The Dominican Republic welcomed 200,496 visitors from the United Kingdom by air during 2025, a rise of 3.6 percent on the 193,608 arrivals recorded in 2024, as the Caribbean country deepens its tourism and trade relationship with Britain.

According to the country's Ministry of Tourism, Britain remains an important European source market, contributing approximately 2 percent of total international air arrivals. British visitors typically spend around 11 days in the destination, providing opportunities for hotels, restaurants, excursion operators and local tourism businesses.

The figures were highlighted as a Dominican delegation led by Tourism Minister David Collado attended World Travel Market London 2026, held from 3 to 5 November at ExCeL London, to promote the country's tourism offering to British and international travel businesses. The participation came alongside the 12th Dominican Week in the United Kingdom, organised from 1 to 5 November, bringing together government representatives, business leaders and investors to discuss tourism, trade and wider economic cooperation.

Flights, hotels and cruise growth

Air connectivity remains a central part of the Dominican Republic's strategy. Figures highlighted in the country's World Travel Market announcement indicate that flights from the United Kingdom increased by 12.8 percent year on year, while average airline load factors reached 85 percent. The announcement also reported a 50 percent increase in flight routes in 2024.

Greater connectivity is intended to help travel companies develop more flexible holiday packages and give British passengers more opportunities to reach popular destinations such as Punta Cana and Puerto Plata. The country is preparing for further hospitality growth, with more than 5,000 hotel rooms scheduled to enter the market in 2027.

Planned developments include Secrets Macao Beach Punta Cana, a 406-room adults-only property, and Melia Bergantin Beach near Puerto Plata, which is expected to provide 400 rooms. Swissotel is also planning its Dominican Republic debut in Santo Domingo, while Novotel Punta Cana Airport forms part of the expanding accommodation pipeline.

Cruise tourism is creating additional opportunities. The Dominican government has confirmed that MSC Cruises will establish a year-round homeport operation at La Romana from November 2026. The new Port Samana cruise terminal is scheduled to begin operations on 24 November 2026, with approximately 230,000 passengers projected for 2027.

Trade ties beyond tourism

Tourism is only one part of the Dominican Republic's relationship with Britain. According to ProDominicana, the government's export and investment promotion agency, exports to the United Kingdom reached approximately 200.7 million US dollars in 2024. Products exported to Britain include fresh bananas, medical instruments, guavas, mangoes, cotton and personal care products.

The UK's Department for Business and Trade reported that bilateral trade between the United Kingdom and the Dominican Republic reached 487 million pounds in the four quarters to December 2025. That included 203 million pounds in British exports and 284 million pounds in imports from the Dominican Republic.

Stronger demand across the Caribbean

The country's international tourism performance provides further support for its expansion plans. Government figures show that the Dominican Republic welcomed 9,241,246 visitors between January and September 2026, a 7.5 percent increase compared with the same period in 2025. The total included 7,143,993 air arrivals and 2,097,253 cruise passengers.

The Dominican Republic is also benefiting from changing travel patterns in the region. As Cuba's tourism sector contracts, with the country receiving about 477,707 international visitors between January and September 2026, a decline of 65.1 percent on the same period in 2025, travellers are turning to alternative Caribbean destinations. Sunwing Vacations reported a 50 percent year-on-year increase in bookings to the Dominican Republic, with Puerto Plata up about 60 percent, after Air Canada suspended Cuba flights in February 2026 and WestJet announced an indefinite suspension in June.

For British holidaymakers, the Dominican Republic is offering more than its familiar Caribbean beaches. Additional accommodation, stronger cruise connections and expanding international partnerships are creating fresh possibilities for exploring the destination, and the growing tourism market could bring more opportunities for travellers and businesses on both sides.