SANTO DOMINGO– Dominican tourism relies not only on the constant influx of visitors, but also on the financial backing that allows projects to be built, expanded, and modernized. In this context, commercial banks have played a key role.
The Dominican Republic's Association of Multiple Banks (ABA) reported that the bank loan portfolio destined for tourism activity registered a cumulative growth of 67% between 2020 and 2025, going from RD$67,483 million in November 2020 to RD$112,524 million in November 2025. In absolute terms, this represents an increase of RD$45,041 million destined for the development of the tourism industry.
The association highlighted that financing provided by multiple banks represents 98% of the entire credit portfolio of the financial system directed to tourism, which confirms that commercial banking is the main financial support for this strategic activity.
Financing that builds destinations
According to the ABA, these resources are primarily directed towards the construction of new hotel projects, the expansion and remodeling of existing facilities, the purchase of equipment and the working capital necessary to sustain tourism operations.
Credit trends reveal which areas of the country are experiencing the greatest tourism activity. La Romana leads the relative growth with a 100% increase in its tourism financing portfolio, followed by Puerto Plata with 72%, Santiago with 59%, and El Seibo with 6%.
However, when analyzing the total amounts financed, the National District, La Altagracia and El Seibo concentrate 93% of the entire tourism credit portfolio as of November 2025, according to data from the Superintendency of Banks.
Tourism as a pillar of the economy
The ABA emphasized that tourism is not merely a service activity, but rather one of the structural pillars of the Dominican economy. At the close of 2024, the sector represented 8.3% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a proportion that places it among the country's main sources of wealth generation.
In terms of employment, tourism also accounts for 8.3% of total employment nationwide, which is equivalent to 427,660 workers, including direct and indirect jobs, according to data from the Central Bank.
Furthermore, the tourism industry remains one of the largest generators of foreign exchange, with revenues exceeding US$11.2 billion during the last year, reinforcing its role as a pillar of macroeconomic stability.
Credit, trust and long-term vision
For the ABA, the 67% growth in the tourism loan portfolio is not a coincidence. It reflects the banking sector's confidence in its stability and future prospects, and the recognition that Dominican tourism is a solid business with the capacity for expansion and returns.
The association also highlighted the importance of the Government's role, especially through the Ministry of Tourism, with its active participation in international fairs such as FITUR and with strategic agreements such as the Open Skies agreement between the Dominican Republic and the United States, which expand air connectivity and stimulate the arrival of more visitors.
