GITNUXREPORT 2026

Dominican Republic Tourism Statistics

The Dominican Republic's tourism is booming with record arrivals and major economic impact.

Rajesh Patel

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 27, 2026

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

Over 1,100 hotels with 120,000 rooms in operation in 2023.

Statistic 2

Punta Cana has 85,000 rooms, 70% of national total.

Statistic 3

Hotel occupancy rate averaged 82% in 2023.

Statistic 4

5-star hotels: 45 properties with 35,000 rooms.

Statistic 5

Average room rate: $250/night in 2023.

Statistic 6

All-inclusive hotels: 95% of rooms, hosting 90% of tourists.

Statistic 7

New hotels opened in 2023: 15, adding 8,000 rooms.

Statistic 8

Villas and apartments: 25,000 units available.

Statistic 9

Santo Domingo hotels: 15,000 rooms, 85% occupancy.

Statistic 10

Puerto Plata: 22,000 rooms.

Statistic 11

Samana: 10,000 rooms, growing 15% annually.

Statistic 12

Boutique hotels: 300 properties.

Statistic 13

RevPAR (revenue per available room): $205 in 2023.

Statistic 14

Timeshares: 50 resorts with 20,000 units.

Statistic 15

Eco-lodges: 150 properties emphasizing sustainability.

Statistic 16

2024 room pipeline: 15,000 new rooms.

Statistic 17

La Romana/Casa de Campo: 3,000 luxury rooms.

Statistic 18

Cap Cana: 12,000 rooms under development.

Statistic 19

Saona Island visits: 750,000 by boat in 2023.

Statistic 20

Pico Duarte hikes: 45,000 visitors annually.

Statistic 21

Los Haitises National Park: 200,000 tourists.

Statistic 22

Bavaro Beach ranked top 5 Caribbean beaches, 2 million visits.

Statistic 23

Altos de Chavon: 500,000 visitors/year.

Statistic 24

Santo Domingo Colonial Zone UNESCO site: 1.5 million tourists.

Statistic 25

Jarabacoa adventure sports: 150,000 participants.

Statistic 26

Whale watching in Samana: 250,000 visitors (Dec-Mar).

Statistic 27

Scuba diving sites: 50 locations, 300,000 dives.

Statistic 28

Damajagua 27 Waterfalls: 400,000 jumps.

Statistic 29

Humpback whales sighted by 80% of season visitors.

Statistic 30

Golf courses: 28 world-class, 1 million rounds.

Statistic 31

Cenote visits in Scape Park: 350,000.

Statistic 32

Cable car to Isabel de Torres: 300,000 rides.

Statistic 33

Museo del Ambar: 250,000 visitors.

Statistic 34

Zip-lining in Puerto Plata: 200,000 adventures.

Statistic 35

Carnival in La Vega: 1 million attendees.

Statistic 36

Merengue Festival: 100,000 international visitors.

Statistic 37

17 National Parks attracting 1.8 million eco-tourists in 2023.

Statistic 38

Tourism contributed $9.75 billion to GDP in 2023.

Statistic 39

Tourism accounted for 16.5% of total GDP in 2023.

Statistic 40

Direct tourism GDP was $5.1 billion in 2023.

Statistic 41

Tourism employed 618,000 people in 2023, 12.3% of workforce.

Statistic 42

Hotel sector revenue reached $8.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 43

Average daily spending per tourist: $150 in 2023.

Statistic 44

Tourism exports generated $11.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 45

193,000 tourism-related jobs created post-pandemic by 2023.

Statistic 46

Tax revenue from tourism: $1.8 billion in 2023.

Statistic 47

Foreign exchange from tourism covered 45% of trade deficit in 2023.

Statistic 48

Investment in tourism infrastructure: $2.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 49

All-inclusive resorts generated 70% of tourism revenue.

Statistic 50

Cruise tourism brought $500 million in 2023.

Statistic 51

Ecotourism revenue up 25% to $300 million in 2023.

Statistic 52

Gaming and entertainment sector: $1.2 billion from tourists.

