SDQ MICE 2026 brings 50 international buyers to explore Dominican tourism
Santo Domingo.- The Santo Domingo Hotel Association (AHSD) launched the sixth edition of SDQ MICE 2026, bringing together 50 international buyers from 11 markets and more than 50 companies from the Dominican tourism industry for an agenda expected to generate more than 1,000 B2B business meetings.
The buyers come from the United States, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Panama, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Ecuador and the United Kingdom, while participating tourism companies represent destinations including Santo Domingo, Santiago, Juan Dolio, Puerto Plata and Punta Cana.
AHSD President Gina Eli said the event seeks to strengthen Santo Domingo’s position as a destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and events by allowing international buyers to experience its tourism offerings firsthand.
The program combines business meetings, training, networking and destination experiences, including visits to the Colonial City, Santo Domingo Bay and Boca Chica. The event will conclude with a post-tour to Punta Cana, highlighting the Dominican Republic’s potential as a multidestination destination.
The initiative also features an agreement with MICE Consulting, aimed at strengthening destination strategy, international positioning and business opportunities in the MICE sector. The academic program includes Martin Boyle, CEO of the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO), who will address emerging standards and factors influencing the selection of destinations for international events.
Sustainability and talent development
Sustainability is another component of SDQ MICE 2026. AHSD highlighted the progress of Ruta PET, an initiative involving 16 hotels that has trained more than 350 employees and recovered 7.25 tons of PET, or more than 14,500 pounds of recyclable material.
The event also promotes Future Leaders, which connects university students with the meetings and events industry through educational and networking activities.
International buyers will additionally participate in an Experiential Rally in the Colonial City, designed to showcase the area’s history, heritage, gastronomy, art, music and hospitality.
SDQ MICE 2026 is supported by the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) as a strategic ally and main sponsor, along with organizations and companies including the Santo Domingo Tourism Cluster, Turenlaces, OPETUR MICE, Adompretur, Turio and other tourism-sector partners.
The event seeks to use business connections and firsthand destination experiences to generate new opportunities for Santo Domingo and strengthen the Dominican Republic’s position in the international MICE market.
