Puerto Plata continues to solidify its position as a leading cruise destination, with 64 cruise ships scheduled to arrive at Amber Cove and Taino Bay in February. The Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) reported that 23 boats will do so through Amber Cove and 41 through Taino Bay, representing a significant boost for the province. This represents an increase compared to February 2024, when 57 cruise ships visited the area, demonstrating a 10% growth in arrivals.
This surge in cruise tourism follows a record-breaking 2024, with Puerto Plata welcoming over 2.1 million cruise passengers. With the current growth trajectory, the city aims to attract 2.5 million cruise visitors in 2025.
To support the continued growth and enhance the visitor experience, the Puerto Plata City Council has approved a $1 tourist tax per visitor. This tax, applicable only to tourists participating in organized excursions through tour operators, will fund crucial improvements to the city’s tourism infrastructure, including beautification projects, enhanced security measures, and improved services in key areas like La Puntilla, Plaza Independencia, and Paseo de Doña Blanca.
While the cruise ship boom brings significant economic benefits, it also presents challenges for the city. The tourist tax is intended to address these challenges by generating approximately $800,000 to $1 million annually for the maintenance and upkeep of tourist attractions.
Atahualpa Paulino, Regional Director of Tourism for the North, emphasized the importance of maintaining Puerto Plata as a world-class destination. He credited the efforts of President Luis Abinader and Tourism Minister David Collado for strengthening the tourism infrastructure and enhancing the competitiveness of Puerto Plata.
The implementation of the tourist tax has generated some debate among the local population and businesses. While the city council believes the tax is necessary to sustain the growth and enhance the visitor experience, some stakeholders expressed concerns about the lack of prior consultation before the tax was approved.
Despite these concerns, Puerto Plata remains a highly sought-after cruise destination, with January 2025 witnessing a record 81 cruise ship arrivals since the opening of Amber Cove in 2015 and Taino Bay in 2021.