Tourism in the Dominican Republic has been a significant contributor to the country’s economy for years. However, like many other countries, the COVID-19 pandemic has hit the tourism industry hard.
As the world begins to recover from the pandemic, many people are curious about how tourism is faring in the Dominican Republic. Let’s take a closer look.
The Current State of Tourism in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic began reopening its borders to international tourists in July 2020, following a closure due to COVID-19. Since then, tourism has slowly started to pick up again, with visitors returning to enjoy the country’s beautiful beaches and warm weather.
However, it’s important to note that things are not yet back to normal. The number of tourists visiting the Dominican Republic is still significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, there are new health and safety protocols in place that visitors must follow.
Health and Safety Protocols
To ensure the safety of both visitors and residents, there are several health and safety protocols that tourists must follow when visiting the Dominican Republic. These include:
- Wearing masks in public spaces
- Maintaining social distancing
- Regular hand washing or use of hand sanitizer
- Taking a COVID-19 test before traveling to the country (tests must be taken no more than 72 hours before arrival)
These protocols are designed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 while allowing tourists to enjoy their time in the country.
The Impact on Local Businesses
The decrease in tourism has had a significant impact on local businesses in the Dominican Republic. Many hotels and restaurants have had to close or reduce their operating hours due to a lack of customers.
Thankfully, as more tourists begin returning to the country, local businesses are slowly starting to recover. However, it may still be some time before things return to pre-pandemic levels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tourism in the Dominican Republic is slowly starting to recover from the impact of COVID-19. While there are still health and safety protocols in place, visitors can still enjoy all that the country has to offer. It’s important to support local businesses during this time and follow all guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.