Asonahores highlights tourism as a driver of economic growth in the Dominican Republic

These statements were made during the opening ceremony of the twenty-fifth edition of the Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange, DATE 2025, which is being held until May 16 at the Barceló Bávaro Convention Center.

Bancalari emphasized that tourism represents 19.3% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) directly, indirectly, and indirectly, and is responsible for approximately a quarter of the Dominican Republic's foreign currency income, surpassing even remittances. "Tourism is much more than an economic engine; it is a strategic pillar of national development," he stated.

Regarding sector statistics, Bancalari highlighted that more than 11 million tourists are projected to arrive by 2024, with a goal of reaching 15 million in the coming years. This sustained growth is supported by a high hotel occupancy rate, which has averaged 80% nationwide in 2024. "This tells us that supply must continue to expand," he noted, announcing that the construction of more than 9,000 new hotel rooms is projected for the next three years.

He also highlighted the opening of new air routes connecting the country with a growing number of international destinations, further strengthening the destination's competitiveness.

One of the highlights was the sustained increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the tourism sector, which exceeded $1 billion last year, representing nearly 50% of the country's total FDI. This dynamism, he said, is possible thanks to a stable legal environment that inspires investor confidence.

Bancalari emphasized the importance of maintaining laws like CONFOTUR, which have been fundamental to the competitiveness of Dominican tourism compared to other destinations in the region. "Stability in the rules of the game is essential to continue attracting investment and ensuring sustainable growth," he emphasized.

The president of ASONAHORES also emphasized the need to diversify the country's tourism offering. He mentioned the development of emerging destinations such as Pedernales and Miches, as well as the growth potential in destinations like Juan Dolio, Samaná, and Puerto Plata. Along these lines, he advocated for continuing to promote alternative tourism options beyond traditional sun and beach tourism, such as sports, religious, cultural, and gastronomic tourism.

"We have a historic opportunity to consolidate the Dominican Republic as a leading, diverse, sustainable, and competitive tourist destination," Bancalari concluded.

Aguie Lendor, Executive Vice President of Asonahores, expressed that these fruits of collaborative efforts among all stakeholders, both from the private and public sectors, as well as a solid and stable legal framework, have made it possible for this sector to continue growing as it has in recent years.

“DATE is a testament to this development. From the first editions, held in Santo Domingo, to this twenty-fifth, more than two decades have passed during which the fair has steadily grown to what it is today. This year, we have more than 400 participating companies, with more than 120 supplier stands that will have the opportunity to showcase their offerings through appointments scheduled via a digital platform, which now represents more than 8,000,” explained Lendor.

DATE 2025 was supported by Arajet, Bahía Principe, Banreservas, Barceló Hotel Group, Claro Dominicana, Coco Bongo Show and Disco, Consorcio Energético Punta Cana - Macao, CEPM, Meliá Hotels International, Ministry of Tourism, Palladium Hotel Group, Puntacana Resort, SolBus, Therrestra, BHD, Banco Popular Dominicano and CORAL HOSPITALITY CORP.

Likewise, Development and Export Bank, Bandex, BANESCO, INFOTEP, Miramar Punta Cana, Advanced Asset Management, AFP Reservas, CANA BAY, Airport Department, Tropicalia, Castillo & Castillo, DMK Lawyers, EMPACA, Hospiten, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, Dominican Civil Aviation Institute (IDAC), Civil Aviation Board (JAC) and Mejía Lora & Associates, Plaza Lama / LG, Prodominicana, Reservations Insurance and Hotel Decorative Solutions.

Source: Asonahores.