Dominican tourism continues on a roll.
For this December 2025, Tourism Minister David Collado projects that the Dominican Republic will reach 900,000 tourists by air in a single month, the highest figure in the country's history.
This goal not only consolidates the DR as the Caribbean leader, but also pushes the country toward a new annual record for visitor arrivals.
333,844 Tourists in the First Half of December
According to data shared by Collado on his social media and reported by specialized media, on Saturday, December 13, 33,498 tourists arrived in the country by air, 28% more than the same day in 2024.
So far this month (as of the most recent count):
- 333,844 tourists have arrived by plane.
- This represents an accumulated growth of 11% compared to December of last year.
- At this pace, the Ministry of Tourism projects that December will close with around 900,000 air tourists, breaking all previous records for a single month.
"We estimate reaching 900,000 tourists by air in December, the highest figure in the history of our tourism in a month. Dominican tourism is at its best moment, we continue to grow," Collado emphasized.
A Record 2025: Goal of 11.6 Million Visitors
The December projection is not an isolated figure; it is part of a very clear trend.
Through November 2025, the Dominican Republic had received more than 10.2 million visitors by air and sea, and tourism authorities estimate closing the year with between 11.5 and 11.6 million visitors.
This would imply:
- Surpassing the record of 10.2 million visitors from 2024.
- Consolidating the DR as one of the most dynamic tourist destinations in the Caribbean and Latin America.
The Ministry of Tourism itself has indicated that the sector:
- Contributes more than 15% of the national GDP.
- Has been responsible for a very relevant part of economic growth between 2022 and 2024.
Punta Cana Still Leads: How Arrivals Are Distributed
Through November, the distribution of tourists by airports remains very concentrated in the major tourist hubs:
- Punta Cana (PUJ): 62% of air arrivals.
- Las Américas (AILA, Santo Domingo): 22%.
- Cibao (STI, Santiago): 10%.
- Puerto Plata (POP): 4%.
- La Romana and other airports: 1%.
This map confirms:
- Punta Cana's undisputed leadership as the main gateway to the country.
- The key role of Santo Domingo and Cibao, which are consolidating as hubs for the diaspora and business tourism.
- The growing importance of other destinations like Puerto Plata, which are being reactivated with new investments in infrastructure and hotel offerings.
Why Does the DR Keep Breaking Records?
Several factors explain the moment Dominican tourism is experiencing:
Constant Promotion Strategy
- Aggressive campaigns in the main source markets (USA, Canada, Europe, and Latin America).
- Active participation in fairs like FITUR, ITB, or ANATO.
Expanding Air Connectivity
- New routes and increased frequencies from key cities in North America and Europe.
- Airports like Punta Cana, Las Américas, and Cibao consolidate their position as regional hubs.
Diversification of Internal Destinations
- Boost to emerging areas like Pedernales/Cabo Rojo, Miches, Samaná, Puerto Plata, and Santiago, which expand the tourist map beyond the classic Eastern strip.
Climate of Confidence and Stability
- Tourism has received priority sector treatment from the government, which has favored investment, employment, and stability in the industry.
What 900,000 Tourists in a Month Means
Reaching 900,000 tourists by air in December alone is not just a symbolic record; it has tangible effects:
- Higher hotel occupancy in all tourist hubs.
- Greater demand for transportation, excursions, gastronomy, shopping, and complementary services.
- Direct impact on employment and income for communities that depend on tourism.
December is traditionally one of the strongest months of the year due to:
- Winter vacations in North America and Europe.
- Christmas and New Year holidays.
- The temporary return of the Dominican diaspora.
This year, the combination of high season + better connectivity + reputation as a safe and stable destination creates the perfect scenario for the DR to break its own historical ceiling.
Conclusion: Tourism at "Its Best Moment"
December's figures and 2025 closing projections confirm Minister Collado's diagnosis:
"Dominican tourism is at its best moment."
If the goal of 900,000 air tourists in December is achieved and the barrier of 11.6 million annual visitors is surpassed, the Dominican Republic will not only reaffirm its leadership in the Caribbean, but will also consolidate tourism as one of the strongest engines of its economy.
For hotels, airlines, agencies, and travel platforms, these figures are a clear invitation: the DR will continue to be, in 2026 and beyond, one of the most strategic destinations to invest, operate, and grow.
