Rewrite this content and keep HTML tags, correct grammar, capitalize bold words, do not rewrite words starting with capital letters. Make shorter sentences to improve readability
PUNTA CANA. For every 2 million tourists who enter the country, an investment of 5,000 million dollars is needed. This was announced by the executive vice president of the Hotel and Tourism Association of the Dominican Republic (Asonahores), Aguie Lendor, in statements given to the press within the framework of FITUR 2025.
Lendor made known his vision that the DR “is more than sun and sand” and insisted on the need to continue working to maintain competitiveness and continually improve the quality of the tourism product.
He referred to the potential that the country has, especially in ecotourism, mountain, religious, historical and sports tourism. Currently, “we already host renowned events such as a test of the PGA Tour for golf and the Mediterranean International Cup for soccer, and in the past we have hosted the U-17 Women's Soccer World Cup.”
2030 goal: 20 million tourists
Lendor highlighted the “ambitious goal of reaching 20 million visitors by 2030. To achieve this, we are focused on increasing the number of rooms available and improving air connectivity. However, it is crucial to diversify our offer.”
Luxury tourism and improvements in regulations to encourage tourist activity
The business leader also announced the sector's aspirations: “We aspire to expand in luxury tourism and specialize in segments such as weddings. In addition, we are promoting shopping tourism and business tourism (MICE), and we advocate for an Incentives Law that offers tax exemptions to tourists, similar to those in Spain.”
Gastronomy and unique events
We cannot forget gastronomic tourism, a sector with great growth potential. Our fabulous gastronomy is promoted through events such as Restaurant Week, which attracts tourists eager to try our delicious food.
Investments necessary for sustainable growth
The leader of Asonahores considered it extremely important to continue investing in the tourism sector, especially in improving the housing supply and services.
“In 2024, occupancy was 75 to 77%, so for every 2 million additional tourists, we require investments of 5 billion dollars. It is essential to continue supporting the Incentives Law, maintain competitiveness and increase the quality of our offer.”