Since Arajet began flying direct to Mexico September 2022, travel between both countries has boomed, El Dinero reports. Thousands of Dominicans are visiting Mexico, a country that allows visa-free travel to Dominicans who have US, Canadian or Schengen visas already in their passports. Otherwise, a tourist visa costs US$53. The number of Mexican tourists visiting the Dominican Republic has skyrocketed, indeed. In 2024, arrivals reached 115,092, a 260% increase compared to 2021 and a 133% jump from 2019, according to data from the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. The Dominican Republic does not require Mexicans to have a visa to travel for tourist purposes to the country. The number of flights departing from Mexico to the Dominican Republic has also seen a dramatic rise, going from 416 in 2021 to 1,190 in 2024. This represents an increase of over 180%. In 2024, Arajet carried 33.2% of all Mexican tourists traveling to the Dominican Republic, followed by Copa Airlines with 29.6% and Aeroméxico with 26.8%. Arajet’s CEO and founder, Víctor Pacheco, calls this phenomenon the “Arajet Effect.” He explained that the airline’s entry into the market has led to lower prices and increased overall demand, benefiting both travelers and the countries involved. “We’re seeing that in the markets where we’ve started flying, prices have gone down and the pie has grown,” Pacheco said. “This is great for competition, for passengers, and for the countries,” as reported in El Dinero. According to the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic, most Mexican visitors are between the ages of 20 and 50+. The majority (67.9%) come for tourism, while others travel for business (18.6%) or to visit friends and family (9.9%). Mexican tourists visiting the Dominican Republic often enjoy excursions to Saona Island, buggy rides, snorkeling, visits to the Colonial City, ziplining, horseback riding, and trips to Catalina Island and theme parks. The increased flow of visitors has had a positive impact on trade between the two countries. Imports from Mexico rose by 7.8% between 2023 and 2024, while exports to Mexico increased by 23.83%. Read more in Spanish:El Dinero 18 February 2025