Puerto Plata sports tourism development

Economic development in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, is increasingly focused on leveraging sports tourism to diversify the regional economy. Hugo José González, provincial director of the National Institute of Physical Education (INEFI), has identified hosting high-level athletic competitions as a strategic way to attract private investment and create jobs across the hospitality, gastronomy, transport, and service sectors.

Key infrastructure projects are central to this strategy. The development of the Autopista del Ámbar highway is expected to improve connectivity with the Santiago and Cibao regions, while the Punta Bergantín multipurpose project is intended to enhance logistics for international events. Furthermore, the Amber Cove and Taíno Bay cruise terminals are being positioned as platforms to offer sporting and recreational activities to international visitors.

Local political figures have also noted the historical role of previous administrations in developing the province's tourism sector through investments in ports, the historic center, and local stadiums.