Dominican Republic Tourism Growth Hits 6.9% in 2026
Dominican Republic tourism growth reached 6.9% in the first eight months of 2026, with 8,556,416 visitors recorded — a rise from the same period in 2025, according to Minister of Tourism David Collado. August alone brought 856,858 arrivals, a 6.2% year-over-year increase. Air travel led the surge, with 725,560 tourists arriving via air in August, the highest number ever recorded for the month.
Ana Solange Marte September 14, 2026
Punta Cana remained the top entry point, accounting for 49% of all air arrivals in August, followed by Las Américas (29%) and Cibao (14%). The country’s airports received 6,030 flights in August, up 0.9% from 2025. The United States was the largest source market, representing 48% of all flights. Panama and Colombia followed with 7% each, while Puerto Rico and Canada accounted for 6% each.
Top air routes in August included New York to Cibao, New York to Santo Domingo, Panama to Punta Cana, New York to Punta Cana, and San Juan to Punta Cana. Air passenger numbers for the year reached 6,610,259 through August, an 8.6% increase from 2025. This growth reflects increased connectivity and traveler confidence in the country’s tourism offerings.
The cruise sector also showed improvement, with 131,298 passengers arriving in August — a 31.9% jump from the same month last year. From January to August, cruise passenger numbers reached 1,946,157, reflecting a 1.4% growth compared to 2025.
Collado expressed confidence that the country will surpass 12 million visitors by the end of 2026, calling it “the best year in the history of Dominican tourism.” He also announced that the second phase of the Ciudad Colonial restoration will be completed by December, alongside the reopening of the renovated Museo del Alcázar de Colón in two weeks.
Punta Cana hotel occupancy reached 69% in August, suggesting growing alignment between air arrival growth and lodging demand. Meanwhile, new nighttime attractions are expanding the destination’s appeal beyond daytime beach tourism.