The Dominican Republic’s tourism boom is not slowing down. In fact, the opposite is true. After setting records year after year, the Caribbean’s most visited destination has reached another milestone. 6,616,671 visitors In the first six months of 2026, we recorded the strongest first half performance in domestic history.
Here are the figures released by Tourism Minister David Collado: 7.7% increase Compared to the first half of 2025 11% increase During the same period in 2024, it will strengthen the Dominican Republic’s position as a Caribbean tourism powerhouse.
If current trends continue, the country is now on the path to overtaking. 12 million visitors We’ll set another annual record by the end of the year.
Another record-breaking first half
First half totals include: Staying visitors: 4,963,542 arrive by plane 1,653,129 cruise passengers This highlights the country’s continued strength in both maritime holidays and the fast-growing cruise sector.
June was another strong month.
Dominican Republic welcomed Total number of visitors: 975,012 up to one month 6% Compared to June 2025 5.5% Higher than June 2024
Among them, 816,517 Arrived by plane, which 6% Increase compared to the previous year. Cruise Arrival Arrival 158,495 passengersconsolation 6.3% Since the same month last year.
June air arrivals figures also highlight how dramatically the tourism industry has expanded over the past few years. Air arrivals are as follows 15.4% Higher than June 2023 39.1% It has surpassed pre-pandemic levels in June 2019.
A leader in Caribbean tourism
The Dominican Republic has expanded its position as the Caribbean’s largest tourist destination over the past few years.
The company’s success is driven by a combination of significant hotel investments, expanded air traffic in North America, Europe and Latin America, a growing luxury sector and one of the strongest comprehensive resort portfolios in the region.
Destinations across the country have benefited from this momentum.
Punta Cana remains the country’s dominant tourism engine, and Puerto Plata continues to attract increasing attention from the north coast. roman Resorts such as Casa de Campo have bolstered its luxury appeal, Samaná continues to attract travelers looking for a quieter Caribbean experience, and Santo Domingo has become an increasingly popular urban destination for culture, gastronomy and short stays.
The Dominican Republic has also emerged as one of the fastest-growing cruise destinations in the Caribbean, with new ports and expanded itineraries helping sea arrivals continue to grow.
Where visitors come
The United States continues to be the Dominican Republic’s largest source market by a significant margin.
June had the highest number of American travelers. 53% of all international arrivals.
Colombia took second place. 8%Canada followed. 7%. Puerto Rico and Argentina are created respectively 5% The United Kingdom and Chile accounted for each arrival. 3%Mexico contributes 2%.
The country’s expanding air connectivity continues to play a key role in this growth.
More than half of all international flights arriving in June originated in the United States. Panama representative 7%Colombia and Puerto Rico each took the 6% Canadian representative 5%.
Punta Cana continues to lead the way.
Punta Cana International Airport once again handled most international traffic.
airport welcomed 53% It suspended all inbound flights during June, further cementing its role as the Caribbean’s busiest tourist gateway.
Reception at Santo Domingo Las Americas International Airport 28% Cibao International Airport is next. 12%.
Puerto Plata and El Higüero each won. 3%La Romana and Samaná were each welcomed. 1% of incoming flights.
These figures show that while tourism growth in the Dominican Republic is spreading to several regions, Punta Cana remains the main destination in the country.
Continued high level of satisfaction
In addition to the number of arrivals, visitor satisfaction remains very high.
Average hotel occupancy rate 71 percent While visitors evaluate their overall experience during the first half of the year 4.4 out of 5.
Perhaps more importantly, 92% of visitors said they would return to the Dominican Republic. 60 percentThey said they would recommend the destination to others.
These numbers continue to reinforce one of the country’s greatest competitive advantages: repeat visits.
Combined with continued investments in hotels, airports, cruise infrastructure and airlift, the Dominican Republic appears well-positioned to continue building its incredible tourism momentum.
more 6.6 million visitors With records already set through June, the United States is clearly on pace for another record year, with another milestone just around the corner. 12 million visitors Until the end of 2026.
