Travelers landing at Las Américas International Airport now have a new reason to smile upon arrival. Starting this week, Uber has unveiled designated pickup zones just outside the terminal, complete with clear signage to guide passengers seamlessly from plane to pavement.
This fresh initiative is part of a strategic partnership between Uber and local airport authorities designed to streamline the notoriously hectic process of international arrivals. With the Dominican Republic experiencing a surge in international visitors—over 120 countries represented in just the past quarter—the move aims to make first impressions smoother, safer, and more welcoming.
A Simple Solution for Complex Crowds
For years, travelers have navigated crowded curbs and confusing pickups, often unsure where their ride would be waiting. Now, thanks to dedicated zones for Uber Select, Comfort, UberXL, and standard services, that uncertainty is a thing of the past.
Laura Santillán, Uber’s General Manager for Central America and the Caribbean, expressed her enthusiasm for the change: “We want every traveler’s first experience in the Dominican Republic to be simple and welcoming. By improving signage and increasing mobility options right at the airport, we’re making it easier to move confidently from the moment you land.”
The improvements are more than just aesthetic—they’re functional. Clear, easy-to-follow signs point directly to two designated pickup points, reducing congestion and speeding up connections to rides. For first-time visitors unfamiliar with local transportation norms, this means less stress and more time to enjoy their tropical getaway.
Boosting Tourism and Local Economy
The new pickup zones underscore the Dominican Republic’s growing reliance on rideshare technology. As Santillán notes, “The changes reflect increasing demand for services like Uber across Latin America, where travelers depend on it to get from airports to hotels, beaches, and bustling city centers.”
Additionally, Uber has partnered with local taxi operators, allowing registered drivers to offer high-comfort Uber Select options. This collaboration not only broadens the fleet but also creates new economic opportunities within the existing transportation ecosystem.
Why It Matters
In an era where travel habits are shifting—with more tourists seeking convenient, contactless transportation—these airport upgrades are more than just amenities; they’re a boost to the nation’s tourism industry. By enhancing mobility infrastructure, Santo Domingo strengthens its appeal as a welcoming, accessible destination for international travelers.
Moreover, this initiative signifies a broader trend: the modernization of transportation in the Caribbean and Latin America, aligning traditional taxi services with cutting-edge technology to serve a growing, diverse visitor base.
With Uber service expanding throughout Punta Cana, Puerto Rico, Cartagena, Cancún, Jamaica, and Costa Rica, the Caribbean is increasingly turning to app-based rideshares to connect visitors with their adventures. The latest move at Santo Domingo’s airport marks an important step toward seamless, stress-free travel in the region.
As Santillán puts it: “Making transportation easier is about more than convenience—it’s about creating memorable, positive first experiences that keep visitors coming back.”