SANTO DOMINGO. The Dominican Republic continues to solidify its position as one of the region's leading tourist destinations. During the first five months of the year, the country received 5,641,659 visitors, a record number representing an 8% increase compared to the same period last year, according to data released by the Presidency.
Of the total number of visitors, 4,147,025 arrived by air, representing a 10.8% increase compared to the first five months of 2025. This figure is in addition to 1,494,634 cruise passengers who arrived in the country by sea.
May maintains its growth rate
According to the data presented, in May alone the arrival of tourists by air reached 744,045 visitors, for a growth of 10.4% compared to the same month of the previous year.
The figures also show a sustained expansion compared to previous years, with increases of 9.8% compared to 2024, 19.7% compared to 2023 and 40.9% compared to the levels recorded before the pandemic.
The country received 139,881 cruise passengers by sea during the month.
The United States and Canada continue to lead
The main source markets for tourists continue to be the United States and Canada, which together accounted for more than 60% of arrivals recorded during May, according to data presented by the government entity.
The United States topped the list with a 41% share, followed by Canada with 21%. Argentina, with 7%, and Colombia, with 5%, also stood out, while France, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Chile, and Peru collectively contributed another 2% each.
Punta Cana concentrates the greatest air traffic
The institution also reported that Punta Cana International Airport remained the main gateway to the country, accounting for 66% of air arrivals recorded between January and May.
Las Américas International Airport followed with 19%; Cibao International Airport with 10%; and Puerto Plata with 5%. La Romana and Samaná accounted for the remaining percentage.
Regarding air operations during May, Punta Cana received 54% of the flights, followed by Las Américas with 28% and Cibao with 11%.
Hotels maintain high occupancy
Official data indicates that hotel occupancy was above 79% during the January-April period, reflecting sustained demand in the country's main tourist destinations.
Furthermore, visitor satisfaction surveys show an average rating of 4.5 out of 5. According to the published results, 93% of tourists expressed their intention to return to the destination, while 60% stated they would recommend it to others.
The figures reinforce the importance of tourism as one of the main drivers of the Dominican economy and one of the sectors with the greatest impact on job creation, investment and infrastructure demand in the country's various tourist destinations
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