Dominican Republic tourism sets record as historic Faro a Colón draws visitors

The Dominican Republic welcomed 6,616,671 visitors in the first half of 2026, a 7 % rise over the same period in 2025 and an 11 % increase from 2024, according to Tourism Minister David Collado. The surge puts the country on track to surpass 12 million arrivals by year‑end, a new annual record. The total includes 4,963,542 stay‑over visitors arriving by air and 1,653,129 cruise passengers. In June alone, the nation saw 975,012 visitors, with 816,517 air arrivals and 158,495 cruise guests, while U.S. travelers accounted for 53 % of all international arrivals.

Santo Domingo’s Faro a Colón monument, completed in 1992, continues to attract tourists. The 200‑meter‑tall cross‑shaped tower, which claims to house the remains of Christopher Columbus, projects a light visible up to 64 km away and hosts exhibitions from around the world, making it a notable cultural attraction alongside the country’s booming tourism sector.