Ana M. López
Research expert covering travel, tourism and hospitality
Travel and tourism in the Dominican Republic – statistics & facts
Located on the Hispaniola island, the Dominican Republic is bound to the west by Haiti and is otherwise surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. It is the second-largest Caribbean country and the second-most populated. Most notably, the Dominican Republic is one of the main drivers for tourism in the region, representing close to 24 percent of the sector’s contribution to the Caribbean gross domestic product.
Dominican tourism businesses rely heavily on annual international tourists. In 2022, the average daily expenditure of visitors in the Caribbean country reached more than 139 U.S. dollars, showing a complete recovery from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Since 2010, this average spending has grown by 30 percent. Meanwhile, between 2022 and 2033, the total inbound tourism expenditure is expected to grow approximately 38 percent.
Dominican tourism businesses rely heavily on annual international tourists. In 2022, the average daily expenditure of visitors in the Caribbean country reached more than 139 U.S. dollars, showing a complete recovery from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Since 2010, this average spending has grown by 30 percent. Meanwhile, between 2022 and 2033, the total inbound tourism expenditure is expected to grow approximately 38 percent.
Punta Cana
Mostly known for its tropical weather and white sand beaches, the largest share of visitors in the Dominican Republic are looking for sunny, relaxing vacations. The top hotspot for this type of tourism is Punta Cana, located on the far eastern point of the island. In 2022, Punta Cana International Airport received over four million air visitor arrivals, which is around four times the international air passenger volume registered in Las Américas, the second most important international airport in the Caribbean country. Consequently, the Punta Cana area also holds one of the highest hotel occupancy rates among major Dominican tourist destinations.Cruise tourism
After having surpassed the one-million mark twice in the 2010s, the number of cruise tourist arrivals in the Dominican Republic surpassed more than 1.3 million in 2022. During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the annual volume of cruise tourism dropped to less than 350 thousand. Similarly, the number of cruise ships and yachts that anchored in Dominican ports in 2022 was the highest recorded since pre-pandemic years.
