Minister David Collado Projects $4 Billion in FITUR 2026 Tourism Investments
During the recent FITUR 2026 international tourism fair in Madrid, Dominican Minister of Tourism David Collado announced plans for significant investments in the tourism sector. The Republic Dominican is projected to generate approximately $4 billion in investments after closing 2025 with a remarkable $6.75 billion in tourism investments.
Major Investments Launched by Minister David Collado
Collado emphasized that the country’s promising outlook arises from ongoing negotiations with commercial banks, airlines, and international hotel chains. These strategic meetings aim to secure financing, enhance air connectivity, and expand the national hotel offering.
Strengthening Air Connectivity
In terms of flight operations, the minister revealed that discussions are underway with several airlines. Key players include:
- Air Caraïbes
- Air France, currently offering three weekly flights to Punta Cana
- Condor, Germany’s leading airline
The goal of these discussions is to increase flight frequency and capacity from strategic European markets to the Dominican Republic.
Expansion of Hotel Chains
Important international hotel chains continue to express confidence in the Dominican Republic. Notable expansions include:
- Hyatt, adding over 1,000 rooms in Miches
- Hilton, with about 500 rooms driven by the Rainieri family
- Viva Wyndham Resorts, which will also add 500 rooms in Miches
- Club Med and the ongoing Fort Sisson project
Additionally, new major hotel chains are expected to enter the Dominican market, with formal announcements planned during FITUR.
Comprehensive Strategy for Tourism Growth
The investment initiatives are part of a broader strategy focusing on various dimensions of tourism. This includes promoting:
- Sports tourism
- Culinary and cultural tourism
- Emerging tourist hubs, particularly in Miches, targeting around 4,000 hotel rooms
These focuses are designed to establish Miches as a significant emerging destination in the region.
Financial Commitments and Economic Impact
Financial agreements play a crucial role in achieving these investment goals. Highlights include:
- Banco Popular Dominicano anticipates $2.3 billion in investments
- Banreservas projects commitments exceeding $1.2 billion
These figures collectively reinforce the target of reaching around $4 billion in investment commitments from the fair, equating to approximately RD$240 billion in local currency.
Positioning the Dominican Republic on the Global Stage
Collado noted that FITUR has solidified its status as the most significant tourism fair globally, particularly within the European market. He highlighted that the Dominican Republic welcomed 11.7 million visitors in 2024, with a 9.5% increase in arrivals in January 2026 compared to the previous year.
In conclusion, the Dominican government’s strategy at FITUR seeks to elevate the country’s profile as a diverse and competitive destination beyond traditional sun and beach tourism. The sustained growth in outbound markets, including Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia, reinforces the Dominican Republic’s position as a leader in the international tourism industry.
