Dominican Republic Is Among The Top Winter Destinations For Americans And Canadians

Last Updated 1 year ago

The Dominican Republic is one of American and Canadian’s favorite destinations and has been recently proven with updated data. The cold season approaches the north, and it all indicates that travelers want to spend holidays in warmer places with spectacular beaches.

According to the information reported by the news website Online Plus, the American online travel shopping company Expedia announced the most popular destinations for winter researched by American and Canadian travelers.

Expedia Group reported that the most searched Caribbean locations are Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Aruba. The company gave a presentation at the Caribbean Travel Marketplace in San Juan, Puerto Rico, an important annual event.

At the presentation, Salim Arkuch, Vicepresident and General Manager For Latin America and The Caribbean at Expedia Group, explained that recent online searches for winter holidays have increased by 30% and 25% compared to the same time periods in 2019 and 2021.

North American travelers are preparing for the winter season, and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) also agrees. During their presentation this week, CHTA President Nicola Madden-Greig introduced the top Caribbean destinations for American travelers, and according to data gathered from the travel analytics company ForwardKeys, the Dominican Republic is in second place, under Curaçao, and over the US Virgin Islands.

Americans And Canadians Prefer Punta Cana

Tourists parasailing on Bavaro Beach in Dominican Republic

The summer has proven that many North American residents love the Caribbean and are willing to travel every season. This year, it has been surprising since travelers have been interested in different and more exotic locations. However, the Dominican Republic remains at the top of the list of Expedia users.

Expedia Group, as reported by Online Plus, shared the most searched destinations for winter:

Punta Cana.
Montego Bay.
Aruba.
San Juan.
Nassau.
Paradise Island.

traveler with backpack and suitcase at the airport

Over 70% of the searches are performed by American citizens, but after the COVID-19 travel restrictions have been eased in Canada, the searches increased by 105% compared to previous data. According to the information shared by Arkuch, travelers care about relaxing and spare time.

More Reservations Despite High Prices

Meliá Renovating Its Flagship Resorts In Punta Cana-2

Expedia also shared relevant information related to hotel bookings. One of the most relevant data showed that now travelers are making reservations for more days. Compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, there has been a 10% increase in days this year.

Remote work has been allowing travelers to stay for a few more days during holidays, and even though Mexico is the top destination for remote workers, other Caribbean locations are still very attractive.

However, Expedia has also noted that prices have increased. The average rate per night is 20% more expensive than the rates during the same periods of time in 2019. And in 2022, it has slightly increased by 5% compared to 2021.

Despite the high prices —and Hurricane Fiona— the Dominican Republic has set a new all-time record for tourist arrival in the past month. Considering all the locations affected by the tropical storm and the fear spread through social media, travelers are still interested in visiting and enjoying a Caribbean vacation at top destinations like Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, and Puerto Plata.

American and Canadian travelers’ interest in this country has made airlines create new routes and hotels and resorts to open new properties, providing even more options for travelers and different vacation budgets.

The low-cost airlines Frontier and Swoop are offering cheap tickets and new routes from Chicago, Miami, Cleveland, Hamilton, and more, to Santo Domingo and Punta Cana for the winter season.
New resorts, like the luxurious all-inclusive resort developed by Melia in partnership with Falcon’s Beyond, is about to open and will offer 622 rooms for travelers. There are great resorts available across the island, and even though a few —due to the hurricane— have had to postpone reopening, will have their doors open by the end of the year.