Port Samaná Set to Open in November, Projects One Million Visitors by 2030

The new cruise terminal in Arroyo Barril opens November 24, with visitor targets already set for the coming years.

The new Port Samaná cruise terminal, located in Arroyo Barril in the province of Samaná, is preparing to begin operations on November 24, according to Alejandro Campos, director of the Autoridad Portuaria.

The projections presented call for about 230,000 visitors in 2027, 540,000 in 2028, and one million annual visitors by 2030. Campos said expectations for 2028 rose 35% over the initial projection, driven by cruise lines' interest in the area's natural and cultural attractions.

The project is part of efforts to expand the country's port infrastructure and strengthen cruise arrivals. It is being developed through a public-private partnership between the Dominican State and Grupo ITM, and aims to generate opportunities in tourism, commerce, transportation, and services.

Campos toured the site with Presidency Minister José Ignacio Paliza and Public Works and Communications Minister Eduardo Estrella to review progress and the infrastructure and connectivity initiatives that will accompany the terminal's launch.

Paliza said Port Samaná can transform the province's economy by linking cruise tourism with the development of communities such as Arroyo Barril, Sánchez, Las Terrenas, and other regional destinations. Estrella said the government is working to improve road connectivity and safety to make it easier for cruise passengers to reach Samaná's main attractions, with improvements to access roads, public spaces, and beautification projects.

Arroyo Barril Mayor Luis Felipe Fermín highlighted the opportunities the terminal could bring to local commerce and services, while Provincial Governor Teodora Mullix backed initiatives that support Samaná's economic development.

Grupo ITM President Mauricio Hamui thanked public institutions for their support and stressed the importance of coordination between the government and the private sector to complete the project. Port Samaná joins other tourism port projects by the group, including Taíno Bay in Puerto Plata and Cabo Rojo in Pedernales.