The Colonial City already receives 14% of all tourists arriving in the Dominican Republic each month, the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, said while delivering the rehabilitation of two streets as part of the Ministry’s work in the area.
He said visitor growth has been exponential, with the percentage of visitors doubling.
“We started with 7%, then 8%, and now 14% is the average,” the minister explained.
He indicated that cruise tourism projects are being channeled to the Colonial City, with new interventions that will revolutionize the destination.
Furthermore, Collado reiterated that the ministry will complete all work in the Colonial Zone by December.
He justified that the ministry’s total investment of RD$500 million and US$90 million from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) was bound to cause some disruption in the area, but they tried to plan the work as best as possible.
Collado indicated that the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) completed RD$468 million in works in the Colonial City, according to El Hoy.
“We delivered the Gate of Mercy. We also delivered the Alcázar de Colón with an investment of RD$100 million, as well as more than 12 church facades, and we renovated the facade of the National Pantheon, which demonstrates that we have done a great job within the Colonial City and marginalized neighborhoods,” he explained.
He added that they have invested more than RD$250 million in sidewalks, curbs, and paving.