Lorena Ochoa visits DR as golf tourism gains momentum

Lorena Ochoa's visit to the Dominican Republic is far from a routine appearance. The Mexican golf legend, one of the sport's all-time greats, has come to explore the courses that are putting the country on the sports tourism map. And the timing is telling: Dominican golf is enjoying a boom that reaches far beyond the fairways.

According to Acento, Ochoa's presence coincides with steady growth in golf-linked sports tourism. That's no surprise. Destinations like Punta Cana, La Romana and Puerto Plata have turned their courses into magnets for travelers seeking more than sun and sand. That translates into investment, jobs and a more diverse Dominican offering.

I see a clear opportunity here. Golf isn't just any sport for tourism: it attracts high-spending travelers who stay longer and pay more per night. Ochoa's visit also gives international visibility to an offering with plenty of room to grow. The challenge is to leverage this momentum to bring in more tournaments and connect these courses with international operators. The country has the pieces. Now it's about putting them together.