The Central Bank highlights the strength of the currency and growth in 2026, while the IMF warns of risks in the international economy
SANTO DOMINGO. – The flow of foreign currency into the Dominican economy continues to be a pillar for the development of the tourism real estate market, in a context where the country maintains its capacity to attract investment, although under a more uncertain international scenario.
The governor of the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic, Héctor Valdez Albizu, highlighted in a statement that foreign exchange earnings reached USD47,291.5 million in 2025, driven by tourism, remittances, exports and foreign investment.
This flow of resources has been crucial for the development of real estate projects in tourist areas, where demand is linked to both international visitors and foreign investors.
Foreign direct investment, which reached USD5,032.8 million in 2025, reflects the continued interest in sectors such as tourism and real estate, even in an international environment marked by uncertainty.
The Central Bank also indicated that economic activity showed expansions of 3.5% in January and 3.9% in February 2026, reflecting a gradual recovery, while inflation remains within the target range.
However, the global context described in the World Economic Outlook introduces factors that could influence this dynamic. The IMF warns of a slowdown in global growth, estimated at around 3%, and of risks associated with geopolitical tensions and volatility in oil prices.
These factors have direct implications for tourism, the country's main source of foreign exchange. A slowdown in visitor-generating economies, such as the United States and Europe, can influence tourist arrivals and, by extension, the demand for properties in destinations like Punta Cana and other coastal areas.
In turn, the increase in global uncertainty can affect investment decisions, particularly in real estate projects aimed at international buyers, who tend to react more cautiously to volatile scenarios.
Despite these factors, the recent performance of the Dominican economy demonstrates its adaptability. The Central Bank highlighted that year-on-year inflation stood at 4.63% in March 2026, within the target range, while economic activity maintains a recovery trajectory.
The Dominican economy, with a projected growth of 3.7% in 2026 according to the IMF, continues to expand above the regional average of 2.3%.
In this context, the real estate market associated with tourism develops supported by robust external flows, but with greater exposure to the conditions of the international environment, which are beginning to play a more decisive role in its evolution.
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