SANTO DOMINGO– Puerto Rico is solidifying its position as one of the most dynamic tourist-generating markets for the Dominican Republic. The combination of increased air connectivity and promotional efforts in the territory has led the country to project closing 2026 with more than 290,000 Puerto Rican visitors, approaching the 300,000 mark for the first time.
According to the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR), the arrival of tourists from Puerto Rico has registered a growth of 7.7% so far this year, maintaining the positive trend observed during 2025, when 269,000 Puerto Ricans chose the Dominican Republic as their vacation destination.
A nearby market that is gaining prominence
According to the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR), Puerto Rico continues to strengthen its position as a strategic market within the Caribbean due to its geographical proximity, the frequency of flights, and the growing interest of its travelers in the Dominican Republic's tourism offerings.
Tourism Minister David Collado stated that more and more Puerto Ricans are choosing the Dominican Republic for vacations, driven by a diverse offering that includes beaches, gastronomy, culture, nature, and urban tourism.
Official projections indicate that, if the current pace is maintained, the Puerto Rican market will reach its highest volume of visitors to the country this year.
Air connectivity makes all the difference
According to the institution, one of the main factors behind this growth has been the strengthening of air connections between both destinations.
Collado noted that the addition of new transportation options, including Arajet's operations, has increased market competitiveness, expanding the range of flights and facilitating travel between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
The official indicated that greater connectivity not only increases the flow of visitors, but also strengthens tourism and trade between two territories united by geographical proximity and historical ties.
Promotion to sustain growth
As part of his agenda in San Juan, the minister presented the Dominican Republic's tourism offerings to more than 200 travel agents and representatives of specialized media outlets.
He also led a meeting with the Dominican Republic's public-private marketing committee, where, according to the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR), new strategies were defined to expand the destination's presence in Puerto Rico and continue increasing the arrival of visitors from that market.
The institution believes that the combination of international promotion and a more robust air network will allow the Dominican Republic to continue strengthening its position among the top destinations chosen by Puerto Rican travelers.
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