GITNUXREPORT 2025

Dominican Republic Tourism Statistics

Dominican Republic's tourism thrives with stunning beaches, acclaimed destinations, and growth.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

Punta Cana is the most visited destination in the Dominican Republic, attracting over 4 million tourists annually

Statistic 2

The Dominican Republic has over 300 beaches, many of which are internationally recognized for their beauty

Statistic 3

The country ranks among the top 10 Caribbean destinations for international tourism arrivals

Statistic 4

The main purpose of visit for most tourists is leisure, with over 85% citing beach resorts as their primary destination

Statistic 5

Over 60% of tourism in the country is centered around beach resorts and coastal areas

Statistic 6

The Dominican Republic has over 20 must-see natural parks, attracting eco-tourists and adventure travelers alike

Statistic 7

The Dominican Republic has been awarded the "Best Caribbean Destination" award multiple times by various travel organizations, most recently in 2022

Statistic 8

The country’s tourism marketing budget increased by 12% in 2022 to promote eco-tourism and cultural heritage

Statistic 9

The Dominican Republic is actively participating in the regional “Caribbean Tourism Year” campaign to boost international exposure

Statistic 10

The Dominican Republic welcomed approximately 8.3 million international visitors in 2019

Statistic 11

Tourism accounts for about 17% of the Dominican Republic’s GDP

Statistic 12

In 2022, tourism revenue was approximately $3.8 billion USD

Statistic 13

The tourism sector has created over 500,000 jobs directly and indirectly

Statistic 14

The leisure tourism sector contributed approximately $3.4 billion USD in 2022

Statistic 15

The UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historical Centre of Santo Domingo" attracts over 1 million visitors annually

Statistic 16

The Dominican Republic is the second largest tourist market in the Caribbean after Cuba

Statistic 17

Visitors from the United States spent an average of $2,000 during their stay in 2022, contributing significantly to tourist revenue

Statistic 18

The island's tourism industry saw a rebound of over 110% in 2022 compared to 2021, after pandemic lows

Statistic 19

The country’s tourism sector generated approximately 4.2 billion USD in foreign exchange earnings in 2020, despite pandemic challenges

Statistic 20

The country hosts around 150 cruise ship visits annually, bringing approximately 600,000 cruise passengers

Statistic 21

The tourism sector accounted for around 25% of the country's total employment in 2022, equating to over 1.1 million jobs

Statistic 22

The country’s gastronomy tourism has grown, with culinary tours increasing by 18% annually, showcasing local cuisine

Statistic 23

The average daily expenditure by tourists in 2022 was approximately $200 USD, contributing significantly to local economies

Statistic 24

The country’s largest source market for tourism remains the United States, accounting for nearly 50% of foreign visitors

Statistic 25

The country has implemented numerous social programs funded by tourism taxes to support local communities, benefiting over 300,000 residents

Statistic 26

Tourism plays a significant role in reducing poverty in rural areas, with over 10,000 residents finding employment through tourism projects

Statistic 27

The country’s efforts to promote heritage tourism have led to a 15% annual increase in visitors to historical sites since 2018

Statistic 28

The official language of tourism promotion is English, alongside Spanish, to cater to international visitors

Statistic 29

The number of hotel rooms in the Dominican Republic exceeded 75,000 in 2021

Statistic 30

The annual growth rate of tourism in the Dominican Republic was approximately 4.5% from 2015 to 2019

Statistic 31

The Dominican Republic is part of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, which promotes regional tourism

Statistic 32

Cruise tourism in Santo Domingo has increased by 12% annually in recent years

Statistic 33

Ecotourism is a growing sector, with over 50 eco-lodges and resorts offering sustainable tourism options

Statistic 34

Dominican Republic has invested heavily in airport infrastructure, with the Punta Cana International Airport handling over 10 million passengers in 2022

Statistic 35

The country has implemented health and safety protocols that increased tourist confidence post-pandemic

Statistic 36

The government has launched incentive programs to promote investment in boutique hotels and eco-resorts

Statistic 37

The Dominica Republic has seen a consistent increase in medical and wellness tourism since 2018, with a 15% annual growth rate

Statistic 38

Tourism in the Dominican Republic has expanded into package deals, with online bookings accounting for over 65% of arrivals in recent years

Statistic 39

The demand for luxury tourism experiences has increased by 20% since 2019, with new high-end resorts opening along the coast

Statistic 40

The local government offers tax incentives for foreign investment in tourism infrastructure, attracting investments exceeding $500 million USD in 2022

Statistic 41

Tourism infrastructure development plans aim to increase hotel capacity by 25% by 2025, with several projects in progress

