SANTO DOMINGO.– Tourism Minister David Collado highlighted the results achieved by the Dominican Republic during its participation in IFTM TOP Resa 2026, where agreements were reached to strengthen air connectivity with Europe and meetings were held with investors linked to new tourism projects worth more than US$600 million.
Among the main results, it was highlighted that the tour operator Fram will extend its operations in Punta Cana until May 2027, after having resumed its flights to the Dominican Republic for an initial period of four months.
The minister explained that the operation has an occupancy rate of over 95%, an indicator that, he noted, has contributed to the efforts to ensure the continuation of the flights.
“We were able to keep Air France here until May of next year, and the occupancy rate is over 95%,” the official said, referring to the results of air operations linked to the French market.
He recalled that Air France had left the Dominican Republic in 2024 and that its return was initially planned between December and April, for only four months to Punta Cana.
“Air France left the Dominican Republic in 2024, and its return from December to April was a four-month return to Punta Cana,” he explained.
Meeting with more than 200 agents and tour operators
Collado also reported that a meeting was held with more than 200 travel agents and tour operators, with the aim of continuing to boost demand for the Dominican Republic and helping to maintain occupancy levels.
“Tonight we have a meeting with more than 200 travel agents and tour operators to continue generating more occupancy so that they have to continue staying. That is the idea,” the minister stated.
Air Caraïbes confirms flights to three destinations
Another of the key agreements was the ratification, by Air Caraïbes, of its operations to the Dominican Republic.
“Air Caraïbes confirmed all its flights to the Dominican Republic, including to Santo Domingo, Samaná and Punta Cana,” Collado said.
The continuation of these routes is part of the efforts to expand and maintain the country's air connectivity with the main tourist-generating markets.
ITA Airways will operate flights to Santo Domingo for the first time
Collado also announced an agreement with ITA Airways, Italy's national airline, which will operate a weekly flight to Santo Domingo for the first time during the month of November.
“Today, with the ITA airline, we confirm that for the first time, the ITA airline, which is the official airline of Italy, where the Pope travels, will operate a weekly flight to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, for the first time in November,” he said.
The minister highlighted that the addition of this operation represents a new step forward in air connectivity between Italy and the Dominican Republic.
More than US$600 million in tourism projects
In addition to the agreements with the airlines, Collado reported that the Dominican delegation held meetings with investors interested in developing new tourism projects in the country.
“We held several meetings with investors for the Dominican Republic for more than $600 million in new tourism projects,” he stated.
Among the projects he mentioned was that of the Matute family, who announced and ratified an investment of US$100 million.
“Within that, the Matute family, who announced and ratified with us a $100 million project,” the official highlighted.
Connectivity and investment, the main objectives
Collado maintained that the Dominican Republic's participation in the Torresa 2026 Fair allowed it to meet the main objectives set for this market, especially in terms of air connectivity and attracting investments.
“We have met the main objectives with this market, which was air connectivity,” said the minister, who also highlighted the progress made in terms of new tourism projects for the Dominican Republic.
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