Mexico City, February 4, 2026 — The Dominican Republic strengthened its presence in the Mexican tourism market as Tourism Minister David Collado brought the 2026 edition of Meet in Paradise to Mexico City. The large‑scale event, hosted at the Banamex Center, gathered more than 1,600 professionals and influential players from across Mexico’s tourism industry.
Attendees traveled from major cities including Mexico City, Guadalajara, Cancún, Aguascalientes, Baja California, Cuernavaca, Chihuahua, Ciudad Juárez, Mérida, Puebla, Puerto Vallarta, Monterrey, and Veracruz, among many others. The diverse presence of travel agents, tour operators, media outlets, opinion leaders, and brand ambassadors underscored the growing relevance of the Dominican Republic within the Mexican outbound market.
Under Minister Collado’s leadership, Meet in Paradise has evolved into one of the most strategic tourism promotion platforms in the region, offering a comprehensive look at everything the Dominican Republic has to offer—from award‑winning beaches and deep cultural heritage to its renowned gastronomy, exceptional hotel infrastructure, and specialized tourism offerings such as luxury escapes, destination weddings, MICE events, and immersive cultural experiences.
“We are here not simply to promote a destination,” Collado emphasized during his speech. “We are inviting Mexicans to live a truly unique experience in the Dominican Republic.”
Mexico: A Key Growth Market for Dominican Tourism
The minister highlighted Mexico’s importance in the recent tourism boom. In 2025, the Dominican Republic welcomed 163,579 Mexican visitors, marking an impressive 39.3% growth compared with the previous year. This surge positioned Mexico as the eighth-largest source market for Dominican tourism—outperforming traditionally strong markets such as Chile, Brazil, and France.
Collado noted that the Dominican Republic receives more than one tourist per local resident, a powerful indicator of the sector’s continued expansion and global appeal.
Meet in Paradise was designed precisely to reinforce that momentum, strengthening ties with Mexico’s tourism ecosystem and generating new opportunities for collaboration, partnerships, and investment. The initiative reaffirms Mexico’s status as a high-priority market for the Caribbean nation.
A Sensory Dominican Experience for Attendees
This year’s event delivered a vibrant mix of training sessions, industry panels, and cultural showcases, creating a direct connection between attendees and the Dominican Republic’s brand identity.
Participants enjoyed a series of interactive experiences, including:
- Premium rum tastings
- Caribbean dance lessons
- Casabe-making demonstrations
- Art workshops inspired by Dominican landscapes
Each element was crafted to reflect the warmth, authenticity, and cultural richness that define the Dominican tourism experience.
Academic Involvement: Preparing the Next Generation of Tourism Professionals
For the first time, Meet in Paradise integrated a strong academic component. A total of 57 students and representatives from prominent Mexican universities—including ESDIE, Universidad Intercontinental, Universidad Anáhuac, Universidad Latinoamericana, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), and ISEC Business University—took part in the event.
Their participation helped create a collaborative space between educational institutions and the tourism sector, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to professional development and future talent.
Air Connectivity Continues Expanding
The Dominican Republic’s tourism growth is supported by a strong and growing air connection with Mexico. In 2025, the two countries operated approximately 1,461 direct flights, with an average occupancy rate of 64%. This network has not only facilitated easier travel but also supported the rising demand from Mexican visitors.
The profile of the Mexican traveler reveals why the destination continues to shine:
- 47% travel for rest and relaxation
- 24% choose the Dominican Republic for its high‑quality hotels
- 18% seek cultural immersion and local experiences
These preferences translate into an average stay of around eight days, showing the destination’s strong appeal for longer vacations.
A Long-Term Commitment to the Mexican Market
With the 2026 edition of Meet in Paradise, the Dominican Ministry of Tourism not only presented its strategic vision for the year but also reaffirmed its long-term commitment to strengthening ties with Mexico. The initiative places heavy emphasis on training, professional development, and a unified tourism ecosystem—key pillars for ensuring sustainable, high-quality growth.
In the end, the message was clear: the Dominican Republic wants Mexicans to continue discovering a destination where the Caribbean is lived with all the senses—a paradise to explore, celebrate, and return to time and time again.