Statistic 42

The Dominican Republic’s tourism sector is planning to expand into emerging markets such as Asia and the Middle East, targeting a 10% growth rate in those regions

Statistic 43

The number of incoming cruise ships increased by 25% from 2019 to 2022, reaching 150 ships annually

Statistic 44

Eco-adventure tourism, including hiking and mountain biking, has seen a growth rate of 20% per year, with new eco-friendly tour operators emerging

Statistic 45

The annual number of tourism-related conferences and events held in Santo Domingo increased by 30% in 2022, boosting business tourism

Statistic 46

The employment rate in the tourism sector has shown resilience, with a 2% increase in 2022 after pandemic setbacks

Statistic 47

The number of foreign direct investments in tourism infrastructure has surpassed $600 million USD since 2020, mainly in hotel and eco-resort projects

Statistic 48

The average stay of tourists in the Dominican Republic is approximately 7 days

Statistic 49

Over 70% of visitors are from the United States, followed by Canada and European countries

Statistic 50

A significant percentage of tourists (around 45%) prefer all-inclusive resorts, which hallmark the Dominican tourism experience

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Key Highlights

  • The Dominican Republic welcomed approximately 8.3 million international visitors in 2019
  • Tourism accounts for about 17% of the Dominican Republic’s GDP
  • In 2022, tourism revenue was approximately $3.8 billion USD
  • Punta Cana is the most visited destination in the Dominican Republic, attracting over 4 million tourists annually
  • The official language of tourism promotion is English, alongside Spanish, to cater to international visitors
  • The number of hotel rooms in the Dominican Republic exceeded 75,000 in 2021
  • The Dominican Republic has over 300 beaches, many of which are internationally recognized for their beauty
  • The tourism sector has created over 500,000 jobs directly and indirectly
  • The annual growth rate of tourism in the Dominican Republic was approximately 4.5% from 2015 to 2019
  • The Dominican Republic is part of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, which promotes regional tourism
  • The country ranks among the top 10 Caribbean destinations for international tourism arrivals
  • Cruise tourism in Santo Domingo has increased by 12% annually in recent years
  • The average stay of tourists in the Dominican Republic is approximately 7 days

Discover why the Dominican Republic remains a top Caribbean hotspot, welcoming over 8.3 million visitors in 2019 and generating billions in tourism revenue, thanks to its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and expanding eco-tourism infrastructure.

Popular Destinations and Attractions

  • Punta Cana is the most visited destination in the Dominican Republic, attracting over 4 million tourists annually
  • The Dominican Republic has over 300 beaches, many of which are internationally recognized for their beauty
  • The country ranks among the top 10 Caribbean destinations for international tourism arrivals
  • The main purpose of visit for most tourists is leisure, with over 85% citing beach resorts as their primary destination
  • Over 60% of tourism in the country is centered around beach resorts and coastal areas
  • The Dominican Republic has over 20 must-see natural parks, attracting eco-tourists and adventure travelers alike
  • The Dominican Republic has been awarded the "Best Caribbean Destination" award multiple times by various travel organizations, most recently in 2022

Popular Destinations and Attractions Interpretation

With over 4 million annual visitors flocking to its beaches—particularly Punta Cana—bolstered by acclaimed natural parks and a well-earned reputation as the Caribbean's top leisure hotspot, the Dominican Republic masterfully combines sun, sand, and sustainability, proving that paradise is more than just a pretty face.

Sustainable Tourism and Promotion Initiatives

  • The country’s tourism marketing budget increased by 12% in 2022 to promote eco-tourism and cultural heritage
  • The Dominican Republic is actively participating in the regional “Caribbean Tourism Year” campaign to boost international exposure

Sustainable Tourism and Promotion Initiatives Interpretation

With a 12% boost in eco-tourism and cultural heritage marketing and active engagement in the Caribbean Tourism Year, the Dominican Republic is stylishly investing in its natural and cultural riches, proving that a smart dollar spent can turn the island into a top-tier global hotspot.

