Leveraging Connectivity and Emerging Destinations
The Dominican Republic, globally recognized for its popular vacation tourism in the Caribbean, is now determined to expand its horizons and establish itself as a leading destination for meetings, conferences, and incentive trips (MICE), a rapidly growing segment in the region.
Highlighting Progress and Strategy
During the IBTM Americas 2025 in Mexico City, Carolina Pérez, Director of the Dominican Republic’s Tourism Promotion Office in Mexico, discussed the strategy and advancements made in connectivity, destination diversification, and attracting new markets during an interview with El Economista.
Baile típico en Alcazar de Colón en Santo Domingo, la capital de República Dominicana.
Air Connectivity as a Driving Force
Strengthening air connectivity has been crucial. Dominican airline Arajet has expanded routes to Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Colombia, diversifying the profile of tourists and positioning the country in non-traditional markets.
We are receiving visitors with different expectations, from congress attendees to those seeking destination weddings. This obliges us to enrich our offerings and adapt to various profiles,” Pérez mentioned.
Pérez also stated that the Dominican Republic is capturing its diaspora in the United States, particularly second and third-generation travelers who visit as tourists, stay in hotels, and participate in cultural and recreational activities.
Carolina Pérez, Directora de la Oficina de Promoción Turística de República Dominicana en México en IBTM Americas 2025.
Overcoming Seasonality
One of the primary goals is to reduce dependence on high seasons for sun and beach tourism. By hosting international weddings, conferences, and corporate travel, the country aims to maintain a steady flow of visitors throughout the year.
“We want visitors to experience more comprehensive experiences, discovering history, culture, and nature along with our beaches. This sets us apart and allows growth in the MICE segment,” Pérez stated.
A Long-Term Perspective
The meetings tourism in the Dominican Republic is part of an integral strategy that includes hotel investments, expanding air routes, international promotion, and destination diversification.
“The Dominican Republic will continue to be a leader in sun and beach tourism, but it will also be recognized as a country capable of hosting large events and business travelers. Our goal is clear: diversify, grow, and establish the destination as a Latin American reference,” Pérez concluded.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Dominican Republic’s goal in business tourism? The Dominican Republic aims to become a leading hub for meetings, conferences, and incentive trips (MICE) in the Caribbean by diversifying its tourism offerings and attracting new markets.
- How is the Dominican Republic enhancing its connectivity? The country has strengthened air connectivity through Dominican airline Arajet’s expansion of routes to Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Colombia.
- What strategies is the Dominican Republic using to overcome seasonality? The Dominican Republic plans to host international weddings, conferences, and corporate travel to maintain a steady flow of visitors throughout the year.
- What is the long-term vision for tourism in the Dominican Republic? The Dominican Republic intends to remain a leader in sun and beach tourism while also establishing itself as a destination capable of hosting large events and business travelers.
