AGP Executive Report

Punta Cana Airlift Pulse: FlightConnections data shows Punta Cana’s busiest weekly links are led by San Juan (65 flights), Panama City (56), Miami (54), New York (43), Toronto (38), and Atlanta (29), with Montreal, Charlotte and Bogotá also ranking—good news for travelers planning beach-and-business trips. Corales Puntacana Championship: Todd Clements surged with a 6-under 66 to take a two-stroke lead in the windy Corales Puntacana Championship, while earlier he and Ivan Cantero Gutierrez shared the first-round lead at 7-under 65. Safety & Preparedness: A Dominican seismic engineer urged residents to get ready now—identify safe spots, secure heavy furniture, and practice “drop, cover, and hold on,” then evacuate calmly after shaking stops. Tourism Policy Moves: The Senate Tourism Commission advanced bills to boost gastronomic tourism and create a national council to develop health tourism, aiming to diversify demand beyond sun-and-sand. U.S. Market Push: Tourism Minister David Collado promoted the Dominican Republic in Chicago to travel agents and tour operators, highlighting strong Illinois visitor numbers and renewed marketing efforts. Community & Care: A fundraising drive seeks public help for a 15-year-old in need of a sixth specialized surgery in the U.S., covering travel and recovery lodging. Santo Domingo 2026 Build-Up: Cuba formally received its flag for the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, with more than 500 athletes set to compete across dozens of disciplines.

Airlift Boost for DR: Southwest Airlines announced four new nonstop routes from Nashville starting March 13, including Saturday-only service to Punta Cana (plus Aruba, Montego Bay, and St. Thomas), adding more U.S. access to the Dominican Republic’s top beach gateway. Tourism Policy Push: The Dominican Senate Tourism Commission advanced two bills to diversify tourism—one to promote gastronomic tourism and protect culinary heritage, and another to create CONDETUSA to regulate and promote health tourism nationwide. Local Development with Bank Backing: Banreservas supported the launch of Cacao Green Ecoluxury, a nature-and-sustainability-focused mountain real estate development aimed at jobs and community growth in the Cibao Sur Ecological Corridor. Aviation Demand Snapshot: ALTA reported the DR hit a record 1.6 million air passengers in May 2026 (+9.2% year over year), with U.S. traffic up 5.6% and Canada up 10.5%. Santo Domingo Mobility: The Floating Bridge over the Ozama River will close Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for vessel passage, with drivers urged to use alternate routes. Punta Cana Spotlight: The Corales Puntacana Championship continues at Puntacana Resort, with Todd Clements taking a two-stroke lead after a 6-under 66.

Tourism Policy Push: The Dominican Senate Tourism Commission is moving two bills to diversify the sector—one to promote gastronomic tourism by protecting culinary heritage, and another to create CONDETUSA to regulate and promote health tourism nationwide. U.S. Market Promotion: Tourism Minister David Collado promoted the Dominican Republic in Chicago to travel agents and tour operators, highlighting strong demand from Illinois (140,000+ visitors) and urging partners to keep driving U.S. arrivals. Adventure & Nature Marketing: MITUR and the Jarabacoa Tourism Cluster hosted a familiarization trip for journalists and agents, spotlighting ecotourism and adventure experiences plus local coffee and gastronomy. Tourism Education & Skills: The Ministry of Defense (DIVEG) met with UN Tourism and MITUR to expand technical training for tourism workers, focusing on employability and entrepreneurship. Aviation Demand: ALTA reports the DR hit a May record of 1.6 million air passengers (+9.2% y/y), with U.S. traffic up 5.6% and Canada up 10.5%. Santo Domingo 2026 Sports Spotlight: Venezuela’s taekwondo delegation (16 athletes) is set for the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, aiming to top its San Salvador 2023 medal haul.

