Country hopes to see 12 million visitors this year
The Dominican Republic’s tourism trade is on a roll, with there being plenty of people eagerly seeking fun in the sun in a country that’s well-suited to host that type of vacationer, thanks to its many beach locales.
Mariel Herrera, director of the Dominican Republic Tourism Board’s Toronto office said she’s upbeat about tourism in her homeland, which has set an ambitious goal this year.
“Tourism has been thriving all year long this 2025,” she told Travel Courier. “It’s seen a significant increase in visitor numbers from around the world, especially in all-inclusive resorts, adventure, golf, cultural tourism, weddings and honeymoons, family vacations, and others. In these past months, globally renowned brands like Hyatt and Marriott have welcomed new properties, embracing the regions of Miches and Punta Cana, offering new destination opportunities for their guests. It has been a momentous year, and our expectations for the winter season are even broader. We have set a year-end goal: to welcome 12 million visitors by the end of 2025.
“The Dominican Republic reached the highest number of guests in its history during the first six months of 2025, welcoming over 6,145,008 travellers, an increase of 32%, or 1,999,201 when compared to the same period in 2024, Canada being among the countries that have contributed the greatest so far this year, with 18% of our overall visitors.”
Punta Cana remains the most popular destination in the Dominican Republic, with Herrera saying that beach-fronting destination caters to each type of visitor. Punta Cana attributes include such pristine beaches as Bávaro and Macao, known for their powdery white sand and turquoise waters. Visitors will also find all-inclusive resorts accommodating different budgets and travel styles — from family friendly to ultra-luxury, said Herrera, adding that those visitors will also find numerous adventure and culture experiences, such as zip-lining, snorkeling, eco-parks, “vibrant local music, and exquisite cuisine.”
Punta Cana also benefits from direct flights from this country.
Prominent Dominican beach destinations include Bávaro, Bayahibe, La Romana Puerto Plata, Samana and Terrenas.
But Herrera also said Canadian tourists should consider visiting the capital city of Santo Domingo. which she said “portrays the pulse of Dominican culture, where the old and the new converge seamlessly, from architecture and history to large shopping malls, art galleries, an active and interesting nightlife, and an irresistible gastronomic scene.
“Every province, city, corner, in the Dominican Republic has a unique charm.”
Some locations and experiences that Herrera said would be particularly memorable for Canadian visitors include Bahia de las Aguilas National Park in Bahía de las Águilas, Pedernales; climbing Pico Duarte, the highest peak in the Caribbean; visiting waterfalls and rivers, such as El Limón Waterfall in Samana; the 27 Charcos (waterfalls) of Damajagua in Puerto Plata; rafting in the Yaque del Norte River; hiking through Jimenoa and refreshing at “El Salto,” Jarabacoa; and Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone, “where you can catch a glimpse of our origins, tag along a guided or self tour through our historical museums, cathedrals — including the First Cathedral of the Americas — live music, artisan shops, bike strolls, gastronomic experiences and stays at the core of it all.”
Herrera said the tourism infrastructure in the Dominican Republic is continually expanding. Recent months have seen new openings in throughout our country, including the Miches Region, now home to the Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection; Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa; the Viva Miches By Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort; and the Marriott Miches Beach, An All-Inclusive Resort
The Punta Cana region, in turn, has recently seen the opening of the ZEL Punta Cana Resort by Melia; W Punta Cana, an adult all inclusive; and the El Dorado Adventure Park.
Herrera said air service between Canada and the Dominican Republic is now “booming,” with carriers now linking the countries including WestJet, Air Canada, Air Transat, Sunwing, Flair, and Arajet.
