air connectivity upgrade: Cathay Pacific adds a new codeshare connection to Santo Domingo via Madrid, linking the Dominican Republic with Hong Kong for travelers planning long-haul itineraries. All-inclusive growth: Moon Palace The Grand–Punta Cana highlights the continued expansion of large-scale resort inventory in the country. Cultural policy: The Dominican Senate approved a Cultural Heritage Protection and Acquisition bill, strengthening safeguards for tangible and intangible heritage. Port upgrades: APORDOM begins preventive maintenance on tourist and fishing docks to improve safety and support coastal tourism. Travel services: Passengers will be able to renew passports at five international airports under a new agreement, easing last-minute travel disruptions.

Air Connectivity Boost: Cathay Pacific is adding Santo Domingo to its codeshare network for the first time, routing Hong Kong–Santo Domingo via Madrid (with Iberia), and expanding Hong Kong–Madrid to daily service from Oct. 25. Port & Safety Upgrades: APORDOM launched a nationwide preventive maintenance program for tourist and fishing docks, including anti-corrosion treatments, lighting fixes, and mooring repairs—already completed in Miches, Isla Saona, and other sites. Sports Tourism Spotlight: With the Central American and Caribbean Games opening in Santo Domingo, organizers say over RD$5 billion is being invested in venues and tourism-linked upgrades, with about 300,000 visitors expected. Vacation Rental Regulation Push: Airbnb says it’s ready to work with Dominican authorities on the vacation rental registry, arguing rules should be proportionate and distinguish individual hosts from hotels. New Luxury Demand: Miches held a Miami gala highlighting Costa Esmeralda’s sustainable luxury push, positioning the destination for more high-end travelers. Family Travel Buzz: Cardi B shared clips of her kids enjoying the Dominican countryside, reinforcing the “campo” experience as a family tradition. Cruise & Lodging Interest: A new all-inclusive opening in Punta Cana (Moon Palace The Grand–Punta Cana) is being marketed as a major group and luxury meetings draw.

New Resort Launch in Punta Cana: Moon Palace The Grand–Punta Cana opened June 1 with 1,678 rooms, positioning itself as the Palace Company’s biggest Caribbean project this year, with major meeting space (104,000 sq ft across 14 rooms) aimed at corporate groups and incentives. Aviation & Tourism Push: Santo Domingo hosted the 19th CLAC executive meeting, with Dominican aviation leaders and Tourism Minister David Collado stressing open-air market policies, codeshares, and route expansion as the base for tourism growth. Santo Domingo Games Mobility & Transit: Organizers for the Central American and Caribbean Games (July 24–Aug 8) rolled out free public transit plans and announced parking restrictions around the Olympic Center, signaling a visitor-first approach to getting around. Airport Service Upgrade: Gregorio Luperón International Airport in Puerto Plata won the ASQ award for the fourth time, citing strong passenger survey results and continued service improvements. Sports Tourism Pipeline: Cuba is sending a large delegation for Santo Domingo 2026, with additional teams arriving to prepare across multiple disciplines, reinforcing the event’s draw for travelers. Family Travel Spotlight: Cardi B shared that her children are vacationing in the Dominican countryside, highlighting the country as a “campo” escape beyond luxury resorts.

Sports Tourism Boost: Santo Domingo 2026 is nearly here: President Luis Abinader will attend the opening July 24, with organizers saying venues are ready and ticketing set via Uepa Tickets. Game-Day Mobility: The Transportation Cabinet rolled out a mobility plan for July 24–Aug 8, including free Metro/OMSA rides for accredited groups, police escorts, and stricter access rules around venues. Local Hospitality Impact: Asonahores called the CAC Games a major opportunity to lift hotel demand and spending across the tourism value chain. Aviation Service Quality: Puerto Plata’s Gregorio Luperón International Airport won the ASQ Award for the fourth time, citing top passenger service based on independent surveys. New Visitor Flow: WestJet announced a winter 2026–27 nonstop Winnipeg–Punta Cana route, adding another Canada-to-DR air option. Community & Culture: Bridgeport, Connecticut’s Dominican Parade and Festival (Aug 2) will spotlight Puerto Plata and Taíno heritage, with expected attendance above 70,000.

Santo Domingo 2026 Games Logistics: The DR’s Transportation Cabinet rolled out a mobility plan for the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games (July 24–Aug 8), including traffic management, police escorts, and free Metro for accredited staff plus free OMSA bus service to venues. Venue Access Rules: Organizers also announced strict parking limits at the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center, with public parking prohibited and only pre-identified operational vehicles allowed. Sports Tourism Boost: Asonahores said the Games are a major tourism opportunity, driving demand for hotels, transport, food, and entertainment across the value chain. Air Connectivity for Visitors: WestJet added a new Winnipeg–Punta Cana nonstop for the 2026–27 winter season, while Air Canada announced new seasonal routes including Montréal–Santo Domingo. Resort Spotlight (Miches): Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa (adults-only, all-inclusive) is highlighted as an early opening in the emerging Miches destination, with large meeting capacity and extensive dining and spa options. Cuba Delegation Update: Cuba continues to build its Santo Domingo 2026 team, adding athletes and specialists across multiple disciplines.

