Princess Hotels & Resorts: How Tourists In The Dominican Republic And Mexico Are Bringing Christmas Magic To Local Communities!

Published on December 12, 2025

Princess Hotels & Resorts, with its locations on sunlight-infused beaches, has made the festive season a profound celebration of giving and bonding with the community. The Tree of Happiness initiative run by the hotel chain has become an illumination of kindness during the hectic holiday travel, where guests are welcomed to partake in a one-of-a-kind tradition that interweaves cultural exchange, delight for kids, and better guest experiences.

Long after first-time visitors check in for turquoise-water views or that perfect Caribbean sunset, many leave with the memory of having contributed to this touching local initiative, staff insiders indicate, strengthening the emotional resonance of a Princess holiday.

Bringing Hope to Children Through Holiday Giving

Every December, Princess Hotels across Punta Cana and the Riviera Maya regions welcome a surge of holiday travellers seeking sunlit beaches, all-inclusive comfort and cultural immersion. Beyond its usual offerings from spa treatments and family-friendly activities to pristine seaside relaxation, the resort chain welcomes guests into something more profound: the opportunity to give back.

The Tree of Happiness is a toy collection initiative featuring beautifully decorated collection areas placed in hotel lobbies, where visitors can drop off new or gently used toys for children from underprivileged communities. Princess Hotels & Resorts staff then carefully organise and distribute these gifts to local public schools, ensuring vulnerable children receive a present during the festive season.

Backed by the company’s broader Princess & You 360° corporate responsibility programme focused on sustainable development, community support and guest participation in charitable actions, this initiative underscores the resort’s commitment to responsible travel.

How the Programme Works Across Destinations

At Punta Cana, the campaign runs through January, though guests can donate toys year-round via customer service. During peak Christmas months, specially decorated boxes and trees adorn hotel lobbies throughout the Bávaro properties, serving as constant reminders of the impact holiday travellers can make.

Meanwhile, in Riviera Maya, locations such as Grand Sunset Princess and Platinum Yucatan Princess offer designated spaces beside traditional decorations for guests to drop off donations until 7 January 2026. Toys generally benefit children aged 5 to 12 in Mayan communities and local schools facing vulnerable situations. At Platinum Yucatan Princess, gifts support students at the Constituyentes de 1974 Primary School, while at Grand Sunset Princess the resort collaborates with organisations like Contando con un Amigo, Aitana and Kodomo to reach children most in need.

Staff involved in organising the deliveries described scenes of excited children and grateful teachers during special distribution days, reinforcing the emotional impact and community bonds formed through this initiative.

A Perfect Holiday Backdrop with Heart

For tourists seeking more than just sun, sea and relaxation, Princess Hotels & Resorts offers a compelling travel experience that blends leisure with meaningful engagement. Resorts in Punta Cana and the Riviera Maya are celebrated for their all-inclusive services, world-class amenities, and idyllic beachside locations that encourage families, couples and solo travellers alike to unwind in style.

From spacious family-friendly suites to adults-only luxury spaces, guests can enjoy everything from themed dining and vibrant entertainment to serene spa retreats, all while witnessing and participating in local community support programmes. Many travellers have shared that opportunities like the Tree of Happiness add depth to their stay, making it not just a holiday, but a meaningful cultural exchange.

Tourism experts have noted that responsible and sustainable practices like these resonate particularly with modern travellers who seek purposeful travel experiences. This emphasis on community engagement in the off-resort surroundings has also helped boost interest in Princess Hotels among socially-minded tourists, broadening appeal and reinforcing resort loyalty.

Sustainable Tourism and Community Commitment

The Tree of Happiness complements other Princess Hotels initiatives to support education, local culture and disadvantaged communities, a theme that runs through the company’s Princess & You 360° programme. This wider strategy centres on environmental respect, community support, and guest involvement in positive change.

Resort officials have commented in past communications that such projects contribute to a deeper sense of connection between holidaymakers and local residents, fostering values of solidarity, tolerance and equality and presenting a model for integrated sustainable tourism.

Season of Giving and Lasting Memories

As holiday lights twinkle across Princess Hotels & Resorts properties this season, travellers are reminded that their break from routine can leave a lasting impression far beyond the resort boundaries. The cheerful faces of receiving children, the shared stories between guests and staff, and the festive spirit infused with charitable goodwill all underscore a travel experience that uplifts both visitors and hosts.

The Tree of Happiness is not just a nice addition for many guests, they will remember it as one of the happiest moments of their stay and that heartful travel makes up the most memorable stories.

Image Credit: Princess Hotels and Resorts