The Dominican Republic is on track to shatter its tourism records this 2025, welcoming an unprecedented 6,145,008 visitors in the first half of 2025. Tourism Minister David Collado predicts a year-end total of 12 million arrivals.
The first-semester tally marks a 3% increase over the same period last year, representing an additional 185,166 visitors. Of the total, 4,514,093 tourists arrived by air, while 1,630,915 opted for sea travel. This tourism boom is projected to inject a staggering US$21.1 billion into the Dominican economy by the end of 2025.
The United States continues to be the leading source of visitors, accounting for 45% of arrivals, followed by Canada (18%), Argentina (6%), and Colombia (4%). Puerto Rico, France, England, Chile and Germany each contributed 2% of the tourist flow.
Air connectivity and the opening of new cruise ship terminals are making a significant difference. Every year, new frequencies and new flights are added. Likewise, the Dominican government has backed the opening of several new ports that will contribute to the sustained growth in arrivals. The Dominican government maintains generous tax incentives for hotel construction and operations, encouraging new investors.
Punta Cana International Airport remained the primary gateway, handling 63% of all air arrivals, or 2,845,622 tourists. Other significant entry points included Las Américas-Santo Domingo (888,331), El Cibao-Santiago (454,804), Puerto Plata (227,842), and La Romana (62,441).
The country’s excellent and expanding air connectivity makes the difference. In terms of air operations, the Dominican Republic saw a total of 35,114 flights during the first half of the year. The United States led with 50% of these operations, followed by Canada (12%), Panama (6%), Colombia (5%), and Puerto Rico (5%). Punta Cana was also the busiest airport for flights, accounting for 23% of all air traffic.
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Diario Libre
El Caribe
15 July 2025