# Dominican Republic tourism sector expansion > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/dominican-republic-tourism-sector-expansion > Updated: 2026-09-04T18:29:35.000Z. Sources: 41. Developments: 4. The Dominican Republic is continuing to expand and diversify its tourism sector through experiential offerings, specialized niches, and economic integration. Following a 7.7% increase in visitors during the first half of 2026, the industry is seeing a rise in personalized travel. In Punta Cana, adventure and nature-based activities are boosting the local economy; for instance, Bávaro Adventure Park recorded approximately 42,562 visitors in July 2026. To establish the country as a regional medical tourism hub, the Dominican Association of Health Tourism and AF Comunicación Estratégica have scheduled the 8th International Health and Wellness Tourism Congress for June 9-10, 2027, in Santo Domingo. Economic advocacy and industry connectivity remain central to sector growth. The Association of Hotels and Tourism (Asonahores) is pushing to preserve state incentives, noting the sector’s significant impact: it supports over 882,000 jobs and contributed US$11,866 million in foreign exchange and 15.9% to the national GDP in the previous year. The XXXVIII Asonahores Commercial Exhibition in Punta Cana recently concluded with record-breaking participation, featuring 323 occupied spaces by over 200 companies and attracting more than 5,000 visitors to BlueMall Punta Cana. Aguie Lendor, executive vice president of Asonahores, noted that 85% of participating companies were returning exhibitors, signaling strong business confidence. The exhibition serves as a vital link between tourism demand and sectors such as food and beverage, technology, and financial services. Asonahores president Juan Bancalari continues to highlight the sector's local economic footprint, noting that hotel sector local purchases exceed RD$200,000 million annually, with approximately RD$60,000 million allocated to payroll. Recent macroeconomic data from the Central Bank shows annual inflation fell to 5.13% in August 2026, marking a second consecutive month of decline toward the target range. ## Claims - The XXXVIII Asonahores Commercial Exhibition 2026 was held in Punta Cana. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The tourism sector drove over RD$220,000 million in national goods and services purchases in 2025. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The Aventúrate RD fair concluded its second edition in Puerto Plata with over 3,600 business appointments. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Tourism contributed 15.9% to the Dominican Republic's GDP in 2025. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The tourism sector generated US$11,866 million in foreign exchange during 2025. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Tourism-related activities accounted for 882,419 direct, indirect, and induced jobs in 2025. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Ministry of Agriculture is focusing on human capital training to drive technological transformation in the sector. (corroborated by 2 sources) - There is a shortage of trained personnel, particularly in English, within the hotel industry. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-04: Dominican Republic reports record tourism trade fair and falling inflation The Dominican Republic reports record growth in its tourism trade fair, a decline in annual inflation to 5.13%, and significant economic contributions from the hospitality sector. 23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/asonahores-commercial-exhibition-reaches-record-attendance-in-punta-cana ### 2026-09-02: Dominican Republic tourism sector drives significant economic growth and domestic integration The Dominican Republic's tourism sector contributed 15.9% to the 2025 GDP, driving massive domestic spending and job creation while leaders push for better technical training and product diversification. 23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-rated-as-safe-destination-by-international-tourists ### 2026-08-10: Dominican Republic tourism sector expands through health congress and economic advocacy The Dominican Republic is advancing its tourism sector through the announcement of a 2027 health tourism congress and industry calls to maintain economic incentives that drive GDP and foreign exchange. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-tourism-sector-expands-through-health-congress-and-economic-advocacy ### 2026-08-10: Punta Cana sees rise in experiential tourism Tourism in Punta Cana is growing through experiential travel, with the Dominican Republic seeing a 7.7% increase in visitors during the first half of 2026. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/punta-cana-sees-rise-in-experiential-tourism --- Cite as: Dominican Republic tourism sector expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/dominican-republic-tourism-sector-expansion