In Punta Cana, La Altagracia province, the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, stated yesterday, Wednesday, that Dominican tourism is at its best and that all the indicators of tourist arrivals are in the black, despite the situation the world is experiencing.
At the opening of the Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (DATE) 2026 fair, which is being held in Bávaro, Collado reported that this growth is evident in the Canadian market with 17%, the American market with 10%, the Mexican market with 52% and double digits in Argentina, Colombia, Chile and Brazil.
"We are going to the European market and we have positive numbers in Spain, Italy, England and Germany," he pointed out, after noting that DATE 2026 finds the Dominican Republic at its best moment in tourism.
He asserted that the Dominican Republic is prepared to continue growing in the tourism sector. "This is the moment to continue investing in tourism in the Dominican Republic," he stated.
He noted that last year the country received 11.7 million visitors and its growth is constant in 2026.
David Collado highlighted the diversification of Dominican tourism, which ranges from luxury offerings to the strengthening of all-inclusive options.
More than 200 companies
The 2026 edition of DATE brings together more than 200 companies from more than 20 source markets, more than 300 international buyers and an offering of 120 booths that represent the diversity of the Dominican destination.
In this context, more than 8,000 business meetings are projected, with more than 5,000 already confirmed, which will directly impact hotel occupancy, visitor arrivals, and foreign exchange earnings.
During the opening ceremony, the first vice president of Asonahores, Javier Tejada, highlighted the impact of DATE as a key platform for the revitalization of the sector.
“DATE is the country’s main tourism marketing tool. Business deals are finalized here that translate into thousands of additional visitors each year, strengthening hotel occupancy and generating a direct impact on the Dominican economy,” the businessman stated.
Tejada emphasized that tourism continues to lead the country's economic growth.
“The Dominican Republic was the most visited destination in the Caribbean in 2025, with more than 11.7 million visitors, and we project reaching between 12 and 12.5 million in 2026, driven by the expansion of air routes and the diversification of markets,” he stated.
In terms of employment, he highlighted that the sector generates more than 800,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs, consolidating itself as one of the main drivers of the labor market.
Recognition
During the inauguration ceremony, Minister Collado received an award from Expedia Groups "for his dedication, love, and passion in his role as head of the Ministry of Tourism." It was presented by Salim Arkuch and Miguelina Céspedes.
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