Dominican tourism sector set for strong growth

Subject

Tourism growth.

Significance

The Dominican Republic has the largest tourism market in the Caribbean, with tourist arrivals and related investment comprising the primary driver of economic growth. The country is set to maintain this momentum in 2019, with the government of President Danilo Medina keen to ensure that it retains its leading status.

Impacts

• Renewed US restrictions on visits to Cuba may see more tourists visit the Dominican Republic instead, boosting arrivals.
• Increased Chinese infrastructure investment is likely following Santo Domingo’s diplomatic switch from Taiwan.
• Political consensus on the importance of maintaining tourism growth will ensure policy continuity post-2020.
• Media reports of a series of recent US tourist deaths have raised some alarm but are unlikely to prompt a sharp drop in visitor numbers.