Investments in the province of Pedernales

I have been to Pedernales in 2019 and found the small town to be delightful. Located at the end of the road on the border with Haiti, the community was calm and quiet. The beaches weren't great unless you take the day trip to Playa des las Aguillas 30 kms away. Breath taking is the word to describe this remote paradise. A restaurant offers fresh seafood and boats for hire cost $1000 pesos each for the 15 minute ride to some of the most beautful beaches in the country. They drop you off for the day. Back in Pedernales I enjoyed a plate of grilled lobster for $ 500 pesos. I also walked across the border to get  a Haitian stamp in my passport. At that time I mistakenly believed going to Haiti was equal to leaving the country which allows one to reset the clock to zero when staying in the D.R. The drive from La Romana took 6 hours. The highway west of Santo Domingo was in good shape and, once again, breathtaking scenery as you hug the coast riding up and down along this curvy hwy. Many small, quaint villages and plenty of young Dominican children in their school uniforms. I shall return !!!

By Pedenales they probably mean they will focus on Bahia de las Aquilas which was a wonderful pristine beach when I first visited it 7 years ago.

https://www.godominicanrepublic.com/pedernales/

I understand that there has been more tourism there since but the infrastructure was not great and it was a dirt road to get there and shared with wagons transporting bauxite to the jetty at Cabo Roja and from the cement works. I am not sure if that still is happening.

One can understand the clamour by developers to have new resorts on that lovely stretch of beach but for that to happen they need good access roads, the airport upgraded and services brought in. Pedenales is at the far end of the country and is nearly two hours drive from Barahona so nearly 5 hours from Santo Domingo.

But we should not forget all the other attractions that exist in this area of the country. It could be an ecotourist dream destination. It is already but for the commited. Hoyo de Pelempito and Jaragua National Park offer eco tourism opportunities. Laguna de Oviedo is on the road to the South West border and is a birdwatchers haven just like the other two parks. I see the tourist website mentions Lago Enriquillo as being in this area but to visit you will have to return back through Barahona unless they upgrade the Pedenales to Duverge road which could be a bit costly.

To justify this infrastructure investment I foresee mass tourism models which would be sad imo. I hope I am wrong. I personally think that smaller boutique (high end) hotels would fit better in the longer term.

This has been in discussions for many years!  Airport was apparently approved some time ago.  Remember the numerous lawsuits over land etc?   I believe they were resolved but not sure about appeals etc.