Dominican Republic returns to top 10 long-haul destinations for French tour operators
The Dominican Republic has returned to the top 10 long-haul destinations for French tour operators, recording a 7% increase in customers during the current fiscal year, according to the Syndicat des entreprises du tour-operating (SETO).
The country ranks 10th, marking its return to the list after falling out following a sharp decline in the French market in 2023.
SETO reported a 22% drop in sales in 2023 after Air France and Corsair suspended direct flights to the Dominican Republic. The recovery became more evident in 2025, when business volume increased 35.1% and customer traffic rose 28%.
The positive trend continued during the 2025–2026 winter season, with business volume increasing 7.7%, followed by the latest 7% growth in customers.
Air connectivity drives recovery
The recovery comes as the Dominican Republic strengthens its presence in the French tourism market and participates in IFTM Top Resa 2026 in Paris, one of Europe’s leading tourism trade shows.
Tourism Minister David Collado said approximately 220,000 French tourists visit the Dominican Republic each year and highlighted the country’s continued participation in the event.
Air connectivity remains central to the recovery. Air France is scheduled to increase its direct Paris–Punta Cana service to three weekly flights starting November 30, 2026, using Boeing 777 aircraft.
Air Caraïbes also operates routes to Punta Cana, Santo Domingo and Samaná. Meanwhile, ITA Airways is scheduled to launch a direct Rome–Santo Domingo route on November 30, expanding the country’s European air connections.
SETO reported an overall 2.6% decline in customers among its tour operators, while business volume fell 1.4%. The Dominican Republic was among the destinations showing growth despite the broader decline.
Egypt led the recovery among the top destinations with an 18.7% increase, followed by the United Kingdom at 18.1%.
For the Dominican Republic, the return to SETO’s top 10 highlights the importance of direct air connectivity in attracting French travelers and rebuilding the country’s position in the European tourism market.