Statistic 53

Multiplier effect of tourism on economy: 2.5 times direct spend.

Statistic 54

Tourism's share in service exports: 55% in 2023.

Statistic 55

2024 tourism GDP projection: 17% growth.

Statistic 56

Local suppliers received $2.1 billion from tourism in 2023.

Statistic 57

In 2023, the Dominican Republic received 10,013,467 international tourists, a 9% increase from 2022.

Statistic 58

The US was the top source market with 2,632,078 visitors to the Dominican Republic in 2023.

Statistic 59

Canada sent 913,376 tourists to the Dominican Republic in 2023.

Statistic 60

In the first half of 2024, air arrivals reached 4,200,000, up 11% year-over-year.

Statistic 61

Europe contributed 1,200,000 tourists to the Dominican Republic in 2023.

Statistic 62

Russia saw a 150% increase in tourists to DR, reaching 85,000 in 2023.

Statistic 63

Brazil sent 256,000 visitors in 2023, up 20%.

Statistic 64

Monthly average arrivals in 2023 were 834,456.

Statistic 65

Punta Cana airport handled 5.5 million passengers in 2023.

Statistic 66

82% of tourists arrived by air in 2023.

Statistic 67

Female tourists made up 52% of arrivals in 2023.

Statistic 68

Average length of stay for tourists was 8.2 nights in 2023.

Statistic 69

65% of tourists were aged 35-54 in 2023.

Statistic 70

Repeat visitors accounted for 45% of total arrivals in 2023.

Statistic 71

January 2023 saw 910,000 arrivals, the highest monthly figure.

Statistic 72

December 2023 arrivals: 850,000.

Statistic 73

Asia-Pacific tourists grew 30% to 50,000 in 2023.

Statistic 74

Colombia contributed 180,000 visitors in 2023.

Statistic 75

Mexico sent 120,000 tourists.

Statistic 76

2024 projections: 11 million arrivals expected.

Statistic 77

Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is the busiest with 7.5 million passengers in 2023.

Statistic 78

Las Américas Airport (SDQ) handled 4.1 million passengers.

Statistic 79

156 direct flights weekly from US to DR in 2023.

Statistic 80

Cruise ship calls: 850 in 2023, up 10%.

Statistic 81

Amber Cove cruise port: 400 calls, 1 million passengers.

Statistic 82

Tainos Cruise Port: 200 ships.

Statistic 83

Highway network for tourism: 5,000 km paved.

Statistic 84

Rental cars: 50,000 vehicles available annually.

Statistic 85

Domestic flights: 1.2 million passengers via Cinepolis Air.

Statistic 86

Ferry services to Saona Island: 300,000 passengers/year.

Statistic 87

New airport in Samana: Handling 500,000 pax/year.

Statistic 88

25 airlines operate to DR, including low-cost carriers.

Statistic 89

Road safety for tourists improved with 95% compliance.

Statistic 90

Electric vehicle rentals growing 40% in tourist areas.

Statistic 91

Helicopter tours: 100,000 passengers annually.

Statistic 92

Bus tourism: 2 million trips via MetroTur.

Statistic 93

Puerto Plata Airport (POP): 2.2 million passengers.

Statistic 94

La Isabela Airport: 300,000 private jets/year.

Statistic 95

2024 flight connectivity up 15% to 200 routes.

Sources
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With over ten million international visitors choosing its shores in 2023 alone, the Dominican Republic has cemented its status as the Caribbean's premier tourism powerhouse, a fact illuminated by its surging arrival numbers and profound economic impact.

Key Takeaways

  • In 2023, the Dominican Republic received 10,013,467 international tourists, a 9% increase from 2022.
  • The US was the top source market with 2,632,078 visitors to the Dominican Republic in 2023.
  • Canada sent 913,376 tourists to the Dominican Republic in 2023.
  • Tourism contributed $9.75 billion to GDP in 2023.
  • Tourism accounted for 16.5% of total GDP in 2023.
  • Direct tourism GDP was $5.1 billion in 2023.
  • Over 1,100 hotels with 120,000 rooms in operation in 2023.
  • Punta Cana has 85,000 rooms, 70% of national total.
  • Hotel occupancy rate averaged 82% in 2023.
  • Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is the busiest with 7.5 million passengers in 2023.
  • Las Américas Airport (SDQ) handled 4.1 million passengers.
  • 156 direct flights weekly from US to DR in 2023.
  • Saona Island visits: 750,000 by boat in 2023.
  • Pico Duarte hikes: 45,000 visitors annually.
  • Los Haitises National Park: 200,000 tourists.

The Dominican Republic's tourism is booming with record arrivals and major economic impact.

Accommodation

  • Over 1,100 hotels with 120,000 rooms in operation in 2023.
  • Punta Cana has 85,000 rooms, 70% of national total.
  • Hotel occupancy rate averaged 82% in 2023.
  • 5-star hotels: 45 properties with 35,000 rooms.
  • Average room rate: $250/night in 2023.
  • All-inclusive hotels: 95% of rooms, hosting 90% of tourists.
  • New hotels opened in 2023: 15, adding 8,000 rooms.
  • Villas and apartments: 25,000 units available.
  • Santo Domingo hotels: 15,000 rooms, 85% occupancy.
  • Puerto Plata: 22,000 rooms.
  • Samana: 10,000 rooms, growing 15% annually.
  • Boutique hotels: 300 properties.
  • RevPAR (revenue per available room): $205 in 2023.
  • Timeshares: 50 resorts with 20,000 units.
  • Eco-lodges: 150 properties emphasizing sustainability.
  • 2024 room pipeline: 15,000 new rooms.
  • La Romana/Casa de Campo: 3,000 luxury rooms.
  • Cap Cana: 12,000 rooms under development.

Accommodation Interpretation

Punta Cana essentially moonlights as the Dominican Republic's hospitality department, where for every ten tourists checking into an all-inclusive paradise, nine are blissfully unaware there's a vibrant, boutique-dotted mainland waiting for its turn.

Attractions

  • Saona Island visits: 750,000 by boat in 2023.
  • Pico Duarte hikes: 45,000 visitors annually.
  • Los Haitises National Park: 200,000 tourists.
  • Bavaro Beach ranked top 5 Caribbean beaches, 2 million visits.
  • Altos de Chavon: 500,000 visitors/year.
  • Santo Domingo Colonial Zone UNESCO site: 1.5 million tourists.
  • Jarabacoa adventure sports: 150,000 participants.
  • Whale watching in Samana: 250,000 visitors (Dec-Mar).
  • Scuba diving sites: 50 locations, 300,000 dives.
  • Damajagua 27 Waterfalls: 400,000 jumps.
  • Humpback whales sighted by 80% of season visitors.
  • Golf courses: 28 world-class, 1 million rounds.
  • Cenote visits in Scape Park: 350,000.
  • Cable car to Isabel de Torres: 300,000 rides.
  • Museo del Ambar: 250,000 visitors.
  • Zip-lining in Puerto Plata: 200,000 adventures.
  • Carnival in La Vega: 1 million attendees.
  • Merengue Festival: 100,000 international visitors.
  • 17 National Parks attracting 1.8 million eco-tourists in 2023.

Attractions Interpretation

The Dominican Republic isn't just a pretty beach, it’s a vibrant, living playground where millions are drawn to everything from serene whale songs and cascading waterfalls to pulsing carnivals and historic cobblestones, proving adventure and culture are always in season.

