An estimated whopping 500,000 passengers are expected to visit the Dominican Republic during the 2007-2008 Cruise Ship Season according to Tourism Vice Minister Senora Magalys Toribio. 

The Vice Minister said during a conference titled “Potential development and economic impact of cruise ports” that from October to April this year 256,165 tourists came to the Dominican Republic aboard 139 ships, which was less than the same period for 2005-2006 when some 300,000 passengers arrived on 250 cruise ships. 

She continued to remark that a recent study had taken place and found that the cruise industry contributes more than US$21 millions to the port’s immediate area. 

The Dominican Republic’s geographical position is a privileged location and port of transition for other international ports. 

Another study conducted by the Business Research and Economic Advisors (BREA) discovered that a cruise ship’s 2000 passengers and also the 800 crewmembers would spend on average US$190,476 in each city where it makes a stop.Brea said “If the harbor and service taxes are added to this each ship that arrives in a Dominican Port contributes nearly US$260,000 to that particular region”.  

The new Sans Souci Pot will be opening in December of this year with standards comparable if not better than those of other international ports and that the facilities at Catherine Island and Samana have been given on concession to companies. San Souci and Don Diego Ports have been leased with a US$50 million investment to the new port terminals.