07 February 2025
The Dominican Republic has solidified its standing as a premier global tourism destination by securing an impressive US$6.75bn in investments at the FITUR 2025 international tourism fair in Madrid, Spain.
This marks a significant increase from last year’s US$3.5bn and underscores the country’s growing appeal among investors and international stakeholders.
Tourism Minister David Collado hailed the country’s participation as a resounding success. Speaking at his traditional breakfast with the press following the event, he detailed the substantial agreements secured at the fair.
“These US$6.75bn will represent 7,400 new rooms, 713,000 tourists, 47,800 jobs, and US$477mn in foreign currency,” Collado stated, highlighting the economic impact of the investments.
A significant portion of the funding came from the Dominican financial sector. Banco Popular Dominicano led the way, securing agreements worth US$2.5bn. Banreservas and Banco BHD each closed deals valued at US$2bn, while Promerica, in its first FITUR participation, contributed an additional US$250mn.
These investments are expected to fuel the expansion of the country’s tourism infrastructure, including the construction and renovation of hotels and resorts. One of the standout projects announced at the event was Banco Popular’s US$71mn investment in Uvero Alto. The project, managed by Advanced Asset Management (AAM), will see the purchase and redevelopment of the Playa Hotels & Resorts under the Wyndham Alltra brand, featuring 620 rooms and a new 7,500 m² water park.
Banco Popular Senior Executive Vice President, René Grullón Finet reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the Dominican Republic’s tourism sector by supporting projects that enhance its competitiveness, arguing the significance of such initiatives.
In addition to financial agreements, the Dominican Republic made significant strides in improving air connectivity, a priority for the tourism cabinet in 2025. Collado announced that agreements with major airlines, including Iberia, Air Europa, Aeroméxico, and Air Transat, will bring an additional 500,000 seats to the European market this year alone.
“The main objective of the tourism cabinet this year will be air connectivity,” stressed Collado. This increased connectivity is expected to facilitate a surge in international tourist arrivals and further solidify the Dominican Republic’s position as a top travel destination.
Adding to the achievements at the fair, the Dominican Republic was awarded the Best Stand at FITUR 2025. This marks the second consecutive year the country has received this prestigious recognition for its visually striking and interactive stand showcasing the nation’s diverse tourism offerings.
Another notable development from FITUR 2025 was the announcement of a multi-destination partnership between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Minister Collado and Puerto Rican Governor Jennifer González revealed that a formal agreement would be signed in February to promote joint travel packages and strengthen air connections between the two nations.
“The Governor of Puerto Rico wanted to visit the stand of the Dominican Republic, a detail that our country will not forget,” Collado remarked. “She being the governor of Puerto Rico, decided to come to visit us to talk, and soon we will have announcements in the month of February of alliances between Puerto Rico and the country.”
“We are going to formalise an agreement so that for the first time, options from multiple destinations [are available]. I am very grateful to President Luis Abinader, Dominicans nourish the culture of Puerto Rico,” said Governor González as she expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership.
This alliance aims to attract more European travelers by offering seamless travel experiences between the two territories. While logistical challenges, such as high airfares due to taxes and tariffs, remain an issue, both leaders are optimistic about the potential of the collaboration.
The Dominican Republic continues to reinforce its position as the Caribbean’s tourism leader. The country, which welcomed a record-breaking 11mn visitors in 2024, expects 2025 to surpass this milestone, driven by increased investments and strategic initiatives.
With robust financial backing, improved air connectivity, and innovative partnerships, the Dominican Republic is poised for another landmark year in tourism development. The investments and agreements secured at FITUR 2025 reflect the country’s commitment to sustainable growth and its ambition to remain a global tourism powerhouse.