Aviation Growth: The Dominican Republic hit a record 1.6 million air passengers in May 2026 (+9.2% year-over-year), with the U.S. driving 52% of traffic and Canada up 10.5%, signaling strong momentum for travel demand. Tourism Workforce: MITUR and UN Tourism teamed up with the Dominican armed forces’ vocational training directorate (DIVEG) to expand technical and vocational programs for tourism jobs, including student and teacher mobility. Adventure Promotion: MITUR promoted Jarabacoa as a top ecotourism and adventure destination via a familiarization trip for journalists and travel agents, highlighting coffee experiences and local hotels/resorts. Community & Environment: Cabarete Butterfly Effect wrapped its 18th edition with a record 190 participants from seven countries, pairing women’s empowerment with a major La Boca beach cleanup (693 kg of waste collected). Heritage Tourism: FEDA and the State Sugar Council launched a sugar-industry heritage tourism initiative in Hato Mayor, mapping a route linking historic mills and museums to create new local income. Industry Networking: Asonahores announced its 38th Tourism Trade Exhibition 2026 (Sept 2–4) at BlueMall Punta Cana, with 300+ exhibitors and a focus on tourism’s wider supply chain.

Heritage Tourism Push: FEDA and the State Sugar Council (CEA) launched a heritage tourism initiative in Hato Mayor to preserve the Dominican sugar legacy and build a new route linking historic mills, museums, and landmarks across Hato Mayor, San Pedro de Macorís, and Monte Plata. Tourism Trade & Industry Links: Asonahores confirmed its 2026 Tourism Trade Exhibition will run Sept. 2–4 at BlueMall Punta Cana, with 300+ exhibitors and a focus on how tourism connects suppliers across food, tech, finance, and energy. Sports Tourism Boost: Santo Domingo 2026 is set to bring about 6,500 athletes and officials starting July 17, with major airport logistics at Las Américas, Punta Cana, and La Isabela expected to support the July 24–Aug. 8 Games. Cabarete Community & Environment: The Cabarete Butterfly Effect wrapped up with a record 190 participants from seven countries, including a La Boca beach cleanup that collected 693 kg of waste (361 kg plastic). Air Connectivity Update: Cathay Pacific is adding codeshare flights to Santo Domingo via Madrid starting later in 2026, expanding long-haul access for travelers. Cruise Diversions: Royal Caribbean extended its suspension of Labadee calls through June 2027, rerouting some itineraries to Dominican ports like Puerto Plata.

Tourism Trade: Asonahores is gearing up for its 2026 Trade Exhibition, running Sept. 2–4 at BlueMall Punta Cana, with 300+ stands and a wide supplier lineup—another sign tourism is driving broader business links across the Dominican economy. Sports Tourism: The DR is preparing to welcome thousands of athletes for Santo Domingo 2026 (July 24–Aug. 8), with Las Américas (AILA) set to handle about 6,500 arrivals starting July 17 and a coordinated push to speed immigration, customs, and security. Air Connectivity: Cathay Pacific is adding codeshare flights to Santo Domingo via Madrid (through Iberia), while also boosting Hong Kong–Madrid to daily from Oct. 25—useful for long-haul travelers looking for easier connections. Cruise Watch: Royal Caribbean is extending its suspension of Labadee, Haiti calls through June 2027, rerouting some itineraries to Dominican ports like Puerto Plata. Golf Spotlight: Puntacana Resort has launched the 2026 Corales Puntacana Championship with a record $4M purse and a 144-player international field, positioning the DR as a growing sports tourism hub. Visitor Demand: Canada and Europe are both rising fast—Canada up 13.3% and Europe up 14.8% in the first quarter—bringing 817,000+ visitors in three months.

