The Dominican Republic is set to close 2025 with one of the strongest tourism performances in its history. In December—traditionally one of the most important months for the travel industry—the country is already reporting unprecedented figures that confirm its regional leadership and growing relevance in the global tourism market.
In the first 17 days of December alone, 390,000 tourists arrived by air, representing an 11% year-on-year increase compared to the same period in 2024. Even more striking is the comparison with the pre-pandemic scenario: arrivals are 60% higher than in 2019, confirming not only the sector’s full recovery but also its structural expansion.
The data was shared by Tourism Minister David Collado during the inauguration of a new visitor parking facility at Bayahíbe Beach, a project that strengthens tourism infrastructure and road safety in one of the most visited areas in the eastern region of the country.
December on track to become the best tourism month in history
Official projections indicate that December 2025 will be the best tourism month ever recorded in the Dominican Republic. For the first time, the country is expected to exceed 900,000 air arrivals in a single month, a milestone that reflects both strong international demand and the destination’s operational capacity.
This performance is further reinforced by the sustained growth of cruise tourism. The Ministry of Tourism estimates that more than 400,000 visitors will arrive by sea in December, also setting a historic record. A standout example is the La Romana Cruise Port, operated by Casa de Campo Central Romana, which has consolidated its position as a key gateway for the Eastern Caribbean.
These figures not only boost hotel occupancy rates but also generate a multiplier effect across transportation, commerce, gastronomy, and complementary tourism services.
Infraestructure and vision to strengthen global positioning
During his remarks, Minister Collado emphasized that tourism growth goes beyond statistics and responds to a long-term international positioning strategy based on infrastructure, innovation, and national pride. The new parking facility in Bayahíbe is part of that vision.
The project includes 58 bus parking spaces, 157 spaces for light vehicles, and 58 for motorcycles, significantly improving the visitor experience while reducing risks for pedestrians and drivers. While less visible than large hotel developments, these types of investments are critical to sustaining long-term sector growth.
Collado also highlighted the importance of projecting a country brand associated with entrepreneurship, creativity, and human quality—factors that today weigh as heavily as beaches or resorts in international travel decisions.
A historic year for Dominican tourism
December’s performance crowns an extraordinary year for tourism in the Dominican Republic. From the very start of 2025, the sector has posted consecutive records. In January, the country welcomed 1,155,484 visitors, representing a 53% increase compared to 2019 and an 8% rise year-on-year.
During the first quarter, cumulative arrivals reached 3,348,716 visitors, combining strong flows of both air travelers and cruise passengers. By the end of the first half of the year, the figure exceeded 6,145,008 visitors, the highest level ever recorded for that period.
Momentum continued in the second half of the year. By August, cumulative arrivals had already surpassed 8 million visitors, confirming the consistency of growth even outside peak season. Finally, by the end of November, the Ministry of Tourism reported 10,284,251 visitors in the first eleven months of the year.
With these results, 2025 is expected to close with more than 11 million visitors, positioning the Dominican Republic as one of the most competitive and in-demand destinations in the Caribbean.
Beyond the direct economic impact, these figures strengthen air and maritime connectivity, stimulate investment in tourism infrastructure, and further consolidate the country’s image on the global tourism map. December’s historic record is not an isolated event, but rather a confirmation of a broader trend that is redefining the global reach of Dominican tourism.
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