Economic Impact

  • Tourism contributed $9.75 billion to GDP in 2023.
  • Tourism accounted for 16.5% of total GDP in 2023.
  • Direct tourism GDP was $5.1 billion in 2023.
  • Tourism employed 618,000 people in 2023, 12.3% of workforce.
  • Hotel sector revenue reached $8.2 billion in 2023.
  • Average daily spending per tourist: $150 in 2023.
  • Tourism exports generated $11.2 billion in 2023.
  • 193,000 tourism-related jobs created post-pandemic by 2023.
  • Tax revenue from tourism: $1.8 billion in 2023.
  • Foreign exchange from tourism covered 45% of trade deficit in 2023.
  • Investment in tourism infrastructure: $2.5 billion in 2023.
  • All-inclusive resorts generated 70% of tourism revenue.
  • Cruise tourism brought $500 million in 2023.
  • Ecotourism revenue up 25% to $300 million in 2023.
  • Gaming and entertainment sector: $1.2 billion from tourists.
  • Multiplier effect of tourism on economy: 2.5 times direct spend.
  • Tourism's share in service exports: 55% in 2023.
  • 2024 tourism GDP projection: 17% growth.
  • Local suppliers received $2.1 billion from tourism in 2023.

Economic Impact Interpretation

While the Dominican Republic's beaches are undoubtedly its star attraction, the real plot twist is that tourism is the nation's economic workhorse, quietly carrying 16.5% of the GDP, employing over half a million people, and generating enough foreign exchange to cover nearly half of the trade deficit, all while hotel revenues hit a staggering $8.2 billion.

Tourist Arrivals

  • In 2023, the Dominican Republic received 10,013,467 international tourists, a 9% increase from 2022.
  • The US was the top source market with 2,632,078 visitors to the Dominican Republic in 2023.
  • Canada sent 913,376 tourists to the Dominican Republic in 2023.
  • In the first half of 2024, air arrivals reached 4,200,000, up 11% year-over-year.
  • Europe contributed 1,200,000 tourists to the Dominican Republic in 2023.
  • Russia saw a 150% increase in tourists to DR, reaching 85,000 in 2023.
  • Brazil sent 256,000 visitors in 2023, up 20%.
  • Monthly average arrivals in 2023 were 834,456.
  • Punta Cana airport handled 5.5 million passengers in 2023.
  • 82% of tourists arrived by air in 2023.
  • Female tourists made up 52% of arrivals in 2023.
  • Average length of stay for tourists was 8.2 nights in 2023.
  • 65% of tourists were aged 35-54 in 2023.
  • Repeat visitors accounted for 45% of total arrivals in 2023.
  • January 2023 saw 910,000 arrivals, the highest monthly figure.
  • December 2023 arrivals: 850,000.
  • Asia-Pacific tourists grew 30% to 50,000 in 2023.
  • Colombia contributed 180,000 visitors in 2023.
  • Mexico sent 120,000 tourists.
  • 2024 projections: 11 million arrivals expected.

Tourist Arrivals Interpretation

While American sun-seekers remain the Dominican Republic's bedrock, the nation’s siren song is undeniably broadening, luring record crowds from Russia to Brazil who clearly agree that an 8.2-night escape is the perfect antidote to reality.

Transportation

  • Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is the busiest with 7.5 million passengers in 2023.
  • Las Américas Airport (SDQ) handled 4.1 million passengers.
  • 156 direct flights weekly from US to DR in 2023.
  • Cruise ship calls: 850 in 2023, up 10%.
  • Amber Cove cruise port: 400 calls, 1 million passengers.
  • Tainos Cruise Port: 200 ships.
  • Highway network for tourism: 5,000 km paved.
  • Rental cars: 50,000 vehicles available annually.
  • Domestic flights: 1.2 million passengers via Cinepolis Air.
  • Ferry services to Saona Island: 300,000 passengers/year.
  • New airport in Samana: Handling 500,000 pax/year.
  • 25 airlines operate to DR, including low-cost carriers.
  • Road safety for tourists improved with 95% compliance.
  • Electric vehicle rentals growing 40% in tourist areas.
  • Helicopter tours: 100,000 passengers annually.
  • Bus tourism: 2 million trips via MetroTur.
  • Puerto Plata Airport (POP): 2.2 million passengers.
  • La Isabela Airport: 300,000 private jets/year.
  • 2024 flight connectivity up 15% to 200 routes.

Transportation Interpretation

While Punta Cana's runway may be the headline act, the real story is a nation-wide, multi-layered production, moving millions on land, sea, and air with impressive logistical flair.

Sources & References

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