The Minister of Tourism highlighted the importance of integrating Dominican Week in the United Kingdom with London's leading tourism fair. Gray Line Worldwide recognized the official for the sector's progress, while authorities aim to reach 12.5 million visitors by the end of 2026
LONDON – The Dominican Republic inaugurated its pavilion at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, one of the leading global trade fairs in the tourism sector. The ceremony was led by Tourism Minister David Collado, who emphasized the need to broaden the destination's international reach and diversify the experiences it offers travelers.
The exhibition, taking place at the ExCeL convention center until Thursday, brings together tour operators, airlines, travel agents, and investors from various countries. At this event, the Dominican delegation is showcasing its attractions and investment opportunities, with a particular focus on the United Kingdom, the leading European source of tourists to the Caribbean nation.
Dominican Week and WTM integrate their promotional strategies
One of the central points of Collado's intervention was the simultaneous celebration of Dominican Week in the United Kingdom and WTM, an initiative that allows for the coordination of promotional actions and projects a stronger image of the Dominican Republic to the main representatives of the international industry.
The official described this integration as a significant step forward for the projection of the national tourism sector in British territory.
“This is an extremely important step for this fair, since for many years Dominican Week was held separately, a week before the WTM fair, and this is the first year that we can unify it,” Collado said.
The joint celebration of both initiatives opens new possibilities for establishing commercial ties, attracting foreign investment, and showcasing a vacation offering that transcends the traditional sun and beach model. Its attractions include culture, gastronomy, natural environments, sports activities, and unique experiences.
Gray Line Worldwide honors David Collado
During the World Travel Market, Gray Line Worldwide presented an award to Minister David Collado for the growth of tourism in the Dominican Republic.
The distinction comes amid record-breaking results for the industry. According to the statistics presented, the Caribbean nation recorded more than 9.2 million visitors through September 2026, a 7.5% increase compared to the same period in 2025.
The Dominican Republic aims to receive 12.5 million visitors in 2026
In light of these indicators, Collado noted that the official goal is to end the year with 12.5 million travelers, an estimate that reflects the authorities' interest in expanding the origin of tourists and continuing to improve air connectivity.
In this context, attendance at the London exhibition is part of the external positioning plan, aimed at strengthening national competitiveness, conquering new segments of travelers and expanding the reach of the industry.
The United Kingdom, a key market for European tourists
Dominican participation in WTM takes on special importance due to the relevance of the British public in the volume of arrivals from Europe.
Through its exhibition space, the delegation seeks to strengthen ties with key operators, reinforce commercial alliances, and implement initiatives that contribute to increasing the number of travelers from the United Kingdom and other nations.
Similarly, the joint celebration of Dominican Week and the London fair facilitates the use of this international meeting, which brings together businesspeople, government representatives and industry professionals, to boost trade exchanges and present the Dominican Republic as a competitive, attractive option with a diversified offering.
The Dominican Republic is committed to diversifying its tourism offerings and promoting new destinations in the European market
The World Travel Market (WTM) in London is one of the leading international trade fairs for the tourism industry, bringing together representatives from tourism ministries, hotel chains, airlines, travel agencies, tour operators, and investors. At the 2016 edition, held from November 3rd to 5th, the Dominican Republic inaugurated a pavilion, headed by the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, with the aim of showcasing its attractions and establishing business relationships with companies and strategic stakeholders in the sector.
What does it mean to diversify the tourism offer?
This concept refers to the strategy of expanding the experiences, destinations, and travel options offered by the country, so that its international appeal does not depend exclusively on the traditional sun and beach model, primarily associated with Punta Cana.
Under this approach, the Dominican proposal seeks to give greater visibility to other alternatives, including:
- Cultural tourism: tours of historical sites, architecture, gastronomy and national traditions.
- Nature tourism: visits to mountains, national parks, protected areas and spaces designated for bird watching.
- Adventure tourism: excursions, water sports and outdoor activities.
- Luxury tourism: stays in exclusive hotels, golf courses and high-end resorts.
- Cruise tourism: strengthening maritime operations and routes that allow visitors to arrive by this means.
- Business tourism: organization of congresses, conventions, business meetings and international events.
Also, as part of this initiative, the Dominican pavilion includes hotel companies, financial institutions, car rental companies, and representatives of various services related to the tourism industry. This integration allows for a more comprehensive presentation to potential business partners.
Why is this participation important?
The country's presence at this international event aims to consolidate its position in Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom, one of the key markets for visitors to the Dominican Republic. It also presents an opportunity to establish new air connections, promote vacation packages, attract investment, and forge agreements with international tour operators.
Along the same lines, the Dominican Republic aims to broaden the perception that foreign travelers have of its attractions, so that their interest is not limited to Punta Cana, but also includes locations such as Puerto Plata, Samaná, Santo Domingo and La Romana, whose historical, cultural and natural resources allow for differentiated experiences.
In short, diversifying tourism activity involves taking advantage of the variety of resources that the national territory possesses to attract different types of visitors, generate new business opportunities and distribute the economic benefits of this industry among a greater number of Dominican destinations and communities.
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