David Collado bets on sports tourism to attract high-spending travelers

Tourism Minister David Collado has once again put the spotlight on sports tourism as a driver of high-spending visitors. This time he does it with a heavyweight name: Mexican former golfer Lorena Ochoa, world number one in the LPGA ranking, who will visit the Diente de Perro course at Casa de Campo, La Romana, this Friday.

Collado highlighted Ochoa as an example of success, dedication, talent, persistence, and entrepreneurship. This visit is no coincidence: golf is one of the segments that generates the highest revenue per tourist, and the Dominican Republic boasts world-class courses that compete with the best in the Caribbean. The MITUR strategy, as Suelo Caribe reports, is clear: attract a traveler who spends more and stays longer.

And mind you, this is not just about golf. Sports tourism opens the door to events, academies, and tournaments that fill hotels outside the high season. If done with ambassadors like Lorena Ochoa, international visibility is guaranteed. In my view, it's a smart bet: diversify the offering and position the country brand beyond sun and beach. We'll see how it translates into arrival and occupancy numbers, but the path seems right.