SANTO DOMINGO. The Dominican Republic is registering a 14.3% growth in tourist arrivals from France during the first eight months of 2026, according to information provided during the country's participation in the IFTM Top Resa fair in Paris, where authorities highlighted the performance of that European market.
Between January and August, 112,056 visitors residing in France arrived in the Dominican territory, some 14,039 more travelers than in the same period of 2025, when 98,017 arrivals were recorded.
With this result, France ranks ninth among the countries sending tourists to the Dominican Republic. Throughout 2025, the country received 132,747 visitors residing in France.
RD strengthens its presence in IFTM Top Resa
The Dominican delegation is participating in IFTM Top Resa, one of the leading professional tourism fairs held in Paris, which brings together buyers, tour operators, travel agencies, airlines, hotel chains and other industry representatives.
The national delegation is headed by the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, and includes more than 21 co-exhibitors, including hotel companies, airlines, tour operators and companies linked to the activity.
During the meeting, Dominican representatives hold business meetings with actors in the European market to promote national destinations, attract new visitors, generate business and establish agreements that contribute to the growth of tourism activity.
Collado highlighted that participation in the fair allows for strengthening ties with business partners and presenting a tourism proposal that combines beaches, nature, gastronomy, culture and new experiences.
France increases its contribution to Dominican tourism
The performance recorded between January and August consolidates France as one of the most important European markets for the Dominican Republic.
The 112,056 visitors recorded during that period represent an increase of 14.3% compared to the first eight months of 2025. The difference is equivalent to 14,039 additional travelers.
The result also brings the French market closer to the volume recorded throughout 2025, when 132,747 residents of France visited the Dominican Republic.
The growth of this market occurs within a context of increased international promotion and expansion of air connectivity between Europe and the main Dominican destinations.
More flights between France and the Dominican Republic
Air connectivity is one of the main components of the strategy to continue increasing the arrival of French travelers.
Air Caraïbes maintains flights to Punta Cana, Santo Domingo and Samaná, facilitating access from France to three important tourist destinations in the country.
Air France will join this offer , reinforcing the route between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Punta Cana with three weekly flights starting November 30, 2026 .
The increase in operations will expand travel options between the two countries and support the growth of French demand.
ITA Airways will open a connection between Rome and Santo Domingo
The expansion of European connectivity also includes the entry of ITA Airways into the Caribbean market.
The Italian airline will begin operations between Rome Fiumicino and Santo Domingo on November 30, 2026 , with an initial weekly frequency.
In mid-December, the route will increase to two flights per week, creating a new direct connection between Italy and the Dominican Republic.
Although this operation corresponds to the Italian market, the authorities are incorporating it into the strategy of expanding European air connections with the country.
Tourism companies seek new business opportunities
The Dominican Republic's participation in Paris also serves as a platform for national and foreign companies with operations in the country to present their products, projects, and services to international buyers.
Participants include Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, Catalonia Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt, Karisma Hotels & Resorts, Meliá Hotels International, Moon Palace, Viva Resorts by Wyndham, Zemi Miches, AERODOM, Air Europa, SKYhigh Dominicana and Amhsa Marina, among other companies.
Representatives from the sector use the meetings to establish business contacts, present projects and explore business opportunities with European companies.
Dominican Republic showcases its culture and tourism offerings in Paris
In addition to the commercial agenda, the Dominican Republic presents elements at the fair that are part of its identity and tourist appeal.
The Dominican space showcases products linked to larimar and amber, two characteristic resources of the country, along with tastings of dishes and products from different regions.
The proposal also includes merengue and bachata performances , which aim to showcase part of the Dominican cultural richness to the European public.
The Ministry of Tourism's strategy seeks to take advantage of the growth of markets like France to attract more visitors, generate business, attract investment and strengthen connectivity with Europe.
The goal is to position the Dominican Republic as a destination that, in addition to its hotel and sun and beach offerings, integrates nature, culture, gastronomy and experiences for international travelers.
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