SANTO DOMINGO — The Dominican Republic welcomed 9,283,767 visitors between January and October, a surge that supported an estimated 815,000 jobs and contributed more than USD 15,562 million in value added to the national economy, government figures show. Authorities highlighted that the tourism boom is improving household incomes and strengthening the entire tourism value chain across the country.
Air and sea arrivals both showed robust gains. Of the total visitors, 7,168,505 arrived by air — a rise of 34% compared with 2019, 9% over 2023 and 3% above last year’s figures. Sea traffic also rebounded strongly, with 2,115,262 cruise passengers recorded, up 153% against 2019 and 25% versus 2023.
October alone brought 691,073 visitors, marking a 58% increase from October 2019 and a 12% increase from the same month in 2023. That monthly total included 593,022 air arrivals and 98,051 cruise passengers, reinforcing the sustained recovery of both flight and cruise connections to the island.
Top source markets for October were led by the United States, accounting for 38% of arrivals, followed by Canada (10%) and Argentina (9%). Colombia contributed 6% of arrivals, while Puerto Rico, Peru and the United Kingdom each made up roughly 4% of the monthly total.
Economic spillovers from the tourism upswing are notable. External tourism receipts reached USD 5,475 million in the reporting period, while taxes linked to tourism generated more than RD$ 19,984 million for public coffers. Officials say these inflows finance public services and infrastructure projects that, in turn, support continued tourism expansion.
Why the rebound matters
The combined growth in air and cruise traffic is not only restoring pre-pandemic levels but surpassing them in several metrics, providing a vital engine for employment and domestic spending. Hotel occupancy, local transport providers, tour operators and small businesses in destination communities benefit directly from higher visitor numbers, creating multiplier effects throughout the economy.
Looking ahead, sustaining this momentum will depend on maintaining flight connectivity, diversifying source markets, and continuing investments in infrastructure and services that enhance visitor experiences. Stakeholders emphasize that balanced growth — one that spreads benefits to host communities while protecting natural and cultural assets — will be crucial for long-term competitiveness in the Caribbean tourism market.
For media inquiries or to request the full tourism mobility report, contact the Ministry of Tourism or the statistical office responsible for the data.
