As Omicron cases continue to drop, more and more Americans are looking forward to the summer when they can finally book their next family vacation. After a massive market dip by more than 40%, travel agents and resorts alike are looking forward to the upcoming business and are now preparing for a new travel boom.
Although travel costs remain higher than their pre-pandemic levels, Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club reviews show that Americans and middle-class families around the world are eager to escape the pandemic blues. As more and more countries open up to tourists, the Caribbean and the Dominican Republic look set to become the next hottest travel destinations. Let’s find out why and how it could affect you.
Where the World Stands on Global Tourism
There’s no way around it—2020 was hands-down the worst year for global tourism since the end of the Second World War. As flights were grounded and nations closed their borders to incoming passengers, tourism ground to a halt, leaving hundreds of millions of people without access to the economic benefits of international travel.
Since then, the world has slowly shifted and implemented strict measures to guarantee the safety of travelers and tourists alike. Now, as of early 2022, dozens of countries have lifted their travel bans to allow American citizens back into their borders.
Where are People Planning to Travel?
Currently, American tourists appear to have their eyes set on the crystal blue waters and tropical climate of the Caribbean. The Caribbean has long been a top travel destination for celebrities and the wealthy but now that the pandemic seems to be lifting, even average Americans are seeking to throw off the doldrums of a pandemic by lounging on soft white sands and soaking up the sun.
In particular, the Dominican Republic has been on the rise as a tourist destination for many years now. The country offers a diverse range of attractions, including pristine beaches, lush tropical forests, and vibrant cities. What’s more, the Dominican Republic is a relatively affordable destination when compared to other Caribbean islands.
This coming summer, the Dominican Republic is expected to see a huge surge in tourism, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take its toll on other destinations. In particular, the country’s capital city of Santo Domingo is seeing a rise in interest, as it offers a great mix of culture, history, and nightlife.
Possible Travel Restrictions
If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that things change in the blink of an eye. Although it’s hard to say with 100% certainty that nothing bad will happen, be prepared for the possibility of upcoming travel restrictions. Currently, tourists to the Dominican Republic are required to:
- Present a vaccination card, negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within the last 72-hours or undergo an on-site rapid test.
- Have their temperature taken on arrival
- Present a valid passport and entry documents
Additionally, it’s always best to speak with the airline before traveling to guarantee there are no other requirements.
Final Thoughts
Now’s the time to start planning a family vacation. As Omicron cases continue to drop, the global tourism industry is looking forward to millions of middle-class Americans hitting the skies and relaxing on the beach. Meanwhile, the Caribbean looks to be the next top spot.