In a landmark move for Caribbean tourism, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic have formalized a strategic partnership with a combined $2 million investment aimed at revolutionizing regional travel. The agreement, signed by Puerto Rican Governor Jennifer González and Dominican Tourism Minister David Collado at the FITUR 2026 international fair in Madrid, establishes the “Together we are the Caribbean” promotional campaign.
The initiative will unfold in two strategic phases: initially targeting European markets followed by a comprehensive push in the United States. The campaign’s core proposition leverages the remarkable 40-minute flight connectivity between the islands, encouraging tourists to experience two distinct Caribbean cultures within a single trip.
Minister Collado emphasized the historical significance of this collaboration, noting that Latin American tourism authorities have contemplated such integration for over two decades. “This promotion always remained in theory and never in execution,” Governor González acknowledged, highlighting how the partnership evolved from informal discussions to concrete implementation following high-level diplomatic engagements.
The infrastructure supporting this initiative includes robust air connectivity through carriers JetBlue, Frontier, and Arajet, complemented by existing Caribbean Ferries service and prospective expansion with Balearia’s planned Mayagüez-San Pedro de Macorís route. Beyond marketing, the agreement includes strategies to reduce overall travel costs and enhance maritime transportation options.
The official campaign launch will be presided over by Dominican President Luis Abinader, with specific dates to be announced. This bilateral effort represents a paradigm shift in Caribbean tourism, moving from competitive isolation to collaborative promotion that benefits both nations’ economies and cultural exchange.