The Dominican Republic will close the year 2025 with one of the strongest performances in the history of tourism in the country. December, which traditionally represents one of the busiest months for the sector, is already showing figures that are unprecedented. They confirm its regional leadership and its increasing weight in the international market. But beyond numbers, these achievements are also the product of coordinated efforts between the public and private sectors in the last few years to make the country more accessible, attractive, and resilient.
In the first 17 days of December, the country has registered 390,000 air arrivals of tourists. An important volume that represents a growth of 11% year over year with respect to the same period in 2024. An even more revealing figure in relation to the pre-pandemic period, since it is estimated that the increase over 2019 reaches 60%, consolidating the sector’s full recovery and its structural expansion. The figures reflect a sustained phase of strategic growth of tourism in the Dominican Republic, beyond recovery mode.
Tourism Minister David Collado made the announcement at the inauguration of a new parking area for visitors at the Bayahíbe Beach, an important tourist destination that has gained even more visitors in recent months on the country’s east coast. The project strengthens tourism infrastructure and road safety in one of the most visited seaside areas. In addition to improving traffic flows, it provides safer access for locals and international travelers alike.
December May Be Best Tourism Month Ever Recorded
Official forecasts indicate that December 2025 will be the best month ever registered for tourism in the country. For the first time, the Dominican Republic is expected to exceed 900,000 arrivals by air in a single month. A new record that not only reflects the strength of international demand, but also the destination’s growing operational capacity to receive more visitors. Airlines have been increasing frequencies, new routes have been opened from the United States, Europe, and South America, and major tour operators continue to position the Dominican Republic as a flagship destination in the Caribbean.
The strong performance is supported by a trend of sustained growth in cruise tourism. For its part, the Ministry of Tourism estimates that more than 400,000 visitors will arrive by sea during December, setting another record. The cruise port of La Romana, operated by Casa de Campo Central Romana, has become one of the most important in the region. While new cruise facilities in other areas of the country continue to be strengthened to diversify maritime connectivity. These developments reflect how tourism in the Dominican Republic is diversifying its offer beyond traditional resort stays to include short-stay cruise travelers who significantly impact local economies.
These figures do not just benefit hotels. They stimulate transportation services, increase demand for restaurants and local gastronomy, create jobs in tour operations, and generate opportunities for micro and small businesses that sell crafts, excursions, and cultural experiences. In many communities, revenue from tourism is channeled directly into local commerce, thus supporting thousands of families.
Tourism Boom: Infrastructure and Vision to Position the Country Globally
Minister Collado highlighted that the boom is not just a numerical achievement. It is the result of a long-term strategy focused on infrastructure, promotion, innovation and national pride. Investments such as the new parking lot for visitors in Bayahíbe, which has space for 58 buses, 157 light vehicles, and 58 motorcycles, can be modest compared to luxury hotel developments. But they significantly improve logistics, visitor experience, and safety.
Projects like these are part of a broader effort to modernize access roads, improve signage, expand airport services, and coordinate more effectively among emergency and security agencies. All this adds up to a perception of reliability, one of the most important factors when choosing where to vacation. But Collado also emphasized the importance of strengthening an image linked to entrepreneurship, creativity, and hospitality. Increasingly, travelers look for destinations that combine natural beauty with authentic cultural experiences. For this reason, tourism in the Dominican Republic is now positioning itself not only with its beaches and resorts, but also with its music, gastronomy, heritage towns, ecotourism experiences, and community tourism initiatives in rural areas.
December Record Crowns an Extraordinary 2025 Year for Tourism
The record in December crowns an extraordinary year in general. From the beginning of 2025, the country has set one record after another. In January alone, the Dominican Republic received 1,155,484 visitors. An increase of 53% compared to 2019 and 8% over 2024.
By the end of the first quarter, cumulative arrivals reached 3,348,716, reflecting strong growth in air arrivals and cruise tourism. At the midpoint of the year, totals surpassed 6,145,008 visitors, the highest number ever registered for that period. Growth continued at a steady pace during the second half of the year, demonstrating consistency and avoiding seasonal spikes. By August, cumulative arrivals had already exceeded 8 million. By November, the totals had reached 10,284,251 visitors.
These figures position the country to close the year with more than 11 million visitors. Reaffirming its status as one of the most competitive and sought-after destinations in the Caribbean. But it has also encouraged new investments in hotels, airports, renewable energy integration in resorts, and modern waste-management systems to help preserve coastal environments.
Tourism authorities also emphasize progress in training programs for hospitality workers, the modernization of digital promotion strategies, and the strengthening of agreements with international airlines. All of these actions ensure that tourism in the Dominican Republic continues to grow in a sustainable and well-planned way.
Beyond the Numbers: Long-Term Economic and Social Impact
The effects go beyond the statistics of tourism activity. Strong demand from visitors is reinforcing air and maritime connectivity, encouraging the modernization of infrastructure, and promoting economic diversification. In this regard, new businesses, from transportation startups to local tour guides, emerge in the areas that make up tourism corridors. While existing companies expand operations in response to greater demand.
On the social side, tourism has generated thousands of formal jobs and has also helped to boost entrepreneurship among young people and women, especially in coastal communities. Programs that promote community-based tourism and responsible environmental practices are also helping ensure that local residents are the direct beneficiaries of economic opportunities while natural resources are protected.
In short, the historic record in December is not an isolated fact. It ratifies a long-term trend that is redefining the scope of tourism in the Dominican Republic and positioning the country firmly on the global tourism map for years to come.