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Cabo Rojo to Reach More Than 1,700 Hotel Rooms by the End of 2027
The Dominican Republic's flagship tourism project in Cabo Rojo, Pedernales, is expected to have more than 1,700 hotel rooms operating before the end of 2027, alongside major infrastructure upgrades designed to transform the country's southwestern coast into a new international tourism destination.
Sigmund Freund, executive director of the Pro-Pedernales Trust, said the Cabo Rojo tourism development in southwestern Dominican Republic is on track to have more than 1,700 hotel rooms in operation by the end of 2027, marking another milestone in one of the country’s largest tourism investments.
Speaking during an event highlighting his management at the Ministry of Public Administration (MAP), Freund outlined the project’s progress, noting that the first Iberostar hotel with 580 rooms is scheduled to open in February. A second hotel is expected to welcome guests in April, while a third property is planned to begin operations in November, bringing total hotel capacity to more than 1,700 rooms before the end of next year.
Tourism Infrastructure Moves Forward
According to Freund, the project initially focused on building the essential infrastructure needed to support a new tourism destination. He said major works, including the wastewater treatment plant, aqueduct and electricity transmission system, have already been completed. The development has also been connected to the National Interconnected Electric System (SENI), while all utility networks within Cabo Rojo are being installed underground.
He added that the project’s internal road network has been completed, including the route connecting Cabo Rojo with La Cueva. However, the final stretch leading to the beach will intentionally remain unpaved. Freund explained that environmental groups and local community members requested that the road remain without asphalt to discourage motorcycle traffic and help preserve the natural environment surrounding the beach.
Airport and Highway Construction Continue
Freund also provided updates on transportation infrastructure supporting the tourism project. The new airport serving Cabo Rojo is expected to begin receiving commercial flights in July 2027. Construction milestones include completion of the runway in September, the passenger terminal and parking facilities by December, followed by installation of the control tower early the following year before operational testing begins.
Road improvements are also progressing across the region. The section between Enriquillo and Oviedo is approximately 80% complete, while authorities continue working on a long-term solution for the landslide-prone area known as El Derrumbao along the Barahona–Enriquillo highway. Freund acknowledged that the stretch between Tres Charcos and Pedernales has experienced delays because of challenging terrain, caves that required route modifications and environmental permitting.
Despite those challenges, he said the highway from Enriquillo to Oviedo, the section between Oviedo and Tres Charcos, and the airport project are all expected to be completed according to schedule. A new four-lane roadway connecting Cabo Rojo with the city of Pedernales is also expected to be finished in December.
Improving Access to the Southwest
Access to Pedernales has long been one of the main concerns for visitors, with travelers frequently reporting difficult driving conditions along the Barahona-Pedernales corridor. Freund said authorities are working to improve road safety while confirming that regional air service between Santo Domingo and Pedernales is expected to resume in the near future.
The Cabo Rojo development forms part of the Dominican government’s long-term strategy to establish Pedernales, located near the border with Haiti on the country’s southwestern coast, as a major tourism destination. Management of the destination has been entrusted to a consortium formed by Grupo Puntacana, AFI Reservas and AFI Popular, which is overseeing the project’s development and future operation.
