- In 2023, Spain was the leading European source market to the Caribbean destination with 251,730 travelers
The Dominican Republic received more than 8.3 million international tourists in the first nine months of the year and expects to reach 11.5 million by the end of 2024. Last year, more than 10.3 million travelers visited this destination, and Spain was the leading source market among European countries.
“Spain is a strategic partner for the Dominican Republic in the tourism sector,” said Tourism Minister, David Collado, during a recent visit to Spain to present his country’s offer to Spanish operators and travel agents.
At the meeting, he highlighted that, in 2023, Spain was the leading European source market, with 251,730 visitors. In addition, he pointed out that Madrid airport is the seventh in the world channeling tourists to the island, with a total of 358,313 tourists residing in countries such as Italy, France, Portugal, Germany and Switzerland, among others.
What is the Spanish visitor to this Caribbean destination like?
The distribution between men and women is very similar, with a slight advantage for women (52%). The average age of 60% of travelers is 36 years. There is an increase in family trips. 57% travel for leisure and 51% opt for a hotel as a place of accommodation. Last year, when it came to managing their place of stay, more than half, 51%, used the services of a travel agency.
So far in 2024, the highest percentage of Spanish travellers comes from Madrid (22%), followed by Barcelona (13%) and Valencia and Palma de Mallorca with 2%, respectively.
In 2024, 73% planned their trip between one and seven months in advance; 7% between eight and 11 months, and 16% between one and three weeks.
Promotion boost
To boost the numbers of arrivals of Spaniards to this destination, the Dominican Republic recently presented its tourism offer in Spain to more than 250 tour operators, travel agents and leaders in the sector.
“Our commitment is to continue being an attractive, sustainable and quality destination for Spanish travelers,” said the minister.
Dominican Minister of Tourism, David Collado, presenting his country’s offer at the Four Seasons Hotel in Madrid. Source: Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic
In addition, he emphasized the efforts of the Dominican Government to continue promoting tourism as a key driver of economic development and employment in the country. He stressed that the recovery of the sector has been remarkable, with a sustained growth in the arrival of international tourists, especially from Europe.
Build loyalty among travel agencies
On the other hand, a loyalty program called DO Travel Rewards has been launched, aimed at rewarding the efforts of travel agents from all over the world who help promote the country.
Launched in August 2023, this initiative aims to build loyalty, inform, educate and build community. It offers cash rewards per night sold in the Dominican Republic, a referral program, and benefits such as raffles, participation in reconnaissance trips, and participation in exclusive events.
Source:
