For the first time in its history, The New York Times has included Miches, a municipality in the province of El Seibo, on its prestigious “52 Places to Go” list, an annual selection that sets trends in the international tourism industry.
In the 2026 edition, the influential publication ranks this Dominican destination at number 29, highlighting it as an emerging Caribbean gem that still retains its natural and cultural essence.
This recognition represents a milestone for the Dominican Republic, not only because it puts Miches on the radar of millions of travelers around the world, but also because it reaffirms the shift in national tourism towards a more sustainable, diversified, and responsible model, moving away from traditional mass tourism.
Miches, the Caribbean’s best-kept secret
In its review, The New York Times describes Miches as a coastal town surrounded by palm trees, nestled between the karst mountains of the Cordillera Oriental and the waters of Samaná Bay.
Just 90 minutes from Punta Cana, this destination offers a unique experience: pristine beaches, untouched landscapes, and a profound connection with nature.
The newspaper highlights places like Playa Esmeralda, Laguna Limón, Montaña Redonda, and its proximity to Los Haitises National Park, underscoring its appeal for those seeking tranquility, adventure, and authenticity.
It also emphasizes that Miches is ideal to visit “before mass tourism transforms it,” a description that has captured the attention of travelers interested in still relatively unexplored destinations.
These initiatives have been supported by the Dominican government, with President Luis Abinader and the Ministry of Tourism promoting key projects such as the reconstruction of the tourist pier, road infrastructure, and improvements in air connectivity, strengthening the destination’s international profile.
A Different Tourism Model
Unlike other established tourist destinations, Miches is emerging as an example of balanced development. The approach combines private investment, environmental respect, and community participation, allowing the benefits of tourism to translate into employment, training, and opportunities for residents.
The New York Times highlights precisely this aspect: the possibility of experiencing a more authentic Caribbean, where nature, local culture, and sustainability take center stage. This vision aligns with current global tourism trends, which prioritize genuine experiences, contact with nature, and social responsibility.
From Fishing Village to International Destination
For decades, Miches was a quiet fishing village with an economy based on agriculture and the sea. Today, without losing its identity, it is undergoing a historic transformation. Its inclusion on the NYT list not only validates its potential but also positions it as one of the most promising tourism projects in the Caribbean.
Experts agree that this recognition will attract greater interest from investors, tour operators, and independent travelers, solidifying Miches as a real alternative to more saturated destinations.
A Future with Responsibility
The challenge now is clear: to grow without losing its essence. The experience of other destinations demonstrates that rapid development can jeopardize natural resources and cultural identity. Therefore, authorities, investors, and the community face the challenge of maintaining a balance between progress and conservation.
Miches has a unique opportunity: to become an international benchmark for sustainable tourism, where economic development goes hand in hand with environmental respect and social well-being.
Miches, the Dominican Republic’s new source of pride
Miches’ inclusion in the New York Times’ “52 Places to Go” is not just a tourism accolade; it is a sign of the Dominican Republic’s potential to reinvent its development model.
A destination that went from being a well-kept secret to becoming a global sensation, demonstrating that the future of tourism lies in authenticity, planning, and respect for nature.
Source: New York Times
