AGP Executive Report

Air Connectivity & Tourism Demand: The Dominican Republic and Argentina signed a comprehensive Air Services Agreement in New York to expand routes and boost tourism, with Argentina now the DR’s third-largest source market; the deal is expected to support new frequencies and easier cross-border travel. Tourism Promotion: The Ministry of Tourism launched “Siente RD” (“Feel Dominican Republic”) in Miami, pitching the country’s people and emotional connection as the core of its next international push. Cultural Heritage for Visitors: Santo Domingo’s Diego Colón (Alcázar de Colón) Viceregal Palace reopened after major restoration, with the government highlighting heritage authenticity and a modern museographic overhaul. MICE & Business Travel: The DR’s SDQ MICE 2026 event is set to bring 50 international buyers to explore Dominican tourism opportunities. Consular Access: MIREX said it’s preparing to restore Dominican consular services in Caracas, with a reopening date to be announced, aiming to reduce travel for Dominicans in Venezuela. Safety & Travel Risk: A deadly boat capsized near Mona Island west of Puerto Rico after a machete fight; at least 40 people were rescued and two died, underscoring ongoing dangers in regional sea crossings.

Colonial City upgrades: President Luis Abinader inaugurated the restored Alcázar de Colón Museum and launched a new Colonial City Electromobility Route, adding electric buses, charging infrastructure, and a 12.4-kilometer corridor with 31 stops to improve access for residents and visitors. Tourism delivery timeline: Tourism Minister David Collado says the broader Colonial City recovery project will be delivered in full in December, including streets, sidewalks, curbs, roofs, and undergrounding of cables—work that requires archaeological pauses in the historic zone. Air connectivity push: The Dominican Republic and Argentina signed an Air Services Agreement to expand air connectivity, letting airlines add scheduled and charter routes and codeshare options—aimed at boosting tourism and investment. MICE momentum: SDQ MICE 2026 is set to bring 50 international buyers to explore Dominican tourism and business events. Climate risk for tourism: A new outlook flags El Niño as a moderate but persistent risk for the Dominican Republic, with drought and water stress potentially affecting prices and logistics—an issue that matters for coastal tourism. Travel demand context: A winter-sun value report ranks Punta Cana among the best-value destinations for 2026, reinforcing continued interest in DR for budget-conscious travelers. Regional safety backdrop: A deadly migrant boat capsized near Mona Island west of Puerto Rico, with survivors reporting a fight aboard—another reminder of broader Caribbean travel and maritime risks that can affect regional perceptions.

Colonial City upgrades: President Luis Abinader inaugurated the restored Alcázar de Colón Museum and launched the Colonial City Electromobility Route, a 12.4-kilometer pilot with five electric buses and 31 stops, supported by the IDB and EU. Local delivery timeline: Tourism Minister David Collado says the broader Colonial City recovery—streets, sidewalks, curbs, roofs and undergrounding cables—will be fully delivered in December. Air connectivity push: The Dominican Republic and Argentina signed an Air Services Agreement to expand scheduled and charter routes, with designated airlines able to connect points in both countries. Tourism service concern: Hotel and tourism representatives in the east say staff “warmth” has decreased since the pandemic, citing service quality and facility maintenance as key challenges. Climate risk for travel: A new outlook warns the DR faces moderate but persistent risk from El Niño, with drought and water stress potentially affecting prices and logistics. Budget travel buzz: A winter-sun cost report ranks Punta Cana among the best-value destinations for 2026.

Canadian Travel Demand: Statistics Canada says Canadians made 14.3M overseas trips in 2025, with the Dominican Republic ranking #2 for Canadians—984,000 visits after Mexico. Business Tourism Push: The Dominican Republic is weighing a dedicated convention center to land bigger international conferences, with SDQ MICE 2026 highlighting growth in meetings tourism. Climate & Coasts: President Abinader urged faster climate financing to tackle sargassum impacts on tourism, while DR officials also called for stronger regional action on sea-level rise and coastal displacement. Tourism Service Concern: Hotel and tourism operators in the east say staff “warmth” has declined since the pandemic, alongside ongoing service-quality and facility-maintenance challenges. Air Connectivity & Travel Safety: Air Canada plans 31 new international routes from October, and a Jet2 flight was evacuated in Tenerife after a bomb threat before landing in London. Regional Context: MIREX warned Dominicans about alleged online job offers to travel to Russia that may be linked to the Ukraine conflict.

