The average daily spending of tourists in the Dominican Republic drops to $164

The average daily spending of tourists visiting the country has consistently decreased so far this year, going from US$176.67 in the first quarter of 2025 to US$164.83 in the third.

According to data from the Central Bank, daily spending in July, August, and September fell below the 2024 average, which stood at US$167.75.

In the first nine months of this year, the country received a total of 6,575,073 non-resident visitors, 2.3% more than in the same period in 2024. These had an estimated daily expenditure of US$170.17 and a stay of eight nights.

Hotel occupancy

The occupancy rate, as defined in statistics, refers to the number of tourists staying in hotels. Between January and September, the average occupancy rate was 75.6%, with Bayahibe-Romana having the highest occupancy at 83.1%, followed by Punta Cana at 82.2%.

Sosúa-Cabarete (52.7%), Santiago (52.4%), Santo Domingo (52.4%), and Samaná (57.4%) are the destinations with the lowest occupancy, below Boca Chica and Puerto Plata.

August and September were the months with the lowest occupancy at most of the country’s tourist destinations; however, the reduction was minimal in Bayahibe and Punta Cana, while it was significant in Sosúa-Cabarete and Puerto Plata (Playa Dorada, Costa Dorada, and Cofresí).

The flow of tourists by air amounted to 7,357,858 passengers in the period between January and September 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 181,393 passengers, equivalent to a relative variation of 2.5%.

Tourist profile

86.2% of tourists who visited the country between January and September of this year indicated that recreation was the main reason for their visit. Furthermore, hotels were the predominant accommodation option for 80.2% of visitors.

Regarding age, 50.1% of visitors were between 21 and 49 years old, 51.7% were women, and 48.3% were men, according to Listín Diario.