SANTO DOMINGO – Carnival continues to solidify its position as one of the main drivers of domestic and cultural tourism in the Dominican Republic. Beyond its festive nature, it is one of the country's oldest and most representative cultural expressions, capable of attracting locals, preserving traditions, and motivating travel to experience national customs.
According to an internal analysis by Airbnb, searches for accommodation during the 2026 Carnival period registered significant growth compared to 2025 in different provinces of the country, confirming that this celebration is consolidating itself as a key driver of short trips and local getaways.
The Carnival of La Vega, recognized as one of the oldest and most emblematic folk celebrations in the country, stands as the main center of interest, registering an exponential growth in domestic searches and more than doubling international interest.
Search behavior reflects a preference for traveling with others: trips for two people account for more than 40% of searches, followed by groups of 3 to 5 people at around 25%. In addition, solo trips registered 15%, families more than 10%, and groups of more than five people more than 5%.
This pattern of interest is replicated in other destinations in the country, where carnivals also function as a cultural and tourist magnet.
In Santo Domingo, where the parade serves as a showcase of national diversity by bringing together troupes and characters from different regions of the country, searches for accommodations increased by almost 30% in 2026 compared to 2025. Furthermore, it is positioned as the most cosmopolitan carnival in the country, with a diverse international audience that includes markets from the United States, Europe, Canada, and the region. This multicultural profile reinforces the capital as a meeting point for travelers seeking a unique urban and cultural experience.
In Santiago de los Caballeros, interest in lodging during Carnival saw a nearly 10% increase in 2026 compared to 2025. This trend reflects a well-established regional tradition, marked by Cibao pride and its iconic figures. Simultaneously, Santiago's Carnival is gaining greater international visibility, with a more than 35% increase in international searches for accommodations, reflecting the growing interest of foreign travelers in experiencing this cultural expression of the Cibao region.
This behavior confirms the role of Carnival as a cultural expression of high symbolic value and, at the same time, as an event with a tangible impact on local tourism dynamics, attracting both national and international travelers interested in experiencing one of the most emblematic traditions of the Dominican Republic.
Recommended readings:
