Meliá Hotels and Arajet Forge Partnership to Enhance Dominican Republic Travel from New York City
A new era of accessible travel between New York City and the Dominican Republic has dawned, thanks to a strategic alliance between Meliá Hotels International and Arajet, the Dominican Republic’s flagship airline. This collaboration is designed to streamline the journey for travelers, combining Meliá’s renowned hospitality with Arajet’s cost-effective and efficient flight services, ultimately making exploration of both vibrant destinations more convenient than ever before.
Boosting Connectivity and Cultural Exchange
The core of this initiative focuses on increasing passenger traffic on the crucial Santo Domingo-New York route. By fostering greater connectivity, Meliá and Arajet aim to lower barriers for tourists, simplifying the process of discovering the rich cultural tapestry of both the Dominican Republic and New York City. This partnership not only improves travel accessibility but also serves to strengthen the ties between these two significant regions, offering a boost to tourism and economic growth.
A cornerstone of this collaboration is the INNSiDE by Meliá NOMAD hotel, strategically located in the heart of Manhattan. This property provides an ideal urban sanctuary for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the dynamic atmosphere of New York City, offering a modern, stylish, and convenient base.
Joint promotional efforts, including special offers, targeted marketing campaigns, and curated events, are underway to attract a larger influx of visitors. These activities are poised to stimulate tourism from New York to the Dominican Republic while simultaneously fostering a richer cultural exchange between the two regions, benefiting local economies on both sides.
Strategic Initiatives and Influencer Engagement
In February, a notable activation coinciding with New York Fashion Week saw various personalities and media outlets experience the route, flying with Arajet and staying at the INNSiDE by Meliá NOMAD. This event served as a high-profile introduction to the enhanced travel experience.
Building on these efforts, in 2025, Meliá Hotels International and Arajet engaged prominent media influencers and social media personalities to promote their Santo Domingo-New York route. These influencers journeyed along the route, experiencing the distinct cultural richness and culinary delights of both the Dominican Republic and Spain. Their shared experiences across Meliá’s hotel properties provided followers with authentic insights into Dominican and Spanish flavors and traditions, adding a significant cultural dimension to their travels.
Looking ahead to 2026, the partnership intends to expand these experiences, focusing on celebrating the fusion of Dominican and Spanish culinary arts and cultural heritage. The continued involvement of media influencers will be key in deepening engagement and raising awareness for the route, attracting travelers eager to explore the offerings of both destinations and further cementing the cultural connection between the Dominican Republic, Spain, and New York.
A Synergistic Vision for Travelers
Andrew M. Soares, Marketing and Customer Experience Manager, USA Hotels, for Meliá Hotels International, highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration for INNSiDE by Meliá. “This collaboration with Arajet represents a strategic opportunity to continue strengthening connectivity between the Dominican Republic and New York, and to keep attracting the modern, urban, and culturally connected traveler,” Soares stated. “Through these joint initiatives, we seek to continue promoting experiences for our guests that celebrate the gastronomy, culture, and Latin spirit that distinguish INNSiDE by Meliá.”
Manuel Luna, Arajet’s Chief Communication Officer, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the value of strategic alliances. “The best way to increase the growth of Arajet’s routes and destinations is through strategic alliances, and in New York we are extremely proud to do so hand in hand with Meliá and its INNSiDE by Meliá NOMAD hotel, a brand that always strives for excellence while maintaining its Latin essence and customer care with world-class service,” Luna remarked.
Through this aligned vision, Meliá Hotels and Arajet are committed to delivering a seamless and enriched travel experience, making exploration of the Dominican Republic and New York City more accessible and appealing than ever before.
