Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic celebrated a remarkable achievement in December, marking nearly 960,000 air arrivals—the highest monthly total ever recorded for the country. This milestone reflects a growth of over 10% compared to the same month last year, solidifying the Dominican Republic’s status as the top tourist destination in the Caribbean.
Significantly, this performance exceeds pre-pandemic levels when the average monthly arrivals were about 667,000 visitors. Despite the current global challenges, including geopolitical tensions and an economic slowdown, the Dominican Republic managed to close the year with an impressive 11.6 million visitors, representing the strongest performance in its tourism history.
The year 2025 demonstrated that the Dominican tourism sector is not just recovering but thriving under a resilient and diversified growth model. While the U.S. market experienced a slowdown and some traditional source countries faced difficulties, the latter part of the year saw a surge in arrivals, driven by enhanced air connectivity and effective demand management strategies.
The tourism sector also welcomed the addition of around 2,500 new hotel rooms to accommodate the rising number of visitors. This expansion was efficiently managed, maintaining robust occupancy rates and fostering continued investor confidence.
Cruise tourism emerged as another critical aspect, with the country receiving 2.8 million cruise passengers throughout the year. The arrival of larger vessels and expanded itineraries reinforced the Dominican Republic’s position as a leader in the Caribbean cruise industry, showcasing the modernization of its port infrastructure.
This success can be attributed in part to the leadership of Tourism Minister David Collado, whose initiatives have garnered recognition from international tourism executives and regional leaders alike. The strategic vision and execution capabilities demonstrated by the Dominican Republic have been acknowledged widely, particularly when UN Tourism named David Collado as Minister of Tourism for the Americas, further solidifying the nation’s role as a benchmark for effective tourism policy on the continent.
The end of the year confirms the institutional maturity of Dominican tourism, characterized by a clear strategy, consistent execution, and strong collaboration with the private sector. The Dominican Republic has not only closed 2025 on a high note but has also made history with unprecedented visitor numbers and recognition in the region. This positive trend highlights the country’s potential for continued growth and success in the tourism sector.