Tourism drives economic expansion and credit growth in Dominican Republic

Tourism is driving economic expansion in the Dominican Republic, fueling a rise in private sector credit. According to the Association of Multiple Banks of the Dominican Republic (ABA), private credit grew by 9.1% year-on-year by the end of June 2026. This growth was supported by an injection of over RD$80,000 million during the first half of the year, representing 1.0% of the GDP. Financing has been concentrated in the commercial and mortgage segments, benefiting strategic sectors such as tourism, construction, and transport.

The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic projects that private sector credit in local currency will continue to accelerate, potentially reaching 10.5% growth by the end of 2026. Additionally, public deposits saw significant growth, rising from 9.2% in December 2025 to 14.9% in June 2026.

On the tourism front, the country received over 6.6 million visitors during the first half of 2026, a 7.7% increase compared to the previous year. There is a growing trend toward “experience tourism” in destinations like Punta Cana, where travelers increasingly seek adventure, nature, and personalized activities outside of traditional hotel stays. This shift is boosting local economies through specialized services like tour guides and transportation.