Punta Cana Is One Of The Top Destinations For Americans This Year According To AAA

Last Updated 9 months ago

Punta Cana is more popular than ever before among American travelers. The coastal resort town has racked up an impressive array of travel awards, and Punta Cana ranks well in a recent string of travel rankings. The trend appears to be even stronger in 2023, at least according to a newly published study by the American Automobile Association (AAA), in which Punta Cana was ranked the second most popular summer destination for Americans.

A tropical view in Punta Cana with a white sand beach and a plam tree

Punta Cana’s Popularity Shows No Signs Of Stopping

With well over 800,000 arrivals reported in February alone, the Dominican Republic is experiencing its busiest period on record for international travel. Punta Cana remains by far the most popular destination for travelers, welcoming some 70% of all international arrivals. The destination is especially popular among U.S. travelers, with direct flights available from a number of U.S. hubs.

Aerial view of Punta Cana's white-sand beaches with blue waters

The seaside resort hotspot is about to get a whole lot busier after being crowned the second most sought-after destination for U.S. travelers this year, according to AAA. In its latest findings, the leading firm, which also specializes in travel and hospitality rankings, determined that Punta Cana ranks as one of the most popular Caribbean destinations this year for Americans.

According to the report, which is based on bookings made through AAA, Americans are expected to splurge more on travel this year despite rising inflation. U.S. travelers are also projected to opt heavily for Caribbean destinations, including Punta Cana, which has been one of the most popular destinations for Americans, alongside tropical hotspots such as Cancun and Jamaica.

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American Airlines plane and airport vehicles

The report also points out that travelers are more interested than ever before in traveling together with their families. According to Paula Twidale, senior vice president for AAA Travel, travelers want to make up for lost time during the COVID-19 pandemic. Americans are also seeking to take advantage of the U.S. Dollar’s stronger exchange rate, which translates into greater purchasing power abroad.

Aerial view of a Punta Cana resort and beach area

The Dominican Republic’s popularity has a lot to do with its warm tropical weather and stunning Caribbean coastline. Meanwhile, its world-class all-inclusive resorts are making headlines in the travel industry; La Romana’s Casa de Campo was recently featured in the list of the top Caribbean resorts, and Punta Cana’s renowned luxury accommodations are some of the most lavish in the region.

Tropical buidling with flowers in Punta Cana

Earlier this year, the Dominican Republic was featured as one of the top 10 destinations to visit in 2023, according to TripAdvisor, a leading online travel and review platform. The impressive nomination is likely to further attract new travelers to the sun-soaked island after years of pent-up travel plans.

Air And Sea Travel Expected To Further Grow

The Dominican Republic is well on track to beat last year’s record of over seven millon travelers. Punta Cana is in the final stages of renovating its airport, which will add over 10 new air bridges and plenty of new amenities. The new and improved Terminal B in Punta Cana International Airport will make space for larger aircraft and, of course, more travelers.

A resort village in Punta Cana with palm trees and blue skies

Meanwhile, the tropical country continues to welcome more and more cruise ship passengers. While Puerto Plata’s Taíno Bay and Amber Cove currently receive the most passengers, this is expected to change when Pedernales launches the country’s newest flagship cruise ship terminal later this year.

A large cruise ship on arrival in the Caribbean

Home to one of the Caribbean’s most impressive and versatile coastlines, the Dominican Republic is a fantastic choice for both nature and city lovers. Classic destinations like Punta Cana, La Romana, and Samaná are great options for resort lovers, but the country is also home to a growing selection of eco-havens, including Pedernales and Miches, where virgin beaches and untouched rainforests await travelers.