Central Bank projects tourism revenues to surpass US$12.5 billion in 2026

Santo Domingo.- The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (BCRD) projected that tourism revenues will exceed US$12.5 billion by the end of 2026, reinforcing the sector’s role as a key pillar of the country’s economic stability and foreign exchange generation.

The Dominican Republic Hotel and Tourism Association (Asonahores) welcomed the Central Bank’s latest analysis on the impact of the armed conflict in the Middle East, highlighting tourism’s continued importance as one of the nation’s main economic buffers amid global uncertainty.

According to the report, titled “Dominican Republic Facing an Oil Shock of Uncertain Nature: An Analysis of the Impact of the Middle East War on the Economy,” the country received 3,710,374 visitors during the first quarter of 2026, the highest figure ever recorded for that period. The total included 2,603,777 air tourists and 1,106,597 cruise passengers.

The report also noted that the Dominican Republic surpassed 900,000 air arrivals in a single month for the first time in March 2026, supported by strong growth from European markets, including increases of 36% in Germany and 17% in France and the United Kingdom.

Asonahores stated that these results reflect international confidence in the Dominican Republic as a safe, competitive, and attractive destination, despite geopolitical tensions, rising oil prices, and economic slowdowns affecting other regions.

“Tourism continues to demonstrate that it is much more than an economic activity; it is an engine of stability, foreign exchange earnings, jobs, and investment for the entire nation,” the organization said.

The association also highlighted that the country’s sovereign risk has remained stable despite the global situation. According to the Central Bank, the Dominican EMBI stood at 177 basis points as of May 20, below the regional average of 264 basis points, reflecting investor confidence in the national economy.

Asonahores attributed the sector’s performance to coordinated efforts between the public and private sectors, as well as policies focused on tourism promotion, air connectivity, infrastructure, and investment that have strengthened the competitiveness of the Dominican destination.