AGP Executive Report

Direct-Booking Golf Stays in Cap Cana: Villa Espada launched a new group-focused, direct-booking golf-trip experience on Fairway 5 of Punta Espada, with tee-time coordination, discounted member-guest rates, and included carts plus full staff service. Tourism Value Push: Tourism Minister David Collado urged a “next phase” for DR tourism that raises hotel rates and visitor spending, with stronger territorial planning in fast-growing areas like Bávaro-Punta Cana, Samaná, Puerto Plata and La Romana. Canada Connectivity Boost: Air Canada will add seasonal Montréal–Santo Domingo service in Dec 2026 (mainline A220), while Aerodom reports strong Canadian growth at Puerto Plata and Samaná and more winter seat capacity. Tourism Workforce Upskilling: MESCyT will award 4,000 additional English scholarships for tourism workers, including 2,000 via Asonahores, to improve employability and service quality. Local Supply Chains for Hotels: Asonahores and AIRD signed a cooperation deal to link Dominican manufacturers with hotel and tourism buyers, including sustainability and circular-economy pilots. Samaná Promotion: The Go Samaná 2026–2027 bilingual guide was released, spotlighting beaches, whales, culture, cruises and new diversification efforts.

Caribbean Travel Seasonality: A new piece argues the region’s “five-month” tourism lull is often misunderstood, saying demand is steadier than many assume—an angle that matters for Dominican Republic planning beyond peak winter. Regenerative Hospitality: Another report frames regenerative tourism as “leaving places better able to thrive,” pushing hotels to restore nature and strengthen local economies, not just cut harm. Punta Cana Hotel Pipeline: Marriott-branded growth continues in Punta Cana, with a planned City Express by Marriott adding to a major mixed-use development. Local Supply Chains for Tourism: Asonahores and AIRD signed a cooperation deal to boost Dominican-made products in hotel and restaurant supply chains, including sustainability and circular-economy pilots. Tourism Diversification: Asonahores president Juan Bancalari says DR tourism is shifting toward higher-spending segments (luxury brands plus nautical, sports, gastronomy, and business travel). Miss World Spotlight: Joheirry Mola Dominguez was crowned Miss World 2026, putting the Dominican Republic front and center in global tourism and culture coverage. Sargassum Warning: Frank Rainieri again urges faster government action on sargassum, calling delays risky for DR’s eastern coast tourism. Inflation Watch: Dominican inflation eased to 5.13% year-on-year in August, a macro signal that can influence travel budgets.

Hotel & Real Estate Growth in Punta Cana: Grupo Nivel plans a 111-room City Express by Marriott at Aura Boulevard, adding hospitality to a mixed-use push that also includes about 900 residences. Local Tourism Supply Chain: Asonahores and AIRD signed a cooperation deal to boost Dominican-made goods and services in hotel and tourism supply chains, with sustainability and circular-economy pilots on the agenda. Tourism Demand & Pricing Signals: Asonahores president Juan Bancalari says the Dominican Republic is shifting toward a more diversified, higher-spending offer as luxury brands and new segments (nautical, sports, gastronomy, business) expand. Sargassum Pressure: Frank Rainieri renewed calls for an immediate, coherent national policy against sargassum, warning delays could damage the 2027 tourism outlook. Punta Bergantín Sales: Minister David Collado says Punta Bergantín in Puerto Plata sold nearly US$30M in units in one weekend, with Meliá and Hyatt among the first hotel investors. Cross-border Research: The Dominican Center for Strategic Thinking plans the country’s first comprehensive socioeconomic study on Dominican-Haitian relations, using a 4,000-person survey and official data. Inflation Update: August inflation eased to 5.13% year-on-year, with education and transport among key contributors.