Tourism Trade & Business Networking: Asonahores says its 38th Tourism Trade Show 2026 will run Sept. 2–4 at BlueMall Punta Cana, with 300+ exhibitors and early strong booking (70% of space already reserved), plus barista and artisan-focused programming. Sports Tourism Boost: Santo Domingo 2026 (July 24–Aug. 8) is set to bring about 6,500 arrivals to Las Américas (AILA) starting July 17, with major airport, migration, customs and security coordination aimed at moving athletes and teams to official hotels and villages. Investment Push: Vice President Raquel Peña heads to Spain to meet business groups and discuss new trade and investment partnerships, including a focus on strengthening public-private cooperation. Golf Spotlight in Punta Cana: Puntacana Resort launches the 2026 Corales Puntacana Championship with a record $4M purse and a 144-player international field, positioning the DR as a sports tourism destination. Visitor Growth Signals Demand: New data points to a surge from Canada and Europe in early 2026, with both markets rising strongly and adding to the DR’s momentum. Cruise Diversions Affecting Itineraries: Royal Caribbean is extending its suspension of Labadee, Haiti visits through June 2027, rerouting some sailings to DR ports like Puerto Plata.

Tourism Demand Signals: Canada and Europe are driving a fresh surge in Dominican Republic travel, with 465,868 Canadian visitors in Q1 2026 (+13.3%) and 351,800 European arrivals (+14.8%), bringing 817,000+ visitors in just three months. New Hotel/Resort Momentum: Blu Terrenas kicked off the first phase of its Las Terrenas expansion and broke ground on Almare Beach Resort (Curio Collection by Hilton), targeting 2028 opening and adding major job and tourism capacity in Samaná. Colonial City Boost: The Ministry of Tourism says the Alcázar de Colón restoration is complete and colonial-city lighting is underway, backed by RD$112m for the museum and RD$86m for public illumination to support safer night tourism. Responsible Day-Trip Spotlight: Salto de Socoa in Monte Plata is being promoted as a model for protected-area eco-tourism management, with easier access from Santo Domingo and the East. Cruise Diversions: Royal Caribbean is extending its Labadee (Haiti) suspension through June 2027, reshuffling Caribbean itineraries that can affect regional cruise demand. Public Health Diplomacy: VP Raquel Peña heads to Washington to meet U.S. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., focusing on preventive health and strengthening bilateral health systems. Migration Enforcement: The Army arrested three Dominicans tied to transporting 28 undocumented Haitians in Valverde and Santiago Rodríguez.

Tourism Infrastructure & Heritage: The Ministry of Tourism says the Alcázar de Colón (Columbus Alcazar) Museum restoration is complete, with RD$86 million in new Colonial City lighting underway to boost night tourism and visitor safety. New Samaná Resort Push: Blu Terrenas inaugurated the first phase of its mixed-use development and broke ground on Almare Beach Resort Las Terrenas, a Curio Collection by Hilton, targeting a 2028 opening and 2,500+ jobs. Responsible Day-Trip Spotlight: Salto de Socoa in Monte Plata is being promoted as a model for protected-area eco-tourism, with joint management aimed at balancing visitor access and conservation. Visitor Numbers & Market Momentum: The Dominican Republic recorded a historic 6.6 million visitors in the first half of 2026, reinforcing the tourism boom narrative. Public Health Diplomacy: Vice President Raquel Peña heads to Washington to meet U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with a focus on preventive care and strengthening bilateral health systems. Travel Disruption Response: Antigua and Barbuda travelers stranded in Punta Cana after an LIAT cancellation were brought home via a special overnight recovery flight coordinated with aviation authorities. Tourism Media Industry: Adompretur opened entries for the Epifanio Lantigua 2026 National Tourism Journalism Award, seeking stories published between Oct 2025 and Aug 2026.

