Dominican Republic Sets Tourism Record with Over 10 Million Visitors

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — The Dominican Republic recorded a record-breaking 10.28 million visitors in the first 11 months of this year, tourism minister David Collado announced, ensuring a new annual high for the Caribbean nation.

Speaking at a capital hotel, Collado revealed that the January-November figures represent a 52% increase compared to 2019, a 13% rise over 2023, and a 3.1% uptick from the same period last year.

During the 11-month period, the country received 7,884,421 tourists by air, marking a 35% growth from 2019, a 10% increase over 2023, and 3% more than the same period last year.

Cruise ship arrivals also saw significant growth, with 2,399,830 passengers disembarking between January and November. This figure is up 153% from 2019, 25% higher than 2023, and 3.4% more than the same period last year.

“These arrivals, by air and sea, mark another record: 10,284,251 visitors in 11 months. We've done it again,” Minister Collado stated.

For November alone, the Dominican Republic welcomed 1,000,484 visitors. This represents a 75% increase over November 2019, a 16% rise compared to November 2023, and 13.5% more than the same month last year. Air arrivals in November totaled 715,916, while 284,568 arrived via cruise ships.

The United States remained the top source country, contributing 39% of visitors, followed by Canada with 19%. Colombia and Argentina each accounted for 6%, while Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Germany each represented 3% of total visitors.

Punta Cana International Airport handled the majority of tourist arrivals from January to November, receiving 62% of visitors. Las Americas International Airport followed with 22%, Cibao International Airport with 10%, Puerto Plata International Airport with 4%, and La Romana International Airport and others accounting for 1% each.

Minister Collado emphasized the sustained growth of Dominican tourism despite global challenges. “Achieving these numbers amid the international climate has been a feat,” he said, adding that the country has successfully strengthened confidence among both national and foreign investors.