El Niño Outlook: A new study warns the Dominican Republic faces a moderate but persistent risk from El Niño, with drought, water stress, and heat more concerning than rainfall alone—potentially hitting prices and logistics. Tourism Service Quality: Asoleste says the “warmth” of tourism staff has faded since the pandemic, pointing to training gaps and maintenance issues that can hurt guest care. Sargassum & Climate Finance: President Abinader urged faster climate financing at the UN, noting the DR helped push the first global sargassum resolution—framing seaweed as a tourism-impacting global challenge. Business Travel Push: SDQ MICE 2026 highlighted momentum in meetings tourism, with calls for a dedicated convention center to attract larger international conferences. International Promotion: The DR will be Guest of Honor at FIT Latin America 2026 in Argentina, with a pavilion and a focus on air connectivity and tourism deals. Air Connectivity: Air Canada plans 31 new international routes from October, including new links involving the Dominican Republic’s broader Caribbean travel market. Safety & Travel Alerts: Dominicans were warned by MIREX about fraudulent job offers to travel to Russia, urging strict checks before signing or booking.

Sargassum & climate push: President Luis Abinader told the UN that sargassum is now a global challenge and urged faster climate financing for the Caribbean, tying the issue directly to coastal impacts and tourism. Tourism service concerns: Asoleste says the “warmth” tourists expect has faded since the pandemic, pointing to gaps in customer care and facility maintenance as competition rises. Air connectivity boost: Air Canada plans 31 new international routes from October, including long-haul additions that reach destinations like Tenerife South and Quito. MICE momentum: The Dominican Republic is pitching a dedicated convention center to attract bigger international conferences, with SDQ MICE 2026 highlighting growth in meetings tourism. Tourism growth numbers: The country logged 8.56M visitors in Jan–Aug 2026 (+6.9% vs 2025), with Punta Cana still the main gateway. Safety & travel compliance: A U.S. lawsuit alleges Expedia/VRBO negligently listed Dominican rentals without smoke detectors after a deadly fire. Diaspora spotlight: Abinader met Dominican community leaders in Brooklyn and backed consular digitization and new scholarship support for young Dominicans in New York.

Sargassum & climate push: President Abinader told the UN that the Dominican Republic helped secure the first global UN resolution on sargassum, urging faster climate financing for Caribbean coasts where the seaweed hits tourism. Hospitality service concerns: East-region hotel leaders say the “warmth” of tourist service has faded since the pandemic, pointing to training gaps and aging facilities as competition rises. MICE momentum: A proposed dedicated convention center is back on the table after SDQ MICE 2026 discussions, with organizers arguing it could help land larger international conferences (3,000–4,000 attendees) and strengthen business tourism. Argentina trade spotlight: The DR will be Guest of Honor at FIT Latin America 2026 in Buenos Aires, with a pavilion featuring tourism experiences and a focus on air connectivity and deals. Tourism growth stats: The country reported 8.56M visitors in Jan–Aug 2026, up 6.9% year-on-year, with Punta Cana still the main gateway. Safety & travel disruption: A Jet2 flight was evacuated in Tenerife after a bomb threat claim, causing delays before landing in London. Visa/entry watch: Dominican authorities also warned citizens about suspicious job offers to travel to Russia, urging extra verification.

Air Safety & Travel Disruption: Jet2 flight LS1536 from Tenerife South to London Stansted was evacuated after a passenger bomb threat; the plane was cleared, reboarded after checks, and landed in London with a 2+ hour delay. Tourism Business & Events: Asonahores says MICE visitors can spend up to 3x more than typical tourists, with SDQ MICE 2026 highlighting convention growth and the need for bigger venues. Infrastructure for Conferences: IAPCO urged a dedicated Dominican convention center (aiming at 3,000–4,000 capacity) to attract larger international congresses. Climate Resilience for Coastal Tourism: Dominican officials called for stronger regional cooperation and adaptation financing to protect coastal communities as sea-level rise threatens beaches and tourism-linked livelihoods. International Mobility for Travelers: The DR and Azerbaijan agreed visa-free travel for holders of valid ordinary passports (up to 90 days in any 180-day period). Visitor Growth: DR reported 8.56M visitors Jan–Aug 2026 (+6.9% vs 2025), with Punta Cana still the main gateway. Travel Risk Warning: MIREX cautioned Dominicans about alleged job offers to travel to Russia that may be linked to the Ukraine conflict.

