turismo.news September 18, 2026
Destinos1 min read

Dominican Republic slips back into French travellers' long-haul top ten

Voice reading · ~1 min

The Dominican Republic is back among the ten long-haul destinations preferred by French travellers, as reported by MITUR in its official note. The figure confirms what the sector has been noticing for months: the French traveller is still looking at the Caribbean and puts the country on the shortlist when deciding to cross the Atlantic.

France is one of the European source markets with the most weight in air arrivals to Punta Cana and Samaná. It is not a volume market like the United States, but it is a market with high average stay and spending per visitor that matters to hoteliers and tour operators. Every French visitor who picks the country usually comes with a package, transfer and excursions.

The reading is straightforward: that channel needs care. Direct flights, connectivity from Paris and the main French cities, and an offer that speaks their language. The MITUR note provides the headline, but the real work is holding the position when other Caribbean destinations are pushing hard. Keeping the slot in the French top ten is a concrete opportunity for those selling the Dominican Republic in Europe.

Quick questions

Which list did the Dominican Republic enter according to MITUR?
The top ten long-haul destinations preferred by French travellers, according to the note published by MITUR. It signals that the French market is still looking at the country for holidays outside Europe.
Why does the French market matter for Dominican hotels?
Because the French traveller arrives with a high average stay and good spending per visitor, mostly through air and hotel packages. That translates into steady occupancy in Punta Cana, Samaná and other hubs.
Which Dominican destinations attract French tourists the most?
Punta Cana takes most of the volume thanks to air connectivity, and Samaná has pull for its more natural and boutique profile. Both benefit from direct flights from France.
What can a Dominican tour operator do to make the most of this position?
Strengthen sales in the French channel with product in their language, transfers and well-packaged excursions. Being in the top ten does not guarantee bookings on its own, it has to be worked.
Is the rest of the Caribbean strong competition for the DR in France?
Yes, other Caribbean destinations are pushing in the same source market. The Dominican advantage lies in connectivity and the range of offer, and holding that position demands commercial consistency in Europe.

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