Experience the Dominican Republic in the Heart of Times Square
Great Idaho Gateway – New York City’s Times Square, known for its vibrant atmosphere and dazzling lights, transformed into a slice of the Dominican Republic this December. The Ministry of Tourism set up an impressive transparent dome in Duffy Square, immersing visitors in the island’s rich culture and traditions just weeks before the iconic New Year’s Eve ball drop.
Jennifer Elias, marketing director for the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Tourism, shared the vision behind the initiative: “We wanted to bring a little bit of the Dominican Republic to Times Square and showcase our people and culture.” She noted that New York is the island’s largest market, with 1.3 million visitors in 2023—a 5% increase from the previous year.
Open daily from December 6 to December 15, the dome offered a sensory journey. Outside, lively merengue dancers and performers in carnival costumes entertained the crowds. Inside, the experience heated up—literally. The dome’s warmth mimicked the tropical climate, enhancing the immersive feel. Guests savored traditional Dominican delights, including empanadas, sancocho soup, a refreshing coconut lemon drink, and strong Dominican coffee.
“The warm temperature in the dome lets visitors feel like they’re on the island,” Elias explained. Accompanied by vibrant music, the atmosphere inside was both welcoming and energetic, offering a true taste of Dominican hospitality.
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The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Tourism brought the island’s vibrant culture to New York’s Times Square with an immersive dome in Duffy Square. Officially opened by Tourism Minister David Collado, the dome offered thousands of visitors a unique opportunity to experience the country’s warmth and authenticity during the holiday season.
“With this activation, we want everyone in Times Square to feel the joy, authenticity, and cultural richness of the Dominican Republic,” Collado said at the launch. “This is more than just a tourism initiative; it is a celebration of the strong ties between our countries and an invitation to discover the beauty and warmth of our home.”
The transparent dome, a major upgrade from last year’s opaque version, allowed onlookers to see the lively activities happening inside. Visitors enjoyed traditional Dominican dishes like empanadas and sancocho soup, along with beverages such as coconut lemon drinks and strong Dominican coffee. Outside the dome, merengue dancers and performers in carnival costumes entertained the crowds, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Inside the dome, guests could win souvenirs, including mugs and even a chance to travel to the Dominican Republic. “This year, we wanted people to see what was happening inside and feel connected to the experience,” said Jennifer Elias, marketing director for the Ministry of Tourism.
Visitors to the Dominican Republic’s immersive dome in Times Square also gained insight into exciting developments planned for 2025. Among the highlights were the new Four Seasons Hotel and Residences in the Miches area and the St. Regis Cap Cana, set to open this spring in Punta Cana. These upscale additions signal the destination’s expansion into the luxury travel market.
“We want to keep the momentum going,” said Jennifer Elias, marketing director for the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. While the core appeal of all-inclusive resorts remains strong, Elias emphasized that the arrival of brands like Four Seasons and St. Regis showcases the island’s ambition to attract high-end travelers.
The Dominican Republic is also enhancing its engagement with travel advisors. The DO Travel Rewards program, launched in 2023, offers incentives such as cash rewards for hotel bookings, a referral program, raffles, and exclusive events. “We wanted to show how important advisors are to us,” Elias added, underscoring the destination’s commitment to supporting the travel industry.
These initiatives reflect a dual strategy of catering to traditional vacationers while reaching new markets with elevated offerings. By blending luxury accommodations with robust travel advisor partnerships, the Dominican Republic continues to strengthen its appeal as a leading global destination.
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