Santo Domingo now grabs 13% of visitors to the DR

JSBy Joan SanzCurated by Joan Sanz. · August 20, 2026 · Follow on LinkedIn

Voice reading · ~2 min

Great news for the capital, and this is not just wishful thinking. Martín de Oliva, Deputy Minister of Tourism, has put a number on the table that makes you read twice: Santo Domingo now captures 13% of all visitors arriving in the Dominican Republic. Arecoa reports it, and that is a share the city has struggled to reach in the past.

This is not a random claim. About three years ago, Oliva recalls, the capital was in a very different position in the national tourism mix. Now the growth is obvious, and the real question is why. Santo Domingo has stopped being just a gateway or a one-night stopover and turned into a destination on its own: hotels, food, culture, an offer that competes with the beach without complexes.

My read is that this 13% is more than a stat. It confirms that Santo Domingo has learned how to sell itself, and that travelers increasingly think of the capital as a place to stay, not just a place to pass through. If the trend holds, the next challenge is occupancy and length of stay. And I see plenty of room to grow. The capital is finally playing in the top tier of Dominican tourism.

Quick questions

What key number did Martín de Oliva share?

The Deputy Minister of Tourism said Santo Domingo now captures 13% of visitors arriving in the Dominican Republic, as reported by Arecoa.

Why does Santo Domingo capturing 13% matter?

Because the capital has shifted from being a gateway to a full-fledged destination, with hotels, food and culture that drive longer stays.

What changed in Santo Domingo to reach this figure?

The city has strengthened its tourism offer and promotion over the last three years, making it increasingly competitive with beach destinations.

How long has Santo Domingo been growing visitors?

According to Oliva, about three years ago the capital had a different position in the tourism mix, and growth has been steady since then.

What should Santo Domingo do to keep growing?

Turn visitor arrivals into longer stays and higher occupancy, so the 13% translates into more nights and more spending in the city.

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