Medical tourism ranks among the Dominican Republic’s most important economic sectors

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic is expanding its global reputation beyond sun and beaches, positioning itself as a growing health and wellness tourism hub. The medical tourism sector now generates over US$1.3 billion annually, making it one of the five most important contributors to the national economy—alongside traditional tourism, medical device exports, gold, and tobacco.

This high-value industry integrates healthcare, tourism, foreign investment, transportation, education, innovation, and hospitality. Beyond generating foreign revenue and quality jobs, it also raises national healthcare standards by driving structural improvements, standardization of practices, and workforce professionalization. The sector presents a key opportunity to diversify the economy, enhance the national brand, and activate value chains that benefit both public and private sectors.

A Key Institutional Step: Decree 787-21

President Luis Abinader took a significant step by issuing Decree 787-21, officially declaring health and wellness tourism a matter of national interest. This recognizes the strategic importance of the sector and establishes a foundation for state-level coordination and long-term development.

“Medical tourism has shifted from being a trend to becoming a national development strategy with real economic and social impact,” said Dr. Alejandro Cambiaso, president of the Dominican Association of Health Tourism (ADTS). He emphasized that while the decree is a milestone, its successful implementation requires a clear roadmap, institutional backing, and continuity over time.

International Promotion: A Pending Task

Despite its strong potential, the country still lacks a structured strategy to promote medical tourism internationally. ADTS vice president Amelia Reyes Mora stressed that medical tourism should be marketed with the same strategic focus as traditional tourism, as the Dominican Republic offers a unique and competitive value proposition.

To strengthen its global presence, the country must actively participate in international expos, build partnerships with global platforms, and enhance its digital visibility in priority markets such as the Caribbean, North America, Europe, and Latin America. Boosting international visibility would help attract high-value patients, drive investment, and strengthen the country’s reputation as a modern, reliable healthcare destination.

The Coordinating Role of the ADTS

The Dominican Association of Health Tourism (ADTS) has played a pivotal role in bridging the healthcare, tourism, financial, and business sectors. It has supported the adoption of international standards, fostered strategic partnerships, conducted market research, and organized high-profile forums, such as the International Congresses on Health and Wellness Tourism, to promote the country to key global stakeholders.

Recommendations for Strengthening the Sector

To solidify the Dominican Republic’s position as a regional leader in medical tourism, several actions are recommended:

• Promote international certifications and accreditations to ensure service quality and patient safety.

• Combat unlicensed practitioners and unauthorized clinics to protect both the country’s reputation and patients.

• Include medical tourism in national strategies for service exports, healthcare, foreign investment, and tourism development.

• Offer fiscal incentives and financing options to encourage infrastructure growth and the development of specialized human capital.

• Strengthen public-private collaboration and interinstitutional governance to ensure long-term sustainability and patient-centered care.

• Launch and coordinate international promotion campaigns aligned with global standards and driven by both public and private sectors.