Tourism Boom: The Dominican Republic posted record first-half 2026 results, welcoming 6.6 million international visitors (Jan–Jun), with cruise growth and expanded air links driving the surge. Destination Management: The Ministry of Tourism is setting up a permanent working group for Bayahíbe to coordinate sustainable development, improve tourism organization and security, and protect natural and cultural resources. Air Connectivity: Frontier launched a daily flight between Punta Cana and Puerto Rico, adding another direct option for Caribbean-bound travelers. New Routes: JetBlue began three daily nonstop flights from Nashville to Fort Lauderdale, strengthening a key U.S. gateway for connections to the Dominican Republic and other Caribbean markets. Cruise Business: PortMiami is moving ahead with a preferential berthing deal for Margaritaville at Sea starting 2027, signaling continued cruise demand in the region. Awards & Media: Adompretur opened entries for the Epifanio Lantigua 2026 National Tourism Journalism Award, with submissions due Aug. 31. Safety & Enforcement: A Santiago court sentenced a man to 15 years for trafficking and migrant smuggling tied to forced prostitution.

Tourism Arrivals Boom: The Dominican Republic logged a historic 6.6 million international visitors in the first half of 2026, with tourism growth powered by stronger air connectivity and a cruise surge. Air Connectivity Moves: Frontier launched/kept key Caribbean links with a daily San Juan–Punta Cana route, while JetBlue’s new Nashville–Fort Lauderdale service adds another feeder for Dominican travel. Destination Management: The Ministry of Tourism set up a permanent working group to guide Bayahíbe’s sustainable development, focusing on zoning, image, security, services, and protecting natural and cultural assets. Industry & Hospitality Expansion: Lopesan Hotel Group opened major new Punta Cana resorts, signaling continued investment in the country’s leading beach corridor. Travel Policy & Access: Japan added several Caribbean nations, including the DR, to its visa-free list for eligible travelers. Tourism Community & Culture: Adompretur opened submissions for the Epifanio Lantigua 2026 National Tourism Journalism Award, running until Aug. 31. Local Services: Inabie provided free eye surgeries to 13 students, supporting school participation through improved visual health.

Tourism Boom: The Dominican Republic logged a historic 6.6 million international visitors in the first half of 2026, with tourism minister David Collado citing strong air connectivity and cruise growth as key drivers. Air Connectivity: Frontier Airlines added a daily San Juan–Punta Cana route, reinforcing year-round links between two major Caribbean leisure markets. Luxury & Culture in Santo Domingo: Tourism Minister David Collado inaugurated the restored Alcázar de Colón Museum and launched an RD$86 million public lighting upgrade across the Colonial City to boost safety and visitor experience. Destination Planning in Bayahíbe: The Ministry of Tourism and local stakeholders formed a permanent working group to coordinate Bayahíbe’s long-term tourism growth, focusing on sustainability, management, and protecting natural and cultural resources. Travel Policy Signal: Japan confirmed visa-free entry for citizens of 74 countries/territories on a reciprocal basis, including several Caribbean nations such as the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic, supporting easier travel planning. Local Jobs Impact: A study on the Punta Bergantín project estimates up to 7,000–11,000 direct jobs annually (2025–2030), with construction-phase job creation tied to hotel-room growth.

Air Connectivity & Routes: Frontier launches daily San Juan–Punta Cana service, reinforcing year-round links between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic as the airline reshuffles Caribbean capacity. Tourism Demand & Growth: JP Morgan lifts its DR growth forecast to 4.3%, pointing to tourism momentum and record visitor numbers in the first half of 2026. Hotel & Resort Expansion: Lopesan Hotel Group opens three new all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana (its biggest Caribbean expansion), adding major capacity for travelers. Local Tourism Infrastructure: Santo Domingo’s Colonial City gets a major boost as Tourism Minister David Collado inaugurates the restored Alcázar de Colón Museum and launches an RD$86M public lighting upgrade to improve visitor experience and safety. Travel Deals & Pricing: New reporting highlights lower all-inclusive holiday prices this summer, with the Dominican Republic among destinations seeing notable average drops. Visitor Flow by Airport: June data shows Punta Cana as the dominant air gateway (53% of operations), underlining the Eastern region’s central role in DR tourism. Sports Tourism: The Santo Domingo 2026 torch relay lands in Santo Domingo Este, ahead of the Central American and Caribbean Games that will bring thousands of athletes and visitors. Community & Employment Impact: A study estimates Punta Bergantín could generate 7,000–11,000 direct jobs annually (2025–2030), with strong spillovers for Villa Montellano’s tourism value chain.