Central American & Caribbean Games Logistics: Santo Domingo 2026 organizers rolled out a mobility plan for July 24–Aug 8, including free Metro/cable car/OMSA buses for accredited visitors, pedestrian-only venue zones, and strict parking and no-stopping rules around the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center and key avenues. Tourism Demand Boost: Asonahores said the Games are a major sports-tourism opportunity, expected to lift accommodation, dining, transport, commerce and entertainment across the tourism value chain. Air Connectivity: Air Canada announced new winter nonstop service from Canada to the Dominican Republic—Montréal–Santo Domingo—plus additional Caribbean and Mexico routes. Cruise & Climate Watch: Cruise operators are flagging low water levels disrupting European river cruises (Danube/Rhine), a reminder of how climate conditions can affect travel itineraries. Sustainability Push: Piñero launched the third “Los + Ecoístas” awards, expanding categories to content creators and media outlets promoting sustainable tourism, with nominations open through Sept. 14. Visitor Safety/Trust: Fitness influencer Paymi Marte alleged US$7,900 was stolen from her InterContinental Real Santo Domingo room ahead of surgery; police complaint filed, hotel has not commented publicly.

Central American & Caribbean Games Boost: Asonahores says Santo Domingo 2026 (July 24–Aug 8) will drive sports tourism and demand across hotels, transport, food and entertainment, while the Dominican Olympic Shelter (Alodom) reports housing and preparing hundreds of athletes for the event. Free City Mobility for Visitors: Organizers announced free Metro, Teleférico cable car, and OMSA buses during the Games, plus pedestrian-only zones at Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center and Parque del Este to ease access and traffic. Air Connectivity for Winter Travel: Air Canada adds five seasonal routes from Canada, including Montréal–Santo Domingo and new nonstop service to Roatán, while Cathay Pacific launches Hong Kong–Santo Domingo via Madrid. More Canadian Flights to Punta Cana: WestJet will start a new Winnipeg–Punta Cana nonstop for winter 2026–27, and also expands other sun routes. Sports Tourism Infrastructure: Rafael Nadal’s post-tennis investments include the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center in Bávaro and the Zel Hotels brand, reinforcing Punta Cana’s athletic-wellness appeal. Sustainability Push: Piñero launched the third “Los + Ecoístas” awards, adding categories for content creators and sustainability voices. Local Travel Safety/Service Notes: A Santo Domingo hotel theft allegation involving US$7,900 is reported by influencer Paymi Marte; separately, Puerto Plata temporarily closes Paseo Doña Blanca for restoration.

Santo Domingo Games Mobility: Public transport in the capital will be free during the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games (July 24–Aug 8), including the Metro, Teleférico cable car, and OMSA buses, with pedestrian-only zones at the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center and Parque del Este to ease crowd movement. Budget & Tourism Funding: The Dominican government has submitted a bill to amend the 2026 General State Budget, projecting RD$1.383T in revenue and RD$1.785T in spending, while proposing reallocations that would reduce Tourism appropriations. Air Access & Connectivity: WestJet is adding winter routes that include Punta Cana (starting Nov. 28) and more Caribbean links, while Aerodom reported flight cancellations at Las Américas (AILA) due to severe U.S. weather disruptions. Resort & Sports Tourism Push: Rafael Nadal is expanding his Dominican footprint with the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center in Bávaro and co-created Zel Hotels, reinforcing sports-and-wellness travel. Sustainability Awards: Piñero launched the third “Los + Ecoístas” awards, adding categories for content creators and media promoting sustainable tourism. Local Tourism Maintenance: Puerto Plata temporarily closed Paseo Doña Blanca (July 20–Aug 5) for restoration and repairs. On-the-ground Travel Watch: A Santo Domingo hotel theft allegation by influencer Paymi Marte claims US$7,900 was stolen from her room; no public hotel statement yet.

Santo Domingo 2026 Games Logistics: Public transport will be free for spectators from July 24 to Aug. 8, with OMSA buses, the Metro and the Santo Domingo cable car helping fans reach the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center and Parque del Este. Puerto Plata Tourism Maintenance: The Puerto Plata City Council temporarily closed Paseo Doña Blanca (July 20–Aug. 5) for restoration and repairs to protect the historic, photo-famous walkway. Air Connectivity Disruptions: Severe weather in the U.S. led Aerodom to cancel flights at Las Américas (AILA) to and from New York, Boston, Orlando and Newark, urging travelers to check with airlines. Airline Ancillary Services: Arajet partnered with Arcube to let passengers buy add-ons digitally (eSIMs, transfers, fast-track, lounge access, tours, parking) via “Manage My Booking” and pre-departure emails. Sports Tourism Push: The Bayahibe 10K returns Sept. 6 with 600+ runners, aiming to boost hotel stays and wellness tourism in La Romana/Bayahibe. Ecotourism Spotlight: Senator Gustavo Lara promoted Los Cacaos’ ecotourism potential during its 100th municipal anniversary, citing nature assets and infrastructure improvements. Punta Cana Golf: Italy’s Stefano Mazzoli won the Corales Puntacana Championship, delivering a first PGA Tour title on Dominican greens.

