Is Punta Cana ‘stealing’ Colombian tourism from Cancun?

Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic is taking away tourists from Colombia.

With rates up to 20% lower and fewer procedures for entering the country, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic is attracting Colombian tourists, who are interested in entering Mexico, but prefer not to risk their vacations.

Blanca Mateus Díaz, from one of the main tour operators in Colombia, explained that Colombians are already choosing to visit the Caribbean destination, because to enter Mexico, either through Cancun or Mexico City, they must bring a lot of documentation that proves their stay. as a tourist, something that is already exhausting and they prefer to opt for the safe thing.

Currently, Colombians must attach round-trip air tickets, passports, lodging and activity reservation tickets, but it is also necessary to bring them physically, since this is required in immigration and even as travel agencies invoices are delivered. to verify the transaction.

According to data from the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic, tourism in Colombia grew 19% last year with 306 thousand visitors received, reaching the third place. In the case of Quintana Roo, Colombia’s tourism represents the fifth issuing market and only 1.7% of total arrivals.

For the sector, the Colombian tourist is already afraid of being questioned by Mexican authorities, and since the Dominican Republic is cheaper, they are choosing that destination.

The situation of non-admissions led to the formation of working groups between the state and federal governments and businessmen to facilitate the arrival of Colombian tourists by agreeing on training and even a direct line between immigration authorities and hoteliers to verify their reservations.

TYT Newsroom