Published on
August 20, 2025
The Dominican Republic has achieved a historic milestone in early 2025, surpassing seven million international arrivals, driven primarily by visitors from the United States, Canada, Argentina, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Mexico, Spain, Brazil, and Chile. This remarkable growth reflects a combination of factors, including the country’s world-renowned beaches, lush mountain landscapes, vibrant culture, and expanding tourism infrastructure. Improved air connectivity, increased cruise ship arrivals, and upgraded airport facilities have made travel to the Dominican Republic more accessible than ever, while a diverse range of luxury resorts, eco-tourism adventures, and cultural experiences continue to attract travelers from across the globe. Together, these elements have supercharged the nation’s tourism sector, positioning it as one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic and sought-after destinations.
From the vibrant streets of Santo Domingo to the sun-kissed beaches of Bávaro and the serene mountain retreats of Jarabacoa, the Dominican Republic is experiencing an extraordinary surge in tourism. Between January and July 2025, the Caribbean nation welcomed 7,197,844 visitors, marking the highest arrivals ever recorded during this timeframe. This milestone underscores the country’s rising prominence as a premier travel destination in the region.
The rapid increase in visitor numbers reflects both the resilience of the Dominican tourism sector and its growing global appeal. Compared to the same period in 2024, arrivals increased by 3.2 percent, while growth over 2023 reached 14 percent. Even more striking, the nation has seen a 49 percent rise compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, demonstrating a strong recovery and a renewed international interest in the country’s diverse travel offerings.
Air travel continues to be the dominant mode of arrival, accounting for 5,377,878 visitors, a 1.7 percent rise compared to last year. Cruise tourism also contributed significantly, with 1,819,966 travelers arriving by sea, reflecting a 3.2 percent increase. The combined strength of air and cruise arrivals highlights the Dominican Republic’s expanding capacity to accommodate tourists and its ability to attract travelers from multiple channels.
July 2025 marked a particularly impressive period in the country’s tourism calendar. Air arrivals reached 863,785, a 6.5 percent increase over the same month in 2024, while cruise passengers added another 189,051 visitors. In total, the Dominican Republic welcomed 1,052,836 tourists in July alone, a 3.4 percent increase from 2024, 12 percent higher than 2023, and a remarkable 56 percent above July 2019 figures. This surge demonstrates renewed confidence among international travelers and highlights the country’s ability to sustain high visitation levels even during peak travel months.
The United States remains the largest source market, accounting for 52 percent of international arrivals. Canada follows with 7 percent, while Argentina and Puerto Rico each contributed 6 percent. Other notable markets include Colombia (4 percent), Mexico (3 percent), and Spain, Brazil, and Chile (2 percent each). This diversity of origin countries underscores the Dominican Republic’s wide-ranging appeal and its capacity to attract visitors from across the globe.
The nation’s airports have efficiently accommodated the growing influx of travelers. Punta Cana International Airport remains the primary gateway, handling 59 percent of air arrivals, while Las Américas Airport in Santo Domingo accounted for 23 percent. Cibao Airport in Santiago processed 13 percent, and smaller airports, including Puerto Plata and La Romana, handled the remaining 4 percent. This distribution reflects the strength of the Dominican Republic’s aviation infrastructure and its ability to manage significant tourist traffic effectively.
Tourism growth in the Dominican Republic is driven by a mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern amenities. Visitors are drawn to the country for its pristine beaches, verdant mountain ranges, historic sites, vibrant festivals, and thriving culinary scene. From luxury resorts and eco-tourism adventures to cultural immersion programs, the nation offers a diverse range of experiences tailored to different traveler preferences.
Investment in tourism infrastructure has further reinforced this upward trend. Expansion of hotel capacity, improvements in transportation networks, and upgrades to airport and port facilities have enabled the country to accommodate record visitor numbers efficiently. These enhancements ensure seamless travel experiences for both air and sea arrivals, encouraging positive reviews and repeat visits.
Visitors from the US, Canada, Argentina, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Mexico, Spain, Brazil, and Chile have propelled Dominican Republic tourism past seven million arrivals, driven by world-class beaches, mountains, cultural experiences, and improved travel infrastructure.
As tourism continues to climb to unprecedented levels, the Dominican Republic is cementing its position as one of the Caribbean’s top destinations. The sustained rise in international arrivals not only provides a substantial boost to the economy but also strengthens the country’s reputation as a vibrant, diverse, and welcoming destination. With a combination of natural wonders, cultural richness, and modern conveniences, the Dominican Republic is well-positioned to maintain this growth trajectory, offering travelers from around the world unforgettable experiences that blend adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration.