Tourism Growth Watch: JP Morgan lifted its Dominican Republic growth forecast to 4.3%, pointing to a tourism-led rebound and record visitor numbers (6.62M in Jan–Jun 2026). Hotel & Resort Expansion: Lopesan Hotel Group opened three new all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana—Caoba Lagoon, Serenity Bay and Splash Cove—adding 1,000+ rooms and a $350M investment. Heritage & City Revitalization: Tourism Minister David Collado inaugurated the restored Alcázar de Colón Museum and launched an RD$86M public lighting upgrade in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City to boost visitor experience and safety. Local Jobs from New Developments: A study on Punta Bergantín projects 7,000–11,000 direct jobs annually (2025–2030), with major benefits for Villa Montellano. Community Support: Banreservas Volunteers opened its first Northern-region headquarters in Santiago de los Caballeros, expanding social programs beyond Santo Domingo. Sports Tourism Signal: Santo Domingo Este hosted the torch relay for the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026, spotlighting the run-up to major events.

Tourism Infrastructure Boost: Tourism Minister David Collado inaugurated the restored Alcázar de Colón Museum in Santo Domingo and launched an RD$86 million public lighting upgrade across the Colonial City, aiming to improve safety and the visitor experience while protecting the historic character. Source-Market Push: Collado also told Puerto Rico’s travel trade that arrivals from the island are up 7.7% this year, with 269,000 Puerto Ricans visiting in 2025 and a forecast of 290,000+ by end-2026, crediting stronger promotion and improved air connectivity (including Arajet). Resort Expansion in Punta Cana: Lopesan Hotel Group opened three new all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana—Lopesan Caoba Lagoon, Lopesan Serenity Bay, and Lopesan Splash Cove—adding 1,000+ rooms and a connected entertainment complex, following a $350M+ investment. Travel & Safety Context: A U.S. State Department update kept Turks and Caicos at Level 2 “increased caution,” a reminder for Caribbean travelers to check destination-specific advisories before booking. Regional Tourism Demand: The DR is also seeing broader momentum, with Banreservas Volunteers opening a Northern-region headquarters in Santiago de los Caballeros to expand community support tied to social programs that can strengthen local visitor-facing stability.

Museum & Heritage Revitalization: Tourism Minister David Collado inaugurated the restored Alcázar de Colón Museum in Santo Domingo and launched an RD$86 million public lighting upgrade across the Colonial City, including 2,000+ colonial-style LED fixtures to boost safety and visitor experience. Tourism Demand from Puerto Rico: Collado told Puerto Rican travel agents that arrivals from the island are up 7.7% so far in 2026, with 269,000 visitors in 2025 and a forecast of 290,000+ by year-end, citing stronger promotion and improved air connectivity via Arajet. Air Connectivity Boost: Frontier Airlines added a daily San Juan–Punta Cana route, expanding low-cost Caribbean access as it reshapes its network after Spirit’s service cuts. Resort Expansion in Punta Cana: Lopesan Hotel Group opened three new all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana—Caoba Lagoon, Serenity Bay, and Splash Cove—adding 1,000+ rooms and a connected entertainment complex. Beach Challenge: Record sargassum levels are washing ashore in Punta Cana, with cleanup costs and visitor discomfort rising as seaweed piles up. Money Flows: The central bank reported remittances of US$6,219.3 million in the first half of 2026, up 6.7% year-on-year. Security & Trade: U.S. CBP seized 22 kg of cocaine hydrochloride shipped from Santo Domingo to Delhi, concealed in “music equipment.”