Miss World Spotlight: Joheirry Mola Dominguez of the Dominican Republic was crowned Miss World 2026 in Nha Trang, Vietnam, ending a 44-year wait for the country’s second title. Tourism Value Push: Tourism Minister David Collado urged a “new stage” for Dominican tourism—higher hotel rates and higher tourist spending—so growth delivers more benefits for Dominicans, with stronger planning flagged for Bávaro-Punta Cana, Samaná, Puerto Plata, La Romana and Bayahíbe. Sargassum Alarm: Grupo Puntacana founder Frank Rainieri renewed calls for a firm, coherent national policy against sargassum, warning delays could hurt the 2027 season and noting supply and installation timelines. Industry Governance: Adompretur held its Ordinary General Assembly in Santo Domingo, reporting debt relief and institutional upgrades, and confirming plans for the PEL 2026 tourism journalism awards. Business Tourism Momentum: Asonahores’ 38th hotel and tourism trade expo in Punta Cana closed with record participation—323 occupied spaces, 200+ companies, and 5,000+ visitors. Cruise Disruption (Context): A brief power outage affected Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas near CocoCay, a reminder of operational risks for travelers.

Sports Tourism Spotlight: Tourism Minister David Collado highlighted Mexican golf legend Lorena Ochoa’s visit to Casa de Campo, where she played the newly restored Teeth of the Dog—an $15M renovation aimed at sharpening Pete Dye’s original design and re-energizing the course for a new generation. Sargassum Pressure: Frank Rainieri renewed calls for a coherent, firm national policy against Sargassum, warning delays could hurt 2027 planning as the seaweed worsens across eastern DR beaches including Bávaro/Punta Cana and Bayahibe. Value-Driven Growth: Asonahores president Juan Bancalari said Dominican tourism is shifting toward higher-spending segments (luxury brands plus nautical, sports, gastronomy, and business travel), while Collado urged higher hotel rates and stronger tourist spending to better benefit locals. Industry Governance: Adompretur held its Ordinary General Assembly, reporting debt relief, office restoration, digitization, and upcoming plans for the PEL 2026 tourism journalism awards. Trade & Demand Signals: Asonahores’ hotel and tourism trade expo closed with record scale—323 occupied spaces, 200+ companies, and 5,000+ visitors—showing strong buyer interest. Travel Ops & Services: JAC met VFS Global to improve visa-related services and the traveler experience. Cruise Disruption: Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas faced a shipwide power outage after leaving Coco Cay, leaving many staterooms dark. Security Update: Dominican Customs seized US$600,700 at Las Américas after a passenger failed to declare funds. Inflation Watch: August inflation eased to 5.13% year-on-year, edging toward the central bank’s target range.

Miss World Spotlight: Joheirry Mola of the Dominican Republic was crowned Miss World 2026 in Nha Trang, Vietnam, bringing fresh global attention to Dominican culture and community work. Tourism Investment & Development: Tourism Minister David Collado said Punta Bergantín in Puerto Plata sold nearly US$30 million in units in a single weekend, with major hotel brands (Meliá and Hyatt) expected to add 1,000+ rooms. Sargassum Pressure: Grupo Puntacana founder Frank Rainieri urged a coherent, firm national policy against sargassum, warning that delays could leave the country unprepared for the 2027 season. Tourism Economy: Asonahores reported tourism generated US$21.62B in 2025 and 15.9% of GDP when direct, indirect and induced effects are counted. Business Travel Facilitation: JAC met VFS Global to improve visa-related services and the traveler experience. Aviation Enforcement: Dominican Customs seized US$600,700 at Las Américas after undeclared funds were found. Sports Tourism Angle: Collado highlighted Lorena Ochoa’s visit as a boost for sports tourism, including a Casa de Campo golf round and a keynote on “The Winning Mindset.” Controversy Watch: A Survivor Greece contestant suing producers for a $100M injury claims unsafe spearfishing conditions in Dominican waters—an issue that could affect perceptions of filming and marine safety.