MICE Push: A dedicated Dominican convention center is being pitched as a way to land bigger international conferences, with IAPCO suggesting venues for 3,000–4,000 participants and easier access to hotels and transport. Tourism Growth: The Dominican Republic reported 8.56M visitors in Jan–Aug 2026 (+6.9% vs. 2025), with Punta Cana still the main gateway. International Promotion: The country is set to be Guest of Honor at FIT Latin America 2026 in Argentina, with a 400-square-meter pavilion and a focus on air connectivity and tourism deals. Climate & Coastal Risk: DR is calling for stronger regional cooperation and adaptation funding to protect coastal communities from sea-level rise, warning of impacts on erosion, flooding, and reef-linked livelihoods. Visa-Free Mobility: DR and Azerbaijan signed an agreement removing visa requirements for ordinary passport holders (up to 90 days in any 180). Safety & Travel Advisory: MIREX warned Dominicans about online job offers to travel to Russia that may be linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Diaspora Spotlight: In Brooklyn, Abinader’s visit helped mark Sept. 24 as Dominican Pride Day, with renewed focus on consular digitization and continued investment in the homeland.

Tourism Numbers: The Dominican Republic logged 8,556,415 visitors in Jan–Aug 2026, up 6.9% vs. 2025 and 9.8% vs. 2024, with growth spanning air and cruise. MICE Push: Asonahores says meetings/convention travelers can spend up to 3x more than typical tourists, and SDQ MICE 2026 is bringing 50 international buyers for 1,000+ B2B meetings across Santo Domingo, Santiago, Juan Dolio, Puerto Plata and Punta Cana. Air Connectivity: Arajet marked its 4th anniversary with an “Arajet effect” showing passenger traffic between the DR and Latin America up 143% since 2022; separately, POP airport will add Wingo Bogotá service (from Oct. 6) and Flair routes from Montreal and Toronto (from Dec. 18/19). Travel Policy: The DR and Azerbaijan signed a visa-free deal for ordinary passport holders (up to 90 days in any 180-day period). Holiday Watch: Our Lady of Mercy Day is a public holiday on Sept. 24, with normal operations resuming Sept. 25.

MICE Boost: SDQ MICE 2026 opened in Santo Domingo with 50 international buyers from 11 markets and a slate of 1,000+ B2B meetings, plus familiarization tours across the capital and a post-tour to Punta Cana. Business Travel Impact: Asonahores says meetings and conventions can drive up to 3x the daily spend of traditional tourists (about US$538/day estimate), supporting diversification beyond sun-and-beach. Air Connectivity: Arajet marked its 4th anniversary, citing “Arajet effect” growth—passenger traffic between the DR and key Latin American markets up about 143% since 2022, with projections of 2M+ passengers in 2026 and 3M+ in 2027. New Routes for the North: Gregorio Luperón (POP) will add Wingo Bogotá service from Oct. 6 and Flair flights from Dec. 18 (Montreal) and Dec. 19 (Toronto). Visa News: The DR and Azerbaijan agreed to visa-free travel for holders of valid ordinary passports, allowing stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Holiday Watch: Our Lady of Mercy Day is a public holiday on Sept. 24, with normal operations resuming Sept. 25.

Our Lady of Mercy Day Holiday: Sept. 24 is a public holiday in the Dominican Republic for Our Lady of Mercy Day, with normal work resuming Friday, Sept. 25. Air Connectivity Boost (Puerto Plata): Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP) adds new winter routes: Wingo launches Bogotá service Oct. 6 (two weekly flights), and Flair begins Montreal–POP Dec. 18 plus Toronto–POP Dec. 19. MICE Push (Santo Domingo): SDQ MICE 2026 brings 50 international buyers to Santo Domingo for 1,000+ B2B meetings, with tours across the Colonial City, Santo Domingo Bay, Boca Chica, and a Punta Cana post-tour. Airline Growth (Arajet): Arajet marks its 4th anniversary, projecting 2M+ passengers in 2026 and 3M+ in 2027, citing a “143% Arajet effect” on DR-Latin America traffic since 2022. Tourism Promotion (London): Dominican Week in London (Nov. 1–5) will spotlight investment and business opportunities, including tourism, with government and business leaders from both countries. Resort & Product News: Casa de Campo reintroduces an Unlimited Golf package on Pete Dye’s Dye Fore and The Links; and Viva Resorts by Wyndham highlights expanded on-site activities across its DR properties.

