SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, Jan. 17, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In 2018, Dominican Republic once again asserted itself as a tourism force in the Caribbean. The country welcomed more than 6.5 million passengers via air travel—a 6.2 percent increase of more than 380,000 additional arrivals compared to 2017.
While the country’s picturesque beaches, warm and welcoming people and ideal year-round climate continue to charm visitors, a growing number of travelers are booking trips that align with 2019’s biggest travel trends. Visitors are arriving in pursuit of one-of-a-kind experiences in wellness and gastronomy, and more visitors than ever are looking to explore uncharted destinations that veer off the beaten tourist path and capture breath-taking images.
“Our diverse tourist attractions and terrain speak to visitors with a broad range of interests,” said Magaly Toribio, Marketing Advisor for the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. “Travelers are delighted by the variety of experiences available at their fingertips in Dominican Republic, from whale watching to exploring our national parks system to indulging in traditional Dominican fare.”
Whether it’s your first or your fifth visit to Dominican Republic, the country is sure to impress, with attractions in line with all of 2019’s most anticipated travel trends.
Outdoor and Active Experiences
Experiential travel—especially active and outdoor travel—is a trend with serious staying power. More travelers than ever in 2018 chose to book outdoor activities like hiking, biking or diving, according to data from TripAdvisor, as reported by Forbes.
Dominican Republic is known around the world as a hub for water sports like surfing, kitesurfing and scuba diving, and is also home to unique wildlife experiences, like humpback whale watching. More than 50,000 people visit Samaná, in the northeast of the country, each year to watch the humpback whales during their mating season between January and March.
Traveling for Wellness
In 2017, travelers made 830 million wellness trips, according to the Global Wellness Institute, and in 2018 the trend continued to gain momentum. Going into 2019, travelers to Dominican Republic are prioritizing destinations and experiences that emphasize wellness, from oceanfront yoga retreats to spa treatments featuring local, organic ingredients to rejuvenate the mind and body.
Boutique and all-inclusive resorts alike offer workshops and retreats dedicated solely to mindfulness and meditation, allowing visitors to attain a mindful, attentive state of inner peace during their vacation. Throughout the country there are meditation and wellness studios abound, offering classes in yoga, meditation, capoeira, art therapy and more. Many wellness facilities also feature juice bars and vegetarian cafes, keeping travelers fueled with fresh, natural foods grown locally in Dominican Republic.
Gastronomic Hot Spots for Foodies
Over the past year, interest in immersive experiences like cooking classes jumped 61 percent, according to TripAdvisor data, as reported by Forbes. In Dominican Republic’s vibrant capital city of Santo Domingo, culinary tours lead visitors with epicurean interests around the city for a taste of some of the Caribbean’s finest cuisine, from traditional fried tostones (twice fried, mashed plantains) and mofongo (mashed plantains with garlic, deep fried pork or shrimp) to fusion cuisine that puts a modern twist on classic fare.
Dominican Republic is also renowned for producing some of the world’s finest cocoa, coffee, sugar, ginger, mangos and rum. The region’s most fertile soil is found in El Cibao region, creating ideal growing conditions for fine Caribbean staples. Guided tours give visitors an up-close look at how cigars, coffee and rum are made, allowing foodies to take a rare glimpse behind the scenes of some of the country’s most beloved exports.
Instagram-Worthy Views
In 2018, Bávaro Beach in Punta Cana was named one of the most Instagrammed beaches in the world with more than 83,000 photos posted to the social media platform according to Instagram, and for good reason. The world-famous beach is one of the longest, most continuous white sand beaches in the Caribbean, extending 30 miles and surrounded with coral reefs. This walkable stretch that is home to resorts, restaurants and gift shops offers the ideal combination of calm, turquoise waters and pulse-pumping aquatic fun on speedboats and catamarans – making it the perfect setting to capture the ultimate action show or a breathtaking Caribbean sunset.
Removed from Dominican Republic’s bustling towns and tourist attractions, the town of Miches below the Samaná Peninsula is a gateway to even more Instagram-worthy views, including Salto de la Jalda, the tallest waterfall in the Caribbean. From Miches, take a ride up the Montaña Redonda where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas where sky meets ocean and rolling green hills. A swing at the edge of the mountain overlooks the town below, offering a breathtaking photo opportunity.
Destinations Off the Beaten Path
In 2019, travelers in pursuit of the world’s greatest hidden gems won’t be disappointed in Dominican Republic. While many have experienced Punta Cana’s beaches and Santo Domingo’s colonial charm, fewer have ventured to Montecristi, the jewel of the northwest. Montecristi’s wild and striking landscape is ripe for off-the-grid adventures. The unpretentious town is home to a quaint boardwalk and pristine beaches, and you’ll see many rice plantations, plantain fields, goats and giant cacti as you cruise past the region’s limestone cliffs hugging the ocean and thick mangrove tunnels giving way to fresh lagoons.
Just west of Puerto Plata is Punta Rucia, a sleepy fishing village with dreamy white sand beaches. This hidden paradise is an unspoiled gem that offers exceptional diving for beginners, starting at just 16 feet, with views of colorful tropical fish, corals, sponges, octopuses, yellowtail snappers and more.
In the southwest, Bahía de las Águilas, known as one of the most beautiful beaches in Dominican Republic is a must. This diamond-white stretch oasis spans a whopping five miles, boasting crystal clear turquoise waters. Protected as part of the Jaragua National Park in Pedernales, a spectacular rocky karst landscape hugs this beach all along the coastline. You can reach Bahía de Las Águilas by an all-terrain vehicle, or by boat from the shores of Cabo Rojo. Bring plenty of sun protection for this unshaded piece of paradise.
If you’re visiting Santo Domingo a day trip to Boca Chica or Juan Dolio should be on your list. Located 20 miles east of the capital city, Playa Boca Chica is one of Dominican Republic’s most beloved beaches. Stretching a near mile long with brilliant, white sand, this bustling stretch is well protected by a large coral reef, making it a favorite swimming and scuba spot. Just an hour east of Santo Domingo is Juan Dolio, a favorite of well-healed urbanities seeking a tranquil yet lively escape. This ocean chic town boasts an abundance of restaurants, dive shops, hotels and more along its six-mile long sparkling beach.
To learn more and to begin planning your 2019 escape to Dominican Republic, visit www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.
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About Dominican Republic
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the north and the Caribbean Sea on the south, our lush tropical and paradisiacal country boasts nearly 1,000 miles of coastline, magnificent resorts and hotels, and a variety of sports, recreation and entertainment options. Here you can dance to the pulse pounding thrill of the merengue, renew in our luxurious and diverse accommodations, explore ancient relics of centuries past, delight in delicious Dominican gastronomy or enjoy ecotourism adventures in our magnificent national parks, mountain ranges, rivers and beaches.
Known for our warm and hospitable people, Dominican Republic is a destination like no other, featuring astounding nature, intriguing history and rich cultural experiences like music, art and festivals, plus uniquely Dominican specialties such as cigars, rum, chocolate, coffee, merengue, amber and larimar.
Dominican Republic features the best beaches, fascinating history and culture, and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families alike. Visit Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism’s official website at:.
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