By the Pixie Vacations advisor team — Caribbean specialists featured on USA Today, NBC, ABC and CNN, with 735+ five-star client reviews. Last updated: July 2026.
The Dominican Republic set a tourism record in the first half of 2026, welcoming 6,616,671 visitors — the strongest six-month performance in the country’s history, Tourism Minister David Collado announced on July 5. Arrivals rose 7.7 percent over the first half of 2025, putting the country on pace to top 12 million visitors this year.
How Big Is the Dominican Republic’s Tourism Record?
The Dominican Republic tourism record breaks down to 4,963,542 stayover visitors arriving by air and 1,653,129 cruise passengers through June 30. According to figures announced by Tourism Minister David Collado and reported by Caribbean Journal, the total is 7.7 percent ahead of the first half of 2025 and 11 percent ahead of the same period in 2024.
| Measure (Jan–June 2026) | Total | Change |
|---|---|---|
| All visitors | 6,616,671 | +7.7% vs. 2025 |
| Air (stayover) arrivals | 4,963,542 | Record first half |
| Cruise passengers | 1,653,129 | Fastest-growing segment |
| June 2026 visitors | 975,012 | +6% vs. June 2025 |
June air arrivals of 816,517 were 39.1 percent above pre-pandemic June 2019 — a sign of how much airlift into Punta Cana, Santo Domingo and the north coast has grown.
Where Are Visitors Coming From?
American travelers made up 53 percent of June arrivals, followed by Colombia (8 percent), Canada (7 percent), and Puerto Rico and Argentina (5 percent each). Punta Cana International Airport handled 53 percent of inbound flights, with Las Américas in Santo Domingo taking 28 percent and Cibao 12 percent.
What the Record Means for Your Dominican Republic Vacation
More demand means popular Punta Cana all-inclusives sell out further ahead, especially for winter and spring dates. Hotel occupancy averaged 71 percent in the first half, and 92 percent of visitors said they would return. New supply is helping: three new Lopesan resorts opened in Punta Cana in May, and Moon Palace The Grand debuted as the Caribbean’s biggest new all-inclusive. Couples comparing options can start with our sister site’s guide to the best all-inclusive honeymoon resorts of 2026.
Quick Facts: Dominican Republic Tourism in 2026
How many visitors did the Dominican Republic get in the first half of 2026?
The Dominican Republic welcomed 6,616,671 visitors from January through June 2026 — an all-time first-half record, up 7.7 percent from 2025.
Will the Dominican Republic reach 12 million visitors in 2026?
If current trends hold, the country is on track to surpass 12 million visitors by the end of 2026, which would set another annual record.
What is the Dominican Republic’s biggest source market?
The United States, by a wide margin — American travelers accounted for 53 percent of all international arrivals in June 2026.
What is the busiest airport in the Dominican Republic?
Punta Cana International Airport, which received 53 percent of all inbound international flights in June 2026, making it the Caribbean’s busiest tourism gateway.
Is it a good time to book a Dominican Republic vacation?
Yes — but book early. Record demand and 71 percent average hotel occupancy mean the best rooms at top Punta Cana resorts go quickly for peak dates.
Planning a Dominican Republic trip? The advisors at Pixie Vacations and Pixie Honeymoons can match you with the right resort and current promotions — with no booking fees.
Source: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism figures announced by Minister David Collado, July 5, 2026, via Caribbean Journal.
