In 2025, the Dominican Republic is experiencing a significant shift in its tourism trends. While U.S. and Canadian arrivals have seen a notable decline, driven by factors like seasonal fluctuations and global travel disruptions, South American nations—especially Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Mexico—are propelling the country toward an extraordinary growth surge. This surge is attributed to enhanced air connectivity, strategic government promotions, and favorable travel agreements, making the Dominican Republic a top destination for travelers from these markets. The growth from South America has been instrumental in offsetting the decline from North America, marking a historic shift in the island’s tourism landscape.
Between January and April 2025, the Dominican Republic welcomed 434,352 tourists from South America, marking a significant 31.3% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This boost, adding 103,561 visitors to the previous year’s numbers, reflects the impact of improved air connectivity and a robust international promotional strategy spearheaded by the government. This growth has helped sustain the country’s tourism economy despite challenges from other regions.
While South America’s contributions were strong, North American markets experienced a decline in arrivals. Specifically, the number of tourists from the United States and Canada decreased by 88,251 visitors, influenced by seasonal factors such as the leap year and changes in the dates of Holy Week in 2025. These declines, however, were offset by the increased influx of South American travelers.
In the first four months of 2025, 1,122,849 travelers arrived from the United States, a 5.12% decrease compared to 1,183,537 in the same period in 2024. Similarly, Canadian arrivals fell by 4.43%, from 621,485 in 2024 to 593,922 in 2025. Despite these reductions, the U.S. and Canada remain the dominant sources of tourism to the Dominican Republic, accounting for a combined total of 1,716,771 visitors in the first four months of 2025.
Argentina and Peru Lead South American Growth
Among South American countries, Argentina has emerged as a standout performer in the Dominican Republic’s tourism sector. In the first four months of 2025, 163,266 Argentine tourists visited, nearly double the 82,289 recorded during the same period in 2024. This dramatic rise follows the signing of an open skies agreement between Argentina and the Dominican Republic in January, which has led to an expansion of direct flight routes, making travel easier and more accessible.
Other South American countries have also contributed significantly to the overall growth. Peru’s tourism saw a remarkable 67.8% increase, with 39,634 visitors compared to 23,618 in the same period last year. Ecuador also posted strong results, with a 29.09% increase, bringing in 21,024 tourists, up from 16,286 in 2024. Colombia, another important market, saw 95,060 tourists, representing a 7.35% increase over the previous year.
Venezuela Faces Sharp Decline
While many South American countries experienced growth, Venezuela saw a sharp decline in the number of tourists visiting the Dominican Republic. The number of Venezuelan visitors plummeted by 70.43%, from 17,966 in the first four months of 2024 to just 5,312 in the same period in 2025. This drop can be attributed to the suspension of direct flights between Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, following a government decision in July 2024. The loss of air connectivity has had a severe impact on tourism from Venezuela, which has traditionally been a significant market for the Caribbean nation.
Mexico’s Solid Performance in North America
In North America, Mexico showed impressive growth, with a 25% increase in air passengers traveling to the Dominican Republic. The number of Mexican tourists rose from 31,737 in the first four months of 2024 to 39,652 in the same period in 2025. This growth highlights Mexico’s increasing preference for the Dominican Republic as a travel destination and reflects the country’s expanding ties with the Caribbean region.
Tourism Sector Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Despite challenges posed by fluctuations in travel patterns, Tourism Minister David Collado expressed optimism about the sector’s resilience. He emphasized that the Dominican Republic’s tourism industry has maintained its competitiveness and continues to attract international travelers. The strong growth in April, he noted, is a clear indication of the sector’s ability to recover and thrive, even amid global uncertainties.
In 2025, while tourism from the U.S. and Canada declines due to seasonal factors and global trends, South American countries like Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Mexico drive a historic growth surge in the Dominican Republic, fueled by improved connectivity and targeted promotions.
Looking ahead, the Dominican Republic plans to further strengthen its ties with South American markets and continue promoting its appeal in North America. By diversifying its tourism sources, the country aims to mitigate the impact of seasonal and geopolitical challenges while fostering sustainable growth in the years to come.
