Hotels · Destinations · Investment & M&APublished July 14, 20264 min read

Hilton lands in Samaná, new air tax, Bayahíbe, Mitur renovates Alcázar de Colón and hotel English program

JSBy Joan SanzCurated by Joan Sanz. · July 14, 2026 · Follow on LinkedIn

Voice reading · ~6 min

Hotels

Hilton lands in Las Terrenas with a megaproject that reshapes the Samaná hotel map. The Almare Beach Resort Las Terrenas, Curio Collection by Hilton, broke ground within the comprehensive Blu Terrenas development, covering more than 3 million square meters. The groundbreaking ceremony last Friday marks the arrival of the US chain in a province looking to take off as an alternative to Punta Cana. The resort, part of Hilton's Curio Collection, targets high-end travelers seeking exclusivity and nature. My take: Samaná is no longer the eternal promise. With a Hilton in the mix, the province lands on the radar of major international investors. The Blu Terrenas project also includes villas, retail and public spaces, making it both a tourism and real estate magnet. Source: Suelo Caribe

3 million m² total development area.

First Hilton hotel in Samaná, under the Curio Collection brand.

First phase of Blu Terrenas already inaugurated.

Mitur and local Bayahíbe stakeholders seal a tourism development plan. The Ministry of Tourism and representatives of the Bayahíbe community have aligned on a joint plan to boost this southeastern destination, known for its virgin beaches and proximity to Saona Island. The agreement covers land-use planning, infrastructure improvements and a joint promotional campaign. Bayahíbe has lived in the shadow of La Romana and Punta Cana for years, this plan aims to give it its own identity and attract nature and sustainable tourism. Smart move: if executed well, it can decongest the east coast and distribute visitor flows. Source: Arecoa

Airlines and taxes

The new air tax threatens to make tickets to the Dominican Republic more expensive just when air connectivity is most needed. According to industry complaints, the additional fee on international flights could hurt the destination's competitiveness against other Caribbean spots like Cancun or Jamaica. The measure, affecting airlines and passengers, comes at a time of record arrivals and route expansion. The government argues the tax funds airport investments, but tour operators warn the surcharge will be passed on to the end customer. This is a risky move: DR competes on price and demand elasticity is high. If not managed carefully, it could slow visitor growth. We're watching closely. Source: Acento · Turismo

Infrastructure and heritage

Mitur renovates the Alcázar de Colón and illuminates the Colonial City with 2,000 LED lamps. Minister David Collado delivered the rehabilitation of the Alcázar de Colón, the oldest viceregal building in the Americas, and launched the new ornamental lighting system for the entire Santo Domingo historic quarter. The intervention includes structural improvements, facade restoration and the installation of 2,000 LED light points that enhance the monumental heritage. A clever move: the Colonial City is the country's main cultural draw and its enhancement attracts higher-spending tourists. At a time when sun-and-beach tourism dominates, differentiating through heritage is a strategic win. Source: MITUR · Noticias

Talent and training

English program launched for the hotel sector, a historic shortcoming that drags down service quality. The initiative, driven by public-private entities, aims to train hotel and restaurant staff in conversational English, focusing on waiters, receptionists and tour guides. The lack of English proficiency is an Achilles' heel for Dominican tourism, especially in emerging destinations. If we want to boost average spend per tourist and attract long-haul markets, Europe, Asia, language is a barrier that needs breaking now. This program is a step in the right direction, but we need to see it scaled and sustained. Source: El Nacional · Turismo

What we are watching

The evolution of the air tax: we will closely track reactions from airlines and tour operators, if passed on to final prices, it could affect occupancy for the high season.
Progress on Blu Terrenas and Hilton Samaná construction: the resort's buildout will set the pace for Las Terrenas' transformation into a luxury destination.
Implementation of the Bayahíbe plan: we'll see if the agreement translates into concrete zoning and promotional actions before year-end.
August and September tourist arrivals: summer data will be the first real test of the air tax's impact.

The Dominican Republic shows it has the muscle to attract major international chains, Hilton's arrival in Samaná is the best proof, and to enhance its cultural and natural heritage. But competitiveness is not built solely on new hotels and LED streetlights. The air tax is a torpedo to the waterline of connectivity, just when making travel more affordable is most needed. The government must decide whether it wants to keep breaking visitor records or prefers to collect revenue at the expense of growth. I bet on the former: a destination that invests in infrastructure, training and new tourism poles cannot afford to make the front door more expensive. As we said yesterday in Wamos Air leases A330 to Gol for long-haul routes, air connectivity is the oxygen of tourism. Same here.

Quick questions

What hotel is Hilton opening in Samaná?

Hilton will open the Almare Beach Resort Las Terrenas, Curio Collection, part of the 3 million m² Blu Terrenas megaproject in Las Terrenas.

What renovation work has Mitur carried out in the Colonial City?

MITUR has completed the renovation of the Alcázar de Colón infrastructure and installed 2,000 LED lamps for the ornamental lighting of the Colonial City.

What is the new air tax on flights to the Dominican Republic?

The new air tax is an additional fee applied by the Dominican government to airline tickets, which critics say makes the destination more expensive compared to Caribbean competitors.

What is being done to promote Bayahíbe as a destination?

Mitur and local Bayahíbe entities have agreed on a joint plan for the sustainable development of the destination, focusing on land use planning and promotion.

Is there a tourism journalism award in the Dominican Republic?

Yes, the Dominican Association of Tourism Press (Adompretur) has opened the call for the Epifanio Lantigua National Tourism Journalism Award (PEL) 2026.