Sports Tourism: La Romana-Bayahibe’s 11th Bayahibe 10K is set for Sept. 6, aiming to draw 600+ runners with a seaside 10K course, early start to beat heat, and full medical/security coverage. Santo Domingo 2026 Games Logistics: Public transport will be free for spectators from July 24 to Aug. 8, including OMSA buses, the Metro, and the Santo Domingo cable car, with access focused on the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center and Parque del Este. Infrastructure & Access: President Abinader inaugurated the Plaza de la Bandera tunnel and renovated surrounding public space to ease Greater Santo Domingo traffic and improve southern connectivity. Air Travel Disruption: Severe weather in the U.S. led to cancellations at Las Américas (AILA), affecting JetBlue, Delta, and Arajet routes to New York, Boston, Orlando, and Newark. Connectivity Boost: WestJet announced new Winnipeg direct flights to Punta Cana (once weekly from Nov. 28) and to Belize City (from Dec. 14), supporting winter demand. Tourism Demand Signals: A flight-schedule roundup highlights Punta Cana’s strongest weekly links, led by San Juan, Panama City, Miami, New York, and Toronto. Safety & Preparedness: Indomet warns of continued summer heat (33–35°C) with occasional brief showers in the east/northeast, while a seismic-risk reminder urges residents to prepare and practice “drop, cover, and hold on.” Local Hospitality Incident: Viral footage shows a hotel employee attacking guests at Moon Palace The Grand Punta Cana, prompting renewed attention on resort security and staff conduct.

Aviation Disruption: Heavy rains and flooding in the northeastern U.S. triggered flight cancellations at Las Américas (AILA), with JetBlue, Delta and Arajet among the airlines affected—passengers faced long lines and rescheduling as some Boston routes still operated. Santo Domingo 2026 Games Logistics: Organizers say public transport will be free from July 24 to Aug. 8 for the Central American and Caribbean Games, including OMSA buses, the subway and the Santo Domingo cable car, to ease access to the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center and Parque del Este. Tourism Policy Push: The Dominican Senate Tourism Commission advanced two bills to boost the sector—one to promote gastronomic tourism and another to create CONDETUSA, a national council to regulate and promote health tourism. Punta Cana Air Connectivity: New flight-schedule data ranks San Juan, Panama City, Miami, New York and Toronto as the top weekly sources of flights to Punta Cana, underlining continued demand from North America and regional hubs. Resort Safety Spotlight: Viral footage shows a hotel employee attacking guests at Moon Palace The Grand Punta Cana, raising fresh questions about on-site security and staff conduct. Community & Health: The Dominican Republic’s Emergency Medical Team returned from a 12-day humanitarian mission in Venezuela, reporting 2,502 people treated and highlighting ongoing regional cooperation.

Air Connectivity Boost: Punta Cana’s flight network keeps thickening, with San Juan, Panama City, Miami, New York, Toronto, and other major hubs driving the highest weekly operations into the destination. U.S. Market Push: Dominican Tourism Minister David Collado promoted the country in Chicago to travel agents and tour operators, pointing to strong Illinois demand (140,000+ visitors). Policy & Tourism Lawmaking: The Dominican Senate Tourism Commission advanced bills to back gastronomic tourism and create a national council to develop health tourism. Safety & Preparedness: A local expert urged earthquake readiness across homes, stressing “drop, cover, and hold on” and securing heavy furniture. Humanitarian Spotlight: The Dominican Emergency Medical Team returned from a 12-day mission in Venezuela, reporting thousands of consultations during quake response. On-the-Ground Incident: Viral footage showed a hotel employee attacking guests at Moon Palace The Grand Punta Cana, raising questions about resort security and staff conduct. Sports Tourism Tie-In: Marileidy Paulino heads to London for a Diamond League meet before returning for Santo Domingo 2026.

Air Connectivity Boost: Southwest Airlines is adding more Caribbean nonstop options, including Saturday-only service from Nashville to Aruba, Montego Bay, and St. Thomas, plus Saturday service from Columbus (Ohio) to Punta Cana starting March 13—good news for DR beach and resort demand. Punta Cana Flight Demand Snapshot: A flight-schedule roundup ranks the biggest weekly air links to Punta Cana, with San Juan, Panama City, Miami, New York, and Toronto leading—highlighting key feeder markets for travelers. Tourism Policy Moves: The Dominican Senate Tourism Commission is advancing bills to promote gastronomic tourism and create a National Council for Health Tourism (CONDETUSA), aiming to diversify the sector. Safety & Preparedness: A Dominican earthquake-prep guide urges residents to secure furniture, identify safe spots, and use “drop, cover, and hold on.” On-the-Ground Incident: Viral footage shows a hotel employee attacking guests at Moon Palace The Grand Punta Cana, raising fresh questions about resort security and staff conduct. Humanitarian Return: The Dominican Emergency Medical Team returned from a 12-day Venezuela mission, treating thousands after earthquakes—another reminder of DR’s regional role.