Dominican Republic tourism and cultural programs

In late July 2026, the Dominican Association of Restaurants (Aderes) presented a 2026‑2027 strategy aimed at boosting gastronomic tourism. The plan introduced a dedicated Gastronomy Month, a “Santo Domingo Exquisito” project with the tourism cluster and UNIBE, an updated Sustainable Gastronomic Tourism Plan, and a new economic study of the restaurant sector. Simultaneously, the Dominican Association of Tourism Press marked Father’s Day with a heritage tour of the Ron Barceló historic rum facility, underscoring the link between local culture and tourism.

A week later, the Ministry of Culture announced the launch of an artist‑residence programme at Atelier Yubarta on Cayo Levantado, designed to marry contemporary art with the island’s natural and cultural assets. The initiative, supported by public‑private partnership, seeks to decentralise creative opportunities across the Dominican Republic. In parallel, Casa de Campo Resort & Villas will host the fourth annual Food & Wine Festival, featuring internationally known chefs and positioning the event as a premier Caribbean culinary showcase. Together, these actions extend the earlier gastronomy strategy into broader cultural and arts programming, reinforcing tourism’s role as a driver of cultural preservation and economic growth.