When offering details during a meeting with journalists at the International Tourism Fair, held at IFEMA, Collado explained that this historic investment volume reflects the confidence of the financial sector and international investors in the Dominican tourism model, supported by stability, planning, and concrete results.
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The minister highlighted that the European market continues to grow strongly, with a projection of 1,025,000 European tourists in 2025 and the goal of reaching 1.2 million in 2026. He revealed that important European airlines have expressed interest in increasing routes and frequencies to the Dominican Republic, although they warned about the need to expand the hotel offer. “They tell us that they want to bring more passengers, but that the country needs more rooms, and that is precisely the reason for these historic investments,” he emphasized. Collado affirmed that FITUR 2026 once again demonstrated the strength of the country brand, noting that the Dominican stand, although not the largest in size, did stand out for its dynamism, cultural identity, and human closeness, generating a high level of interest among tour operators and issuing markets. “Dominican Republic shone again because we are doing things correctly,” he said. Among the strategic projects, the official highlighted the development of Pedernales and Cabo Rojo, where public and private investment exceeds US$500 million, with plans for the construction of between 800 and 1,500 new rooms, raising the total investment in that area above US$2.4 billion, making it one of the most ambitious tourism projects in the region. Regarding meetings and conventions tourism, he informed that the advisory contract for the Santo Domingo Convention Center has already been signed, whose structural design and engineering studies are concluded. The State acquired 34,000 square meters for US$12 million, and the international tender for its construction will begin in March, guaranteeing the project’s viability and sustainability. Collado also highlighted the diversification of Dominican tourism through high-level sporting and artistic events, such as the Ironman and international concerts that have mobilized thousands of visitors. He cited as an example a recent musical event that attracted more than 14,000 tourists who traveled exclusively to the country, evidencing the economic impact of entertainment tourism. In terms of connectivity, he announced agreements with cruise lines and international operators that will bring 120,000 additional visits to La Romana, as well as meetings with more than 500 agents and tour operators from France, Germany, and England, strengthening the Dominican presence in Europe. At the closing, the minister stated that FITUR 2026 allowed the investment, promotion, and country identity objectives to be met, and announced that the Dominican Republic will be considered an international pilot project in accessible tourism. “These historic investments of more than RD$855.68 billion confirm that Dominican tourism is today one of the main drivers of development, employment, and national pride,” he concluded.
