FCCA and the Dominican Republic sign cruise tourism agreements

In the presence of Dominican President Luis Abinader, the agreement was signed by Tourism Minister David Collado and Adam Ceserano, president of the FCCA.

The agreement places the Dominican Republic as one of the few countries to enter into this alliance, which will attract greater investment opportunities to the country and significantly consolidate our position in the cruise sector.

President Abinader highlighted the importance of the agreement, after appreciating the sustained growth of cruise tourism in the country.

“Cruise tourism is at its peak in the Dominican Republic,” said President Abinader.

He reported that in addition to the seven existing ports, two new tourist ports will be built, including one in Manzanillo.

"The signing of this agreement marks a momentous occasion in the history of Dominican tourism in the cruise industry," Minister Collado proclaimed.

He noted that the agreement opens the door to greater investment in the country and ensures that more cruise passengers continue to choose our destination, which last year welcomed 2,656,305 passengers by sea.

"Through this alliance, we reaffirm our commitment to continue increasing the quality, competitiveness, and investment in the tourism sector, consolidating the Dominican Republic as a regional benchmark in the cruise industry," said Minister Collado.

FCCA President Adam Ceserano described the agreement as extraordinary and stated that this alliance will further grow cruise tourism in the Dominican Republic.

Ceserano said the Dominican Republic is "all in on cruise tourism, and we will support the authorities in that effort."

This agreement will be in effect until December 31, 2026, for a period of 17 months.

Highlights of the strategic agreement between the Dominican Republic and the FCCA include the incorporation of the Dominican Republic as one of the five regional strategic presidential partners of the FCCA, as well as the organization of private strategic meetings with senior executives of cruise lines (presidents, vice presidents, and directors), focused on the development of services, products, local sourcing opportunities, new itineraries, and job creation.

It also establishes the implementation of a national strategy for the employment of Dominican talent in the cruise industry, as well as technical evaluation visits led by cruise line executives focused on reviewing the passenger experience at the country's destinations and offering recommendations for continuous improvement.

The agreement also includes priority access to professional training programs with AQUILA (Center for Cruise Excellence), and the Dominican Republic's institutional participation in high-level international events, including workshops, panels, and forums at venues such as Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 and other meetings organized by the FCCA.

The agreement includes a prominent presence of the Dominican Republic in international promotional campaigns and the holding of the FCCA Platinum Members Conference in the Dominican Republic in 2026, an event that will bring together the industry's highest decision-makers and directly promote the opportunities offered by the country.

The signing of this agreement consolidates a high-level alliance between the Dominican Republic and the FCCA and reinforces the Dominican State's strategic vision to continue promoting cruise tourism as a driver of economic development, employability, international competitiveness, and territorial cohesion.

Source: Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic.