Airbnb listings now outnumber hotel rooms in Santo Domingo

JSBy Joan SanzCurated by Joan Sanz. · August 18, 2026 · Follow on LinkedIn

Voice reading · ~1 min

The head of Asonahores, Juan Bancalari, has put a telling figure on the table: Airbnb listings in Santo Domingo now outnumber hotel rooms, as reported by Dominican Today.

The capital having more short-term rental supply than hotels is not bad news. It is a snapshot of a market that changed, fast. Today's traveler wants stays that feel local and flexible, and the platform connected with that before traditional hotels did.

So where does that leave hotels? I see three positive takeaways:

Travelers get more options, making the city more attractive.
Hotels have a mirror to look into and stand out with services a platform cannot offer.
Local owners can join tourism without building a big project.

Asonahores takes it in stride. I read it as a push to modernize, not a threat.

Quick questions

Do Airbnb listings really outnumber hotel rooms in Santo Domingo?

According to Asonahores, yes. Association president Juan Bancalari said Airbnb listings in the capital now exceed hotel rooms.

What does it mean if Airbnb outnumbers hotels?

It means short-term rentals are now a core option in the capital, not a side choice. Hotels have to compete with more flexible and varied supply.

Is Airbnb a threat to hoteliers?

Not necessarily. It is a challenge that pushes hotels to improve service and stand out. Airbnb guests also spend money in the city.

What does Asonahores think about this trend?

Its president, Juan Bancalari, points to significant growth in short-term rentals. Asonahores is watching the shift and looking for collective answers.

Should I invest in Airbnb or a hotel?

It depends on your goal. The Airbnb boom shows demand for local and autonomous stays, while hotels offer services and experience the platform often can't match.

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