Minister of Culture speaks about the potential of cinema as a driver of film tourism in the DR

Punta Cana.– In the framework of the opening of the Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (DATE 2025), the Minister of Culture, Roberto Ángel Salcedo, addressed the topic of cinematic tourism in the Dominican Republic, highlighting that cinema is not only a tool to attract foreign investment, but also a catalyst to position the country as a filmic destination worldwide.

Faced with the question about initiatives to develop this type of tourism beyond the tax incentive of Article 39, Salcedo stated that concrete steps are already being taken.

“Of course. When you see prominent figures of the seventh art, these days Jennifer Lopez is in Samaná filming a new movie, you develop the Dominican Republic as a great film destination,” he indicated.

The minister highlighted that the presence of international celebrities such as Sandra Bullock, Brad Pitt, and Mark Wahlberg has significantly contributed to raising the country's visibility.

“When a figure of Jennifer Lopez's dimension speaks about her experience in the Dominican Republic, that has a significant level of attraction for visitors.”

Salcedo pointed out that the Ministry of Culture is working hand in hand with the General Directorate of Cinema (DGCINE) to continue identifying opportunities that not only promote the country as a film location, but also encourage Dominican filmmakers to project their talent on international stages.

The inclusion of cinema in the country brand strategy was also highlighted by the minister, who sees in this industry a powerful way to merge culture, art, and tourism.

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“It's about continuing to build an ecosystem in which Dominican cinema and the natural locations of our territory generate added value for the economy and the international projection of the Dominican Republic,” he concluded.

DATE 2025 continues until May 16 in Punta Cana, serving as a platform to promote the country's strengths in various sectors related to tourism, including cinema.