SAN CRISTÓBAL, Dominican Republic — Tourism Minister David Collado has affirmed that the Dominican Republic remains the most resilient and stable tourism market in the Caribbean and Latin America, despite global geopolitical volatility and shifting airline operations.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Health Boulevard in Haina, Collado emphasized that the country has successfully navigated international armed conflicts, including tensions involving Iran and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, to deliver the strongest performance in the history of the nation’s tourism sector.
According to official data, the Dominican Republic has achieved a string of unprecedented milestones in 2026, recording its best January, March, April, and May on record. During peak months, visitor arrivals reached 1.3 million, signaling a robust start to the year that surpasses all previous historical benchmarks.
“The Dominican Republic is the safest tourist destination in the entire Caribbean and Latin America,” Collado stated, noting that strategic area recovery and security measures have been central to this success.
The minister’s comments come at a time of transition for regional air travel. While some carriers, such as Spirit Airlines, reduced capacity—resulting in a loss of approximately 324,000 seats—Collado detailed a comprehensive recovery plan already in motion to offset these departures.
Growth from the North American and European markets has been instrumental in filling the void. Collado highlighted that Canada’s WestJet has added more than 30,000 new seats, while Sunwing has contributed an additional 20,000. Furthermore, German carrier Condor has expanded its operations with three new weekly flights to Punta Cana, reinforcing the region’s appeal to long-haul travelers.
Collado contrasted the Dominican Republic’s current trajectory with other regional markets, such as Cuba, which continues to face severe tourism declines and economic instability. He noted that while several Caribbean neighbors are struggling to maintain pre-pandemic or even 2025 growth levels, the Dominican Republic has managed to sustain and increase its sector dynamism.
The minister attributed this sustained growth to a combination of proactive international marketing, the restoration of key tourist zones, and strong partnerships with global airlines that continue to view the eastern region, particularly Punta Cana, as the Caribbean’s premier destination for safety and quality.
