Slide 0

Hi everyone, thank you for being here! Before I jump in, let me ask you a quick question:

“How many of you have ever been to the Dominican Republic?”

(pause, smile, engage)

“Nice! And now—how many of you went somewhere other than Punta Cana?”

(pause again)

Exactly — most people only know Punta Cana, but there’s so much more to the country than just beach resorts.

That’s why today, I want to talk about a city that deserves more attention: Santiago de los Caballeros. It’s rich in culture, history, and potential — and if tourism is developed the right way, Santiago could become one of the DR’s top destinations, not just for visitors but for its own people too.

Slide 1: Before we dive into the details of Santiago’s tourism potential, let me give you a quick overview of what we’ll cover today:

Introduction: Setting the stage for Santiago’s tourism potential.
Personal Connection: Why this topic matters to me and my connection to Santiago.
Economic Landscape: A look at Santiago’s current economic situation and tourism context.
Tourism’s Potential: How Santiago could develop its tourism sector in unique and beneficial ways.
Challenges: The obstacles Santiago faces in its tourism journey.
What to Learn: Lessons from other cities that Santiago could apply.
Questions: A chance for you to ask anything about Santiago or tourism in general.
Let’s jump in

Page 2 Santiago is often overshadowed by bigger tourist destinations like Punta Cana and Santo Domingo, but I believe it has unique qualities that could make it a top choice for tourists and benefit the locals.

In this presentation, I’ll explain why Santiago is poised for growth in tourism, the economic benefits it could bring, and what challenges it may face in developing its tourism sector.

Page 3 –  Personal Connection —I have a personal connection to Santiago. I grew up visiting the city regularly and have seen how it has evolved over the years.

Page 4- Let’s talk about Santiago’s economy

Tourism, however, is still an untapped sector. In 2024, the Dominican Republic saw $26 billion in total tourism revenue, with Punta Cana being the major contributor. Punta Cana: In 2024, Punta Cana achieved a historic milestone by welcoming 11 million visitors, generating over $26 billion in revenue from tourism.

Santiago de los Caballeros: Santiago’s tourism sector also showed positive growth, contributing to the country’s overall tourism revenue of approximately $16.0 billion in 2024.

The economic landscape shows a lot of promise for Santiago if more focus is placed on tourism that’s sustainable and benefits the local community.

Page 5-Santiago has so much potential for growth in tourism. The city is known for its rich culture, including bachata, local art, and delicious Dominican food.

By focusing on things like eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and community-based tourism, Santiago could draw in tourists looking for authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Additionally, Santiago is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, perfect for hiking, nature tours, and even eco-lodges. Santiago’s proximity to nature gives it a unique advantage compared to more urbanized areas like Santo Domingo.

Page 7 Like any city, Santiago faces its challenges. First, it’s not as well-known internationally as Punta Cana or Santo Domingo, which limits its visibility in the global tourism market.

Second, there’s a need for improved infrastructure — more hotels, better transportation, and enhanced public services to handle tourists.

Lastly, there’s a risk of over-commercializing the tourism sector, which could dilute the authentic experiences that make Santiago special. It’s essential to balance growth with sustainability to ensure the tourism model benefits everyone in the community.

Page 9 the flim

Page 10  Santiago can learn from other cities that have successfully transformed their tourism sectors, such as:

Medellín (Colombia) which turned its reputation around by focusing on cultural tourism, urban development, and community engagement.

El Salvador, which is focusing on eco-tourism and small-scale tourism development.

Santiago could implement similar strategies by promoting local culture, sustaining its natural resources, and focusing on community-driven tourism that benefits local businesses and preserves the city’s heritage.

Page 11 Now, let’s talk about Santiago’s tourism earnings.

While exact figures for Santiago’s tourism revenue in 2024 are not publicly available, there are some indicators that the city is on the rise:

Santiago attracted more than 60,000 international visitors seeking medical services in 2024.

The city also sees a steady increase in Airbnb revenue, with hosts earning an average of $7,686 annually.

Although Santiago doesn’t yet rival Punta Cana in revenue, its growth in sectors like health tourism and local experiences shows that the city has the potential to contribute much more to the country’s tourism economy.

Page 12 Thank you all for listening! Now, I’d love to hear your thoughts or answer any questions you may have about Santiago, its tourism potential, or anything else we’ve discussed today. I would love for you guys to expmerice the no lights the no acc

Please feel free to ask anything!