More than 50% of Airbnb hosts in the country are women, who have turned this activity into a source of income, entrepreneurship and development for their homes and communities
SANTO DOMINGO – Women's participation in the Dominican Republic's tourism sector continues to solidify as a key component for economic development, entrepreneurship, and service quality. Airbnb data indicates that over 50% of hosts in the country are women, many of whom have successfully positioned their properties among the highest-rated accommodations by both domestic and international travelers.
For thousands of Dominican women, managing short-term rental accommodations represents an opportunity to generate income, diversify the family economy, and undertake business with greater flexibility, allowing them to combine this activity with their personal and family responsibilities.
Feminas stands out for the quality of its accommodations
The performance of the hosts is also reflected in the ratings given by guests. During the first half of 2026, more than 1,200 hosts in the Dominican Republic achieved a 5.0 star rating.
Likewise, almost 50% of the accommodations that have the "Guest Favorite" badge in the country are managed by women, a distinction that recognizes the best rated and most popular properties among visitors.
The economic impact is also significant. According to the platform's data, female hosts in the Dominican Republic collectively generated over US$26.4 million in gross earnings during the period analyzed. Among those whose accommodations received bookings, the average income reached US$15,520, while the median was US$3,820.
Entrepreneurship stories
Behind these results are stories of women who have found in short-stay accommodation a way to reinvent themselves professionally, achieve greater economic independence and develop sustainable businesses.
In addition to direct income, this activity helps to boost local economies by contracting services such as cleaning, maintenance, transportation and others related to the operation of the accommodations.
Among the highest-rated hosts during the first half of 2026 were:
Jessica Vargas, Santo Domingo
With four years of experience as a host, she boasts a 4.92-star rating based on over 1,250 reviews. Guests highlight her friendly, helpful, and attentive service, as well as the cleanliness, organization, and comfort of her accommodations.
Its properties, with their modern and functional style, maintain ratings close to five stars, reflecting a consistent experience that builds trust among visitors.
“The word service describes me perfectly, not only in business but also personally. Playing this role represents a great responsibility, because you work every day to ensure that the platform and Dominican hospitality are well represented, not just Jessica Vargas as the host,” says Vargas.
The host explains that her beginnings were marked by constant learning and the need to adapt to the unforeseen events inherent in entrepreneurship.
“At the beginning, I had to start this business alone and learn as I went. We had to reinvent ourselves in the face of unforeseen events, but over time the process has become easier and today I can even advise family and friends,” she adds.
Clara Luz Cuello, Santo Domingo
With eight years of experience, it boasts a 4.96-star rating based on over 1,200 reviews. Visitors highlight its hospitality, friendliness, and helpfulness, as well as the cleanliness, upkeep, and comfort of its accommodations.
One of their guests described the experience as feeling "at home" and rated the space as "beautiful, spotless and exactly as described.".
For Cuello, entrepreneurship has also represented an opportunity for cultural connection and personal growth alongside her husband.
“After eight years as a host, I can say that Airbnb has been much more than a platform: it has been an experience that transformed my life. I am passionate about welcoming, serving, and helping each guest feel comfortable, safe, and well taken care of during their stay,” she says.
The host also highlights the opportunity to meet people from different parts of the world and share Dominican hospitality with them.
“Every time we welcome a guest and make them feel at home, we feel that’s our greatest reward. We are deeply grateful to be part of this community that has allowed us to share, learn, and connect with the world in such a special way,” she concludes.
Recommended readings:
- ONIC questions the limitation of short-term rentals without demonstrating their impact on the hotel industry
- Tour operators and wholesalers meet in Bayahibe to boost domestic tourism
- ADORECO: MITUR's proposal to regulate short-term rentals is a suit for hotels; warns of enormous gaps and vulnerabilities in legal security
