The ABA reports that these credit facilities are intended for the construction of new hotel projects, the expansion and remodeling of existing ones, and working capital.
SANTO DOMINGO. -The loan portfolio of multiple banks to the tourism sector reached RD$113,784 million at the close of 2024, for an increase of 3.4% with respect to the figures of 2023, reported the Association of Multiple Banks of the Dominican Republic (ABA).
After highlighting that this financing supports the sustained growth of this activity, the ABA detailed that the total amount of loans to tourism in 2024 exceeded that of the previous year, which was RD$110,075 million, by RD$3,709 million.
In that regard, he noted that during the first two months of 2025, credit increased by RD$786 million compared to the previous December, equivalent to 0.7%, totaling RD$114.57 billion as of the end of February. He added that this performance represents a significant rebound compared to the same period of the previous year, when there was a decrease of 3.87%.
"These credit facilities are intended for the construction of new hotel projects in strategic locations such as Punta Bergantín, in Puerto Plata, and Cabo Rojo, in Pedernales, as well as for the expansion and remodeling of existing hotels and working capital, which are fundamental points for the sector's goals of increasing the number of foreign visitors and diversifying the offering," explained the Association of Banks.
In presenting the size of the tourism loan portfolio, the ABA highlighted the importance of tourism to the Dominican economy, noting that in 2024 it generated US$10.974 billion in foreign exchange, representing 25% of the total for that year. "It also attracts foreign investment and creates direct and indirect jobs, benefiting a variety of companies that supply products and services to the tourism sector, including micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) linked to the agro-industrial sector, the creative economy, and others," the ABA stated.
Highlighting the importance of financing for this economic activity, the association specified that multiple banks account for 98% of the financial system's loan portfolio to the tourism sector, based on data from February 2025.
