In a significant boost for the country’s tourism sector employees, hotel workers in the Dominican Republic will benefit from a substantial salary increase of up to 30%, effective June 2025. This decision was announced following negotiations between the National Hotel & Tourism Association (Asonahores) and the Federation of Free Trade Unions of Workers in Tourism, Commerce, and Similar Industries (Futrahotel).
The salary increase is expected to positively impact over 100,000 tourism sector workers and their families. Workers in various hotel roles, including housekeeping, maintenance, and food service staff, will receive the higher wages. This agreement covers employees in hotels, resorts, and other accommodation establishments across the Dominican Republic.
President Luis Abinader said during the La Semanal press conference on Monday, 26 May 2025, that the record pay increases are to make the hotel jobs more attractive to Dominican workers. Reports are that the low wages had been discouraging Dominican workers from seeking jobs in the hotels, resulting in an increase in the number of Haitian employees.
The agreed-upon raise aims to improve the living standards of tourism sector workers, who play a crucial role in the country’s economy. According to Asonahores, this increase demonstrates the industry’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding its employees’ contributions.
The minimum pay rise will be implemented in two stages: an initial 15% increase in June 2025, followed by a further 15% hike in January 2026.
Starting 1 June 2025, the minimum wage for hotel industry employees in the Dominican Republic will increase by 15%, boosting the base pay to RD$19,320. A further adjustment of 15% is scheduled for 1 June 2026, bringing the total increment to 30% and setting the salary at RD$21,840.
For workers in the restaurant sector, minimum wages will rise by 13% in June 2025, followed by an additional 12% increase in June 2026. These measures are part of a broader effort to improve living standards and recognize the essential contributions of these workers to the country’s tourism industry.
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Acento
Presidency
27 May 2025