U.S. Crisis Won’t Brake “Armored” Dominican Tourism Industry, Official Says

The “armored” tourism industry is one of the few sectors that hasn’t been affected by this year’s crisis in the United States, with the arrival 3,126,559 non-resident passengers in the first nine months, or a 2.2 percent jump compared to the same year ago period.

Tourism minister Francisco Garcia said the increase stems from the 3.6 percent rise in the arrival of non-resident aliens compared to last year’s 0.5 percent, an increase of 3.1 percentage points, or a total 95,618 additional visitors.

Hacienda minister Vicente Bengoa said Dominican tourism won’t suffer from the U.S. financial crisis this year, but the situation could change starting February during the high season.

Mr. Garcia said increased advertising to attract Russian and European tourists to Dominican Republic is one reason tourism hasn’t been affected.