# Tourism development in Puerto Plata > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tourism-development-in-puerto-plata > Updated: 2026-08-31T06:40:23.000Z. Sources: 27. Developments: 4. Puerto Plata is implementing several initiatives to expand its tourism and economic activity. The region is seeing an increase in maritime and aerial connectivity, with 29 cruise ship arrivals scheduled for August across the Amber Cove and Taíno Bay terminals. Additionally, the local international airport is expanding its flight services through increased year-round frequency from Copa Airlines and new seasonal routes from Air Transat and WestJet. To complement these arrivals, the city is investing in infrastructure and industry networking. Mayor Diomedes Roque García has officially reopened the renovated Paseo Doña Blanca, also known as ‘Callejón Rosado’, which underwent aesthetic improvements by artist Alex Jiménez. The region is also preparing for the second edition of the Aventúrate RD 2026 fair, scheduled for September 1 to 3 at the Hotel Marién, expected to host over 300 tour operators. On a national level, the Dominican Republic reported 7.7 million visitors between January and July 2026, a 7% increase over the previous year. Tourism Minister David Collado projected a potential record of 12.5 million visitors by the end of 2026. To support this growth, the Ministry launched the ‘Turismo Cerca de Ti’ (Tourism Close to You) program, focusing on sustainability, security, and regulatory strengthening by integrating local communities and businesses. Recent developments in Puerto Plata include the authorization of permanent beach cleaning operations under the ‘Playa Limpia’ program. Furthermore, the Clúster Turístico del Destino Puerto Plata (CTDPP), Travegali, and the Ministry of Tourism signed the ‘Puerto Plata, Destino Accesible’ agreement, an initiative designed to improve accessibility through infrastructure diagnostics, service enhancements, and specialized training for personnel. Regarding environmental concerns, Taíno Bay addressed social media reports of water discoloration in San Felipe Bay, clarifying that the issue was caused by seabed sediments moved by cruise ship propellers rather than illegal discharges. ## Claims - Minister David Collado authorized permanent beach cleaning operations in Puerto Plata. (single source) - The national program 'Turismo Cerca de Ti' was launched in Puerto Plata. (single source) - The 'Puerto Plata, Destino Accesible' agreement was signed by the CTDPP, Travegali, and the Ministry of Tourism. (single source) - Dominican Republic maintains high security levels among regional tourist destinations according to 2024 data. (single source) - The accessibility plan includes a diagnostic of current conditions and a roadmap for infrastructure improvements. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-31: Dominican Republic launches new tourism and accessibility initiatives The Dominican Republic is launching new tourism initiatives, including the ‘Turismo Cerca de Ti’ program and accessibility projects in Puerto Plata, alongside enhanced beach maintenance and environmental safety 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/puerto-plata-tourism-initiatives-launched-by-minister-david-collado ### 2026-08-26: Dominican Republic tourism reaches 7.7 million visitors through July 2026 Dominican Republic tourism reached 7.7 million visitors by July 2026. Minister David Collado launched the “Turismo Cerca de Ti” program and inaugurated new infrastructure in Puerto Plata and Punta Rucia. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/puerto-plata-expands-tourism-infrastructure-with-new-projects ### 2026-08-13: Puerto Plata enhances tourism with renovations and upcoming industry fair Puerto Plata is boosting its tourism sector by reopening the renovated Paseo Doña Blanca and preparing to host Aventúrate RD 2026, an industry fair featuring over 300 tour operators. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/puerto-plata-enhances-tourism-with-renovations-and-upcoming-industry-fair ### 2026-07-31: Puerto Plata to host 29 cruise arrivals in August and add new international flights Puerto Plata will host 29 cruise ship arrivals in August and adds new weekly flights from Panama, Canada’s Air Transat and WestJet, strengthening tourism. 23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-port-authority-schedules-29-cruise-ship-calls-in-puerto-plata-for-august --- Cite as: Tourism development in Puerto Plata. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tourism-development-in-puerto-plata