Dominican Republic stands out at Saudi Travel Market 2025 in Riyadh

Riyadh.- The Dominican Republic made history as the only Latin American and Caribbean nation to participate in the second edition of the Saudi Travel Market (STM) 2025, held from February 10 to 12 at the International Center of Events and Conventions in Riyadh. The event, which has quickly grown into one of the most important tourism exhibitions in the Middle East, provided an unprecedented opportunity for the Dominican Republic to showcase its rich cultural heritage, tourism offerings, and economic potential to a global audience.

The Dominican Republic’s presence at STM 2025 was marked by a vibrant cultural display that captivated attendees. The country’s pavilion opened with a showcase of merengue music, featuring iconic songs such as Juan Luis Guerra’s “El Farolito” and the traditional “Caña Brava.” The performances, enhanced by the energy of the Ballet Dominicano en Europa, brought the spirit of the Caribbean to Riyadh, drawing significant attention from visitors and industry professionals alike.

A strategic push for Dominican tourism in Saudi Arabia

Andy Rodríguez Durán, the Dominican Republic’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, emphasized the importance of participating in this prestigious event. “This is a significant step forward in strengthening ties with key stakeholders in the Middle East. Our presence here allows us to engage with travel agencies, tourism investors, and government representatives, showcasing not only our country’s cultural richness but also the vast opportunities for investment and tourism development in the Dominican Republic,” he stated.

The Dominican Republic has been steadily increasing its efforts to position itself in non-traditional markets, with Saudi Arabia being a focal point. Ambassador Rodríguez Durán highlighted that the country’s tourism sector is not only about picturesque beaches and luxury resorts but also about cultural exchanges, adventure tourism, and economic partnerships.

In line with this objective, the Dominican delegation engaged in multiple meetings with Saudi business leaders, government officials, and travel industry representatives. These discussions centered around the expansion of direct air connectivity between the two nations, investment opportunities in the tourism sector, and the growing demand for experiential and sustainable tourism.

A strong media presence and international promotion

The Dominican Republic’s participation at STM 2025 was further reinforced by a select delegation from the Dominican Association of Tourism Press (Adompretur). Representing the organization at this prestigious event, Adompretur President Yenny Polanco Lovera led a distinguished group of journalists and communicators, including Salvador Batista, Mayra De Peña, Cristina Rosario, Raysa Féliz, Yubelkys Mejía, and aviation affairs advisor Luis José Chávez.

The delegation’s agenda kicked off with the inauguration of the Dominican Republic’s stand at the second edition of the Saudi Travel Market (STM) 2025, held from February 10 to 12 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. Pictured: Yenny Polanco Lovera, Raysa Féliz, Luis José Chávez, Yubelkys Mejía and Salvador Batista. (Photo: Adompretur)

Polanco Lovera highlighted the importance of this experience in broadening perspectives on international tourism promotion. “Engaging with Saudi Arabia’s culture and tourism industry has been incredibly insightful. It reaffirms the need for Dominican tourism authorities to prioritize and invest in international markets beyond the Americas,” she said.

Adding to the significance of this mission, the Dominican delegation also participated in a grand reception hosted by the Dominican Embassy in Saudi Arabia in honor of the country’s 181st Independence Day. The event, attended by distinguished guests from various diplomatic and business circles, served as a platform to further promote the Dominican Republic’s identity and tourism potential on an international level.

Saudi Travel Market: a gateway to new opportunities

Sponsored by the Federation of Saudi Chambers, the Saudi Travel Market is one of the leading tourism exhibitions in the region, designed to bolster Saudi Arabia’s status as a premier global destination in alignment with the country’s Vision 2030 initiative. The 2025 edition of STM saw record participation, with over 185 exhibitors from 34 countries representing various sectors, including sustainable tourism, destination marketing, aviation, and travel technology.

The event was inaugurated by H.E. Ahmed bin Hassan Al-Sahli, President of the National Exhibitions and Conferences Committee, alongside key figures from the public and private sectors, ambassadors, media representatives, and major investors in the global travel industry.

The Dominican Republic’s participation in STM 2025 marks a crucial milestone in its tourism diplomacy and international expansion strategy. By leveraging platforms such as the Saudi Travel Market, the country is paving the way for future collaborations in tourism, trade, and cultural exchange with Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle Eastern market.

With growing global interest in the Dominican Republic as a top-tier travel destination, its successful showcase at STM 2025 reinforces the nation’s commitment to diversifying its tourism industry and establishing new connections that will drive sustainable growth in the years to come.