Minister David Collado Projects $4 Billion in Tourism Investments at FITUR 2026
Minister of Tourism David Collado has announced significant investment plans for the Dominican Republic, projecting $4 billion in tourism investments through 2026. This announcement was made during the International Tourism Fair, FITUR 2026, held in Madrid, where Collado highlighted the growing confidence of the private sector in the Dominican Republic as a key destination for investment within the region.
Investment Outlook for the Dominican Republic
In 2025, the Dominican Republic closed the year with a staggering $6.75 billion in tourism investments. These figures demonstrate the robust environment for tourism in the country, backed by agreements with commercial banks, airlines, and international hotel chains.
Key Investment Projects
- Collado emphasized a strategic agenda for securing financing and enhancing air connectivity.
- Planned investments are set to include meetings with major airlines such as Air Caraïbes, Air France, and Condor.
- Numerous international hotel chains are expanding their presence, notably:
- Hyatt: Over 1,000 new rooms in Miches.
- Hilton: 500 rooms developed by the Rainieri family.
- Viva Wyndham Resorts: An additional 500 rooms in the same area.
- Club Med and the Fort Sisson project are also highlighted.
Strengthening Economic Impact
The anticipated investments align with a comprehensive strategy to promote various tourism segments, including sports, gastronomy, and cultural tourism. Miches is positioned to emerge as a prominent destination with nearly 4,000 planned hotel rooms.
The financial backing from commercial banks is critical. The Banco Popular Dominicano projects investments of $2.3 billion, while Banreservas expects contributions exceeding $1.2 billion. Together, these commitments aim to meet the $4 billion target.
Growth in Tourism and Visitor Statistics
The impact of these investments is projected to reach around RD$240 billion in the local economy. The Dominican Republic recorded 11.7 million visitors in 2024, with a remarkable 9.5% increase in January 2026 compared to the previous year.
FITUR: A Platform for Global Tourism
FITUR has become a pivotal event for global tourism, particularly in the European market. Collado emphasized that the Dominican Republic endeavors to establish itself as a competitive and diverse destination, focusing on markets such as Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia. This approach not only reaffirms the country’s leadership in the international tourism industry but also showcases its potential beyond traditional sun and beach offerings.
As these developments progress, Filmogaz.com will continue to monitor the growth and innovations within the Dominican tourism sector.
