Puerto Plata could see even more Canadian visitors during the upcoming winter season as air connectivity between Canada and the Dominican Republic continues to expand.

Dominican Airports Siglo XXI (AERODOM), a member of the VINCI Airports network, has announced increased air connectivity between Canada and the Dominican Republic for the 2026–2027 winter season, following continued growth in passenger traffic at the airports it operates.

During 2026, passenger traffic from Canada at Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP) in Puerto Plata increased by 13% compared with 2025.

More Flights and Greater Capacity This Winter

To meet the continued demand from the Canadian market, new operations are being added from December 2026.

At Puerto Plata:

• Air Transat will add a weekly flight from London, Ontario.
• WestJet will introduce a weekly route connecting Winnipeg with Puerto Plata.

Overall, seating capacity between Puerto Plata and Canada is expected to increase by 20% for the winter season.

Air Transat is currently one of the leading carriers in the Canadian market at Puerto Plata, with approximately 153,000 passengers, followed by WestJet with more than 113,000.

AERODOM CEO Cyril Girot said the growth of the Canadian market and the airlines’ response with additional routes and capacity demonstrate the potential of the market and provide travelers with more options between Canada and the Dominican Republic.

Longer-Stay Visitors Mean More Opportunities for Local Businesses

For Puerto Plata businesses, increased air connectivity can be particularly important because visitors arriving by air are generally staying much longer than cruise passengers.

A cruise passenger may spend only a few hours in Puerto Plata before returning to their ship. An air traveler, however, may stay for a week, several weeks, or even a few months.

That creates a very different spending opportunity for local businesses.

Canadian visitors have long been an important part of the North Coast’s tourism market, particularly in areas such as Sosúa, Cabarete, and Puerto Plata City beaches. During the winter months, some Canadians choose to spend extended periods in the Dominican Republic to escape the cold weather at home.

These longer-term visitors have more time to explore the province and are likely to use a much wider range of local businesses and services.

They may eat at local restaurants, shop at supermarkets and stores, visit pharmacies and medical facilities, use transportation services, hire cars, arrange excursions and activities, hire tradespeople and maintenance companies, and look for professional and household services.

Visitors who own or rent villas and condominiums can have an even greater need for reliable local service providers, from property maintenance and cleaning to repairs, construction, security, and other specialized services.

For local businesses, these visitors represent more than a single transaction. A visitor staying for weeks or months has considerably more opportunities to become a regular customer.

Can Canadian Visitors Find Your Business?

One of the biggest challenges for a visitor in an unfamiliar area is simply knowing where to find the products and services they need.

A visitor may know they need a dentist, mechanic, restaurant, supermarket, electrician, doctor, tour operator, or a property service — but they may not know which local businesses provide those services.

This is where GoPuertoPlata.com can help.

Businesses listed in the GoPuertoPlata directory can provide visitors with important information such as their business description, contact details, location, opening hours, photographs, and the services they provide.

The more complete and up-to-date your business information is, the easier it is for someone searching for that particular service to discover your business and make contact.

Make Sure Your Business Can Be Found

With additional flights from Canada and increased winter capacity, Puerto Plata is continuing to attract visitors who may stay considerably longer than the typical cruise passenger.

For local businesses, that means an opportunity to reach people who are not simply passing through the city for a few hours, but who may be living, staying, shopping, and spending throughout Puerto Plata Province for weeks or even months.

If you operate a business or provide a service in Puerto Plata Province, make sure visitors can find you.

Add your business to GoPuertoPlata.com, provide useful information about what you offer, and help Canadian visitors and other newcomers discover the local businesses and services available throughout the province.

And if you have used a local business yourself, consider leaving a recommendation or review. Your experience can help other visitors make informed decisions and help good local businesses attract new customers.

Find local businesses. Share your experiences. Help Puerto Plata grow.