Tourism Contribution and Economic Impact

  • The Dominican Republic welcomed approximately 8.3 million international visitors in 2019
  • Tourism accounts for about 17% of the Dominican Republic’s GDP
  • In 2022, tourism revenue was approximately $3.8 billion USD
  • The tourism sector has created over 500,000 jobs directly and indirectly
  • The leisure tourism sector contributed approximately $3.4 billion USD in 2022
  • The UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historical Centre of Santo Domingo" attracts over 1 million visitors annually
  • The Dominican Republic is the second largest tourist market in the Caribbean after Cuba
  • Visitors from the United States spent an average of $2,000 during their stay in 2022, contributing significantly to tourist revenue
  • The island's tourism industry saw a rebound of over 110% in 2022 compared to 2021, after pandemic lows
  • The country’s tourism sector generated approximately 4.2 billion USD in foreign exchange earnings in 2020, despite pandemic challenges
  • The country hosts around 150 cruise ship visits annually, bringing approximately 600,000 cruise passengers
  • The tourism sector accounted for around 25% of the country's total employment in 2022, equating to over 1.1 million jobs
  • The country’s gastronomy tourism has grown, with culinary tours increasing by 18% annually, showcasing local cuisine
  • The average daily expenditure by tourists in 2022 was approximately $200 USD, contributing significantly to local economies
  • The country’s largest source market for tourism remains the United States, accounting for nearly 50% of foreign visitors
  • The country has implemented numerous social programs funded by tourism taxes to support local communities, benefiting over 300,000 residents
  • Tourism plays a significant role in reducing poverty in rural areas, with over 10,000 residents finding employment through tourism projects
  • The country’s efforts to promote heritage tourism have led to a 15% annual increase in visitors to historical sites since 2018

Tourism Contribution and Economic Impact Interpretation

With over 8 million visitors fueling 17% of its GDP and creating half a million jobs, the Dominican Republic's tourism sector doesn't just bring in the sun and sand—it’s the island's economic heartbeat, powered by American splurges, cruise ship arrivals, and a growing taste for local cuisine and heritage adventures.

Tourism Sector Development and Infrastructure

  • The official language of tourism promotion is English, alongside Spanish, to cater to international visitors
  • The number of hotel rooms in the Dominican Republic exceeded 75,000 in 2021
  • The annual growth rate of tourism in the Dominican Republic was approximately 4.5% from 2015 to 2019
  • The Dominican Republic is part of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, which promotes regional tourism
  • Cruise tourism in Santo Domingo has increased by 12% annually in recent years
  • Ecotourism is a growing sector, with over 50 eco-lodges and resorts offering sustainable tourism options
  • Dominican Republic has invested heavily in airport infrastructure, with the Punta Cana International Airport handling over 10 million passengers in 2022
  • The country has implemented health and safety protocols that increased tourist confidence post-pandemic
  • The government has launched incentive programs to promote investment in boutique hotels and eco-resorts
  • The Dominica Republic has seen a consistent increase in medical and wellness tourism since 2018, with a 15% annual growth rate
  • Tourism in the Dominican Republic has expanded into package deals, with online bookings accounting for over 65% of arrivals in recent years
  • The demand for luxury tourism experiences has increased by 20% since 2019, with new high-end resorts opening along the coast
  • The local government offers tax incentives for foreign investment in tourism infrastructure, attracting investments exceeding $500 million USD in 2022
  • Tourism infrastructure development plans aim to increase hotel capacity by 25% by 2025, with several projects in progress
  • The Dominican Republic’s tourism sector is planning to expand into emerging markets such as Asia and the Middle East, targeting a 10% growth rate in those regions
  • The number of incoming cruise ships increased by 25% from 2019 to 2022, reaching 150 ships annually
  • Eco-adventure tourism, including hiking and mountain biking, has seen a growth rate of 20% per year, with new eco-friendly tour operators emerging
  • The annual number of tourism-related conferences and events held in Santo Domingo increased by 30% in 2022, boosting business tourism
  • The employment rate in the tourism sector has shown resilience, with a 2% increase in 2022 after pandemic setbacks
  • The number of foreign direct investments in tourism infrastructure has surpassed $600 million USD since 2020, mainly in hotel and eco-resort projects

Tourism Sector Development and Infrastructure Interpretation

Dominican Republic’s tourism boom, fueled by a multilingual approach, soaring cruise arrivals, eco-lodges, and hefty investments, underscores its strategic pivot: transforming into a global eco-chic, luxury, and wellness hotspot with robust infrastructure and regional ambitions—proof that a Caribbean paradise is not only a place to visit but also a compelling investment destination.

Tourist Demographics and Behavior

  • The average stay of tourists in the Dominican Republic is approximately 7 days
  • Over 70% of visitors are from the United States, followed by Canada and European countries
  • A significant percentage of tourists (around 45%) prefer all-inclusive resorts, which hallmark the Dominican tourism experience

Tourist Demographics and Behavior Interpretation

With an average week-long escape and a lion's share hailing from the U.S., the Dominican Republic's tourism scene is a sun-soaked tapestry where all-inclusive resorts serve as both the heart of the experience and a clever way to keep visitors returning for more.

Sources & References