Beauty & Soft Power: Joheirry Mola Dominguez was crowned Miss World 2026 in Nha Trang, a win that spotlights Dominican talent on a global stage. Tourism Development: Minister David Collado urged a “next stage” for DR tourism—higher hotel rates and stronger tourist spending—so growth delivers more benefits for Dominicans, with extra planning focus in fast-growing zones like Bávaro-Punta Cana and Puerto Plata. Resort & Real Estate Momentum: Punta Bergantín in Puerto Plata sold nearly US$30M in a weekend, with Meliá and Hyatt among the first hotel investors tied to a sustainability-focused, multi-hotel complex. Sargassum Pressure: Grupo Puntacana founder Frank Rainieri renewed calls for a firm, coherent national sargassum policy, warning action must start now to avoid another 2027 season hit. Industry Snapshot: Asonahores’ 38th Hotel & Tourism Trade Expo closed with record scale—323 occupied spaces and 5,000+ visitors. Travel Services: JAC met VFS Global to improve visa-related services and the passenger experience. Safety & Reputation Watch: A Survivor Greece contestant filed a US$100M lawsuit over a spearfishing boat accident in the Dominican Republic that allegedly left him with a severed leg. Sports Tourism Angle: Collado highlighted Mexican golf legend Lorena Ochoa’s visit as a boost for sports tourism.

Tourism Value Push: Tourism Minister David Collado urged a “new stage” for the Dominican Republic—raising hotel rates and boosting tourist spending so growth delivers more income for Dominicans, with tighter territorial planning flagged for Bávaro-Punta Cana, Samaná, Puerto Plata, La Romana and Bayahíbe. Industry Scale-Up: Asonahores’ 2026 Hotel & Tourism Trade Expo in Punta Cana closed Sept. 2-4 with record results: 323 occupied spaces, 200+ companies and 5,000+ visitors, plus 85% company return rate. Economic Impact Snapshot: Asonahores reported tourism contributed 15.9% to GDP in 2025 (US$21.62B total impact, 8.3% direct), supporting 882,419 jobs and generating US$11.866B in foreign exchange. Health Tourism Plan: Senate-approved legislation advances health tourism as a national priority, aiming at quality standards, international accreditation, investment and public-private coordination. Travel Services & Mobility: JAC met VFS Global to improve visa-related services and the passenger experience. Punta Cana Product News: WestJet Vacations expanded its Punta Cana portfolio with more Lopesan options and the Moon Palace The Grand. Safety/Customs: Dominican Customs seized US$600,700 at Las Américas for undeclared funds. Sports Tourism Tie-In: Collado highlighted Mexican golf legend Lorena Ochoa’s visit, including a Casa de Campo round, as a boost for sports tourism.

Tourism Value Push: Tourism Minister David Collado urged a “new stage” for the Dominican Republic—boosting hotel rates and tourist spending so growth delivers bigger benefits for Dominicans, with tighter territorial planning flagged for Bávaro-Punta Cana, Samaná, Puerto Plata, La Romana and Bayahíbe. Trade & Numbers: Asonahores’ 2026 Hotel & Tourism Trade Expo in Punta Cana closed with record momentum: 323 occupied spaces, 200+ companies and 5,000+ visitors, plus 85% company return rates. Economic Impact: Asonahores reported tourism contributed US$21.62B to GDP in 2025 and 15.9% total GDP impact (8.3% direct), alongside rising foreign exchange and jobs. Aviation & Travel Services: JAC met VFS Global to improve visa-related services and the traveler experience. Customs Crackdown: Dominican Customs seized US$600,700 at Las Américas after undeclared funds were found. Health Tourism Policy: Senate approved a framework to make health tourism a national priority, aiming at quality, accreditation, investment and public-private coordination. Sports Tourism Spotlight: Collado highlighted Lorena Ochoa’s Dominican visit as a boost for sports tourism. Safety & Legal Risk: A Survivor Greece contestant suing over a filming accident in the Dominican Republic keeps attention on on-set safety and liability.

Hotel & Resort Growth in Punta Cana: WestJet Vacations is