The Dominican Republic, one of the most visited destinations in the Caribbean with more than 11 million annual visitors, successfully held the third edition of its TradeShow 2025 in Miami on Wednesday, April 2, consolidating itself as the most important marketing event in the Dominican Republic internationally. Led by the Minister of Tourism of the Dominican Republic, David Collado, the trade show began with an opening ceremony and ribbon cutting at the JW Marriott Marquis in Miami, bringing together more than 600 professionals from the sector, including travel agents, tour operators, airlines, and international media representatives.
Marking the official start of the Dominican Republic TradeShow activities in Miami, international investors, specialized media, and the most influential tour operators in the luxury segment were invited to a welcome event at the Alfred I. DuPont building on Tuesday, April 1, positioning the country as a leading luxury tourism destination in the Caribbean. During the event, the minister highlighted the importance of luxury tourism as a tool for economic diversification and sustainable development. The event was attended by agencies and operators specialized in luxury tourism, including Aura Travel, Classic Vacations, and Continental Travel Group, among others.
This year, the TradeShow exceeded expectations with 90 co-exhibitors, more than 1,500 business meetings, and an unprecedented economic impact projection. The arrival of more than 500,000 new tourists is expected, which will encourage hotel investment of $1.300 million USD and the creation of more than 33,000 direct and indirect jobs. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in business rounds with the main tourism players, presentations of investment projects and new air routes, specialized training in various tourism niches and authentic gastronomic experiences, with iconic dishes such as coconut lemonade, avocado montados, morir soñando and country brand products such as rum, coffee and tobacco. During the event, new hotel developments were announced in emerging destinations such as Miches, Samaná, Punta Bergantín, Santo Domingo, and Santiago. And cultural and gastronomic experiences that reinforce the country’s appeal beyond the sun and beach.
Colombia remained in 2024 as the third main country of origin of tourists from the American continent to the Dominican Republic, with 336,693 visitors, which represented an increase of 10% compared to 2023 and 5% of total international arrivals. The majority of Colombian travelers preferred to stay in hotels (83%) and traveled mainly with family (44%). Their average stay was 6 days, with 76% concentrated in the province of La Altagracia, where iconic destinations such as Punta Cana and Bávaro are located. In addition, the experience was broadly positive: overall satisfaction was 4.5 out of 5, and 95% expressed their intention to return. This trend reaffirms the growing interest of Colombians in this Caribbean destination.
In this context, the 2025 TradeShow in Miami not only reaffirmed the country’s leadership in Caribbean tourism but also the interest of the main players in the sector to continue strengthening this connection. Among the co-exhibitors who gathered at the event are renowned hotel chains and tourism groups such as Casa de Campo, Meliá Hotels, Iberostar Hotels, Barceló Hotels, Viva by Wyndham, Club Med, and Marriott Miches Beach, all committed to promoting a diverse, modern, and sustainable offer.
“The Dominican Republic reaffirms itself as a leader in Caribbean tourism, with sustained growth and a clear vision of expansion,” Collado said. “It is a reflection of the dynamism, innovation, and trust that the world places in our destination. We will continue to work for an increasingly strong, connected, and development-oriented industry.”
From the crystal clear waters of its beaches to its lush mountains, the Dominican Republic offers a range of possibilities that go beyond the sun and sand. Its unique combination of modern infrastructure, natural richnes, and diversity of experiences makes it the ideal place for all types of visitors.
- Punta Cana: Infinite Beauty and Unforgettable Experiences
Famous for its paradisiacal beaches, Punta Cana is renewed in 2025 with openings such as ZEL by Meliá, focused on wellness, and W Punta Cana, an adults-only resort. - Miches: Adventure and Sustainable Luxury
Just 45 minutes from Punta Cana, Miches combines luxury and nature, standing out for its ecological approach with the upcoming Four Seasons Miches and activities such as hiking and nature exploration. - Samaná: A Caribbean Eden
In the country’s northeast, Samaná offers pristine beaches and is world-renowned for humpback whale sightings from January to March. - La Romana & Bayahibe: Nature & Exclusivity
Known for Casa de Campo and golf courses like Teeth of the Dog, La Romana provides access to Saona Island and Catalina Island, ideal for those looking to explore further afield. - Santiago and La Vega: Living Culture in the North
Santiago, “the Heart City”, is positioned as a center of business and nightlife. Nearby, La Vega and Jarabacoa are surprisingly populated by mountainous landscapes and carnival traditions. - Puerto Plata: History and Atlantic Adventure
The “Bride of the Atlantic” stands out for cruise ports such as Amber Cove and its proximity to Cabarete, a paradise for surfers and sea lovers. - Río San Juan: Hidden Luxury
A coastal town with quiet and exclusive beaches, Río San Juan has become a refuge for those seeking privacy, luxury, and connection with nature. - Santo Domingo: History and Modernity
The first city in the New World, it combines colonial monuments such as the First Cathedral of America, with nightlife, gastronomy, and high-end shopping.
Photo credit: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (MITUR).
