Caribbean’s Next Big Destination Tests a New Model for Sustainable Growth
The Dominican Republic is pivoting toward a bold coastal transformation in Pedernales, home to the Cabo Rojo stretch of beaches that researchers say could redefine Caribbean tourism. Plans for a new international airport, a cruise port, and a cluster of luxury hotels are framed as a landmark shift away from the country’s traditional sun-and-sand hubs. Early discussions among economists and environmental scientists suggest the project could unlock significant local employment and infrastructure gains, while also raising urgent questions about conservation, cultural preservation, and climate resilience. For Thai readers watching how coastlines become engines of growth, the Pedernales case offers both a blueprint and a cautionary tale about the costs and trade-offs of rapid tourism expansion.