Asonahores announces a new edition of the tourism marketing fair DATE 2026

The Dominican Republic Hotel and Tourism Association (Asonahores) officially announced the celebration of the Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (DATE) 2026, which will take place from April 22 to 24 at the Barceló Bávaro Convention Center, reaffirming its role as the most important annual tourism fair in the country and one of the most relevant business platforms in the Caribbean.

The entity indicated that DATE is consolidating itself as a comprehensive platform that generates a direct impact on the national economy, accelerating the generation of future sales through appointments and meetings between Dominican suppliers and foreign buyers.

Javier Tejada, 1st vice president of Asonahores, highlighted that the tourism industry is experiencing a historic moment where more than 11,600,000 chose our country during 2025 to spend their vacations, which represents the visit of one tourist for every Dominican.

“It is important to take care of the structures that have allowed this sector and our economy as a whole to flourish, as well as to preserve the conditions of stability and legal security that allow us to be competitive and attract foreign investment,” he said.

He also emphasized that it is crucial for the country to continue making progress in addressing significant challenges currently underway, such as land-use planning, solid waste management, and electricity supply, in order to strengthen its position as a destination and continue economic development. DATE is a business platform that perfectly aligns with this vision for the future of tourism and our country as a destination.

The fair also promotes expansion into specialized segments such as cultural, adventure, religious, sports and MICE (meetings tourism) tourism, strengthening the country's competitive proposition, opening new source markets and becoming an engine to attract investment and increase tourist arrivals.

Aguie Lendor, executive vice president of Asonahores, highlighted the international impact of the event as an initiative that opens the Dominican Republic to international markets and further integrates it into the dynamics of global tourism. 

“The record-breaking tourist arrivals, figures we are confident we will surpass this year, demonstrate once again DATE’s strength as a platform for conducting business that drives this smokeless industry we all work for,” said Lendor.

She also explained that this edition will mark an evolution for the event, with a new graphic design that integrates culture, landscape, and gastronomy as a reflection of national pride, along with innovative staging that incorporates technology aligned with market trends. Furthermore, they will maintain innovations implemented in recent editions, such as the digital platform that allows participants to manage and organize their appointments quickly and efficiently.

Furthermore, opportunities for participation will be expanded for small and medium-sized enterprises, strengthening the integration of new actors into the tourism value chain and promoting more inclusive growth in the sector.

DATE also incorporates Dominican cultural elements, including the participation of local artisans, reinforcing not only the tourism offer but also the country's cultural identity in international markets.

With this new edition, DATE reaffirms itself as a catalyst for investment, a generator of business and a global showcase for Dominican tourism, consolidating the Dominican Republic as a regional leader and a competitive destination on a global scale.

DATE 2026 is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Barceló Bávaro Grand Resort, Coco Bongo and Meliá Hotels International.

Source: Asonahores.