La Romana

La Romana, located in the southeastern province of the Dominican Republic, serves as a prominent municipality and capital, situated directly across from Catalina Island. La Romana ranks among the ten largest cities in the country, with a population of approximately 153,241 within its city limits as of 2022, and a metropolitan population of 270,000. The urban population is 149,840, whereas the rural population consists of 3,401 residents. The term “Romana” originates from “Bomana,” which was employed by the indigenous population to denote the current Romana River.

La Romana International Airport, inaugurated in 2000, functions as an essential access point for residents and visitors alike. The strategic location adjacent to other major cities, including San Pedro de Macorís and the national capital, Santo Domingo de Guzmán, improves its accessibility. The proximity enhances travel and promotes economic and cultural exchanges, establishing La Romana as a crucial hub in the region.

La Romana has developed into a growing tourist destination, drawing visitors with its selection of local resort areas. The beachfronts of Bayahibe and Dominicus, along with Casa de Campo, provide appealing retreats for travelers in search of sun, sand, and tranquility. The area is increasingly surrounded by golf resorts, appealing to sports enthusiasts and enhancing the city’s status as a premier vacation destination.

La Romana was officially established in 1897 as an oil town, but its economic landscape experienced a notable shift in 1917 due to the construction of a large sugar mill. This transition occurred concurrently with a global increase in sugar prices. The expanding sugar industry drew workers from various regions of the country and the Caribbean, prompting numerous families to move to La Romana in pursuit of economic prospects. The city’s swift expansion and advancement during this era established the groundwork for its subsequent prosperity.

In the early 1960s, Gulf and Western Industries, Inc. acquired the sugar mill and diversified its investments into the livestock sector, thereby strengthening La Romana’s economic foundation. The company allocated $20 million for urban redevelopment, focusing on the construction of schools, clinics, housing, and other critical infrastructure for employees. This investment period enhanced living conditions and stimulated additional growth and development.

In the mid-1970s, Gulf and Western initiated the divestment of its Dominican assets while concurrently launching a significant project aimed at transforming La Romana’s identity. The establishment of Casa de Campo, a prominent and exclusive tourist resort in the Dominican Republic, signified a transformative period for the city. This exclusive enclave, featuring exceptional amenities and picturesque landscapes, drew an international clientele, reinforcing La Romana’s status as a leading destination for luxury tourism.