President Luis Abinader participated in the reopening of the iconic Teeth of the Dog golf course, located in Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, whose restoration involved an investment of 15 million dollars and reinforces confidence in the country as a world-class investment destination, in addition to boosting the local economy and strengthening the tourism offer of the Dominican Republic. During the event, the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, recalled that the Dominican Republic entered sports and golf tourism in 1971 with the inauguration of the emblematic Teeth of the Dog golf course in Casa de Campo, considered one of the best in the Caribbean and an international reference for this sport. Collado highlighted that the growth of Dominican tourism has been the result of a planned strategy driven by the tourism cabinet headed by President Luis Abinader. He pointed out that, even amidst the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, the country decided to maintain its operations responsibly, which allowed for a rapid recovery of the sector and the consolidation of historical results in the arrival of visitors. He explained that in 2021, in the midst of the pandemic, the country achieved historic results in the last months of the year by keeping its operations open responsibly; in 2022 the sector continued with double-digit growth while many destinations still recorded negative figures; in 2023 the country reached a record of 10.3 million visitors; in 2024 the figure rose to 11.2 million; and in 2025 it closed with 11.7 million tourists, consolidating the nation as one of the leading destinations in the region and projecting towards the goal of 12 million visitors. The minister also highlighted the investments made for the development of destinations such as La Romana and Bayahíbe, where infrastructure projects have been executed, including the Caleta boardwalk, a fishing pier, a tourist parking lot, and the paving of neighborhoods. According to his explanation, these works respond to a vision of sustainable and inclusive tourism that seeks to ensure that the benefits of tourism activity also reach the communities that coexist with the tourist destinations. He also stated that the public-private partnership has been key to the country’s positioning as a regional leader in tourism. He highlighted the boost to luxury tourism with projects from international brands and the growth of sports and golf tourism, a segment that last year attracted more than 400,000 visitors. Collado maintained that this joint vision between the State and the private sector has allowed the Dominican Republic to continue strengthening its tourism leadership in Latin America. He also announced development plans for the Bayahíbe destination, including the construction of a new large-scale hotel with around 800 rooms, in addition to strengthening the security system in this tourist area. Preservation of a golf icon for future generations From his side, the president of Casa de Campo, Andrés Pichardo Rosenberg, highlighted that the restoration of the course aimed to keep intact the essence of the original design created by the renowned golf course architect Pete Dye. He explained that the project seeks to ensure that future generations of golfers can experience the course as it was conceived, preserving one of the most emblematic sports venues in the Caribbean. The restoration work was led by the firm Jerry Pate Design and included the complete renovation of greens, bunkers, tees, and fairways, as well as the modernization of drainage and irrigation systems and the construction of new golf cart paths. In addition, the entire field was reseeded with Dynasty Paspalum grass, a variety especially resistant to coastal environments. One of the most emblematic elements of the field, known as Heaven 7, the seven holes facing the Caribbean Sea that have made Teeth of the Dog one of the most photographed golf courses in the world, was also the subject of special coastal protection and rehabilitation work to ensure its preservation in the face of future climatic conditions. Within the framework of the event, Pichardo Rosenberg announced that in May 2026, the second phase of the Premier Suites project in Casa de Campo will begin, which includes the construction of a new swimming pool and the expansion of the resort’s spa. The complex’s spa was recently recognized with a four-star distinction from Forbes Travel Guide, being the only one in the Dominican Republic with that recognition.
International recognition and commitment to Dominican tourism
