Ana Vilchez takes on Dominican Republic's cruise director role

Salazar's untimely death in May was widely mourned in her country and across the cruise industry after her more than 30 years championing the business.

'We miss her. It was a huge loss for the industry,' Vilchez said. She spoke of Salazar's 'heart, energy, determination, dedication and charisma and how much she loved the industry and everyone in it. She was the hardest worker, and she did everything.

'She made our country a success in the cruise industry.'

1.5m cruisers YTD

In the first three quarters of 2023, the Dominican Republic handled more than 1.5m cruisers and more than 7m tourists overall, a 25% increase from 2022. And with 10m total visitors projected by year-end, that would make the first time the country reaches a double-digit figure.

According to ForwardKeys, a tourism analysis firm, airline ticketing trends suggest Q4 will see significant growth throughout the Caribbean compared to pre-pandemic 2019. The Dominican Republic is predicted to post the highest growth, at 54%. The country has racked up the most post-pandemic tourism growth of any nation in the Americas, with 2023 on track to achieve a 10% increase over 2019.

Director of marine tourism

Vilchez — whose new title is director of maritime tourism, encompassing cruise, yachting and nautical sports — helped Salazar when Santo Domingo hosted 2022's Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association Conference and Trade Show. After the event's success, the tourism minister asked her to assist Salazar with cruise marketing.

Before this, she worked on airline agreements, promotions and marketing across a range of regions, from Europe and Russia to Asia and Latin America.

This month, in her new role, Vilchez led the Dominican Republic's representation at the FCCA event in Mazatlán, Mexico. There was plenty to discuss.

With her Ministry of Tourism colleague Yahir Asjana at the Dominican Republic booth in Mazatlán

Cabo Rojo and Samaná

Soon the DR will have an additional cruise port, with ITM Group's Cabo Rojo in Pedernales set to open late this year and the new Samaná cruise facility to debut in 2024, taking that destination from a tender port to one with a SeaWalk floating pier and a terminal.

They join Puerto Plata's Taino Bay, also by ITM; Carnival Corp. & plc's nearby Amber Cove, San Soucî's Santo Domingo facilities, Catalina Island/La Romana and Punta Cana as cruise destinations.

Vilchez said Samaná is ideally located to pick up calls from ships going to nearby Puerto Plata and Amber Cove. As for Cabo Rojo, 'Pedernales is a beautiful place with beautiful beaches ... It's paradise.

'Overall, as a destination, we have so much to offer, from beaches to mountains to wellness experiences, adventurous experiences, ecotourism, religion, culture, gastronomy.'

And Vilchez noted the DR is a top spot for kitesurfing, surfing and sailing.

'Huge opportunity'

During the FCCA event in Mazatlán, she met with stakeholders and was particularly encouraged to talk with Disney Cruise Line, which Vilchez called 'a huge opportunity' since the growing brand hasn't called at the Dominican Republic yet.

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