Public Holiday Watch: Our Lady of Mercy Day is set for Thursday, Sept. 24, and the Labor Ministry says it won’t be moved—businesses resume Friday, Sept. 25. Aviation & Connectivity: Arajet marked its fourth anniversary with its “Arajet effect,” projecting 2M+ passengers in 2026 and 3M+ in 2027, with Latin America–DR traffic up about 143% since 2022; meanwhile, Puerto Plata’s POP airport adds new winter routes as Wingo launches Bogotá service Oct. 6 and Flair adds Montreal (Dec. 18) plus Toronto (Dec. 19). Tourism Business & Events: SDQ MICE 2026 in Santo Domingo brings 50 international buyers from 11 markets for 1,000+ B2B meetings, with site visits across the capital and a Punta Cana post-tour. Travel Experiences: Casa de Campo revives its Unlimited Golf package on Pete Dye’s Dye Fore and The Links, plus meals and resort activities. Sustainability: Barbados reports 3.6M pounds of sargassum removed this year, and a Dominican team is exploring sustainable management approaches. Culture & Tourism Calendar: The 28th Santo Domingo International Book Fair runs Sept. 24–Oct. 4 with 700 activities and free admission to events.

Air Connectivity & Demand: Arajet says “The Arajet Effect” is driving major growth in Latin America–DR passenger traffic, projecting 3.2M+ passengers in 2026 (up ~143% vs 2022). Travel Disruption: A Philadelphia air traffic control failure disrupted some flights to and from the Dominican Republic’s AILA airport, leaving passengers waiting and rebooking. Hotel & Resort Moves: Hotel Equities opened Kimpton Tres Ríos – All Inclusive in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, signaling continued Caribbean & Latin America all-inclusive expansion; meanwhile, Viva Resorts by Wyndham promoted its Dominican beachfront activity-heavy all-inclusive lineup (including Viva Miches). Recognition for Stays: NIZUC Resort & Spa earned its first MICHELIN Key for a “very special stay,” highlighting service, design, and destination contribution. Cruise Infrastructure: Port Cabo Rojo in Pedernales was named a finalist for “Port of the Year” at the Seatrade Cruise Awards 2026, boosting visibility for the DR’s deep-south cruise push. On-the-ground Safety & Advice: The U.S. Embassy urged Americans visiting the DR to buy travel health insurance, warning about out-of-pocket medical costs and evacuation expenses. Culture & Events: Santo Domingo finalized details for the 28th International Book Fair (Sept 24–Oct 4), with free admission to activities and a major security plan.

Aviation Disruption: A Philadelphia air traffic control technical failure disrupted international flights to and from the Dominican Republic, affecting at least six arrivals and departures at AILA in Santo Domingo and leaving passengers scrambling for rebooking info. Tourism Trade & Routes: At IFTM Top Resa in Paris, Dominican officials said the country secured about US$600M in prospective tourism deals and highlighted a 14.3% rebound in French arrivals, alongside new Europe flight connectivity. Cruise Growth: Port Cabo Rojo in Pedernales was named a finalist for “Port of the Year” at the Seatrade Cruise Awards, underscoring the DR’s expanding cruise infrastructure in the Enriquillo region. MICE in Punta Cana: Meetings Today LIVE! brought nearly 70 hosted buyers to Punta Cana (Sept. 20–23), with stays at Moon Palace The Grand–Punta Cana and on-site incentive networking. New Access for Travelers: President Abinader launched the electronic passport for Dominicans abroad (starting in New York, New Jersey and Boston), with plans for broader consular rollout and a digital travel credential. On-the-Ground Tourism: Master of the Ocean kicked off in Cabarete, spotlighting kitesurfing, wing foil, surf, SUP and windsurf amid shifting ocean conditions. Safety & Travel Advice: The U.S. Embassy urged Americans visiting the DR to buy travel health insurance, warning that medical costs abroad may require upfront payment and that evacuation can exceed $10,000.

Aviation & Tourism Growth: The Dominican Republic logged 585,363 flight operations over the past three years, moving more than 50 million passengers, and IDAC says a ninth international airport is slated to start in 2027 in Oviedo, Pedernales—aimed at boosting the Enriquillo region’s tourism and jobs. Visitor & Trade Records: From January to August 2026, the country welcomed 8,556,415 visitors by air and sea (+6.9% vs. 2025) while exports hit a record US$10.56 billion (+11.4%). Diaspora Travel Upgrade: President Abinader launched the electronic biometric passport for Dominicans abroad, starting with New York, New Jersey and Boston, including up to US$9,000 for repatriation of remains. Health & Safety for Travelers: The U.S. Embassy urged Americans visiting the DR to buy travel health insurance, warning many insurers reimburse only after you pay upfront and that medical evacuation can exceed $10,000. MICE in Punta Cana: Meetings Today LIVE! brought nearly 70 incentive and corporate planners to Punta Cana (Sept. 20–23), highlighting Moon Palace The Grand–Punta Cana as a new hub for group travel. Wellness at the Airport: Puerto Plata opened the Green Garden Wellness Lounge inside the international airport, offering massages and recovery treatments for arrivals and departures.