Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – The 3rd International Women’s Polo Cup at Puntacana Resort has firmly positioned Punta Cana as one of the Caribbean’s most attractive destinations for high-end sports tourism, particularly in the fast-growing niche of women’s polo.
Held at the Puntacana Polo Club on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 3:00 p.m., the tournament brought together Dominican and international players, leaders from the tourism industry, special guests, media representatives, and members of the equestrian community. The event unfolded in a setting where sporting intensity blended with tradition, social life, and the unmistakable elegance that characterizes polo.
Speaking as president of Save the Children and United Petroleum, Juan Tomás Díaz underlined that women’s polo is no longer a sporadic attraction but a consolidated product within the Dominican Republic’s sports tourism offer. He emphasized that this discipline has proven its capacity to attract foreign athletes, specialized spectators, and visitors who value experiences that go far beyond the scoreboard.
“This is genuine sports tourism; it’s a segment that is clearly on the rise. Here, it’s not only about playing polo. The tournament attracts travelers, builds a community, and creates an atmosphere that surpasses pure competition. Many people come who don’t even play polo, but they are drawn to the environment and the mindset we share, where friendship comes first and then the match,” Díaz explained.
The 2026 edition of the cup highlighted this impact with concrete numbers: 16 international players took part in the competition and between 600 and 700 spectators attended, confirming the steady growth of women’s polo and its international projection from Punta Cana. For the destination, these figures translate into hotel stays, restaurant visits, transportation services, and an overall strengthening of the local tourism chain.
Looking toward the future, the event also served as a platform to announce a key step in the evolution of the Puntacana Polo Club. As part of the official program, a symbolic ceremony was held to mark the beginning of a new stage: the construction of two additional polo fields, scheduled to be completed within an estimated period of one to two years. This expansion plan is designed not only to support the growth of women’s polo, but also to consolidate Punta Cana as a reference point for equestrian sports in the region and to broaden the sports infrastructure available in the destination.
In the same context, Díaz stressed that the progress of this discipline in Punta Cana includes a strong social and educational dimension.
“Today we have around 40 students; many of the women who are playing in this tournament started learning here. That is precisely our objective: to train, encourage, and inspire through sport,” she said, underscoring the role of polo as a tool for personal development and community building.
With more than fifty years of history, Puntacana Resort has become a benchmark for luxury tourism in the Caribbean, increasingly integrating world-class sports proposals into its portfolio. Its model combines high-level competitions, community initiatives, and a clear commitment to sustainable development, thus creating experiences that connect residents, visitors, and athletes around shared values.
The successful staging of the 3rd International Women’s Polo Cup not only confirms the momentum of this discipline in the Dominican Republic, but also places Punta Cana as a strategic hub for niche sports tourism in the Caribbean. In this emerging landscape, women’s polo stands out as a catalyst for investment, innovation, and new ways of experiencing the destination—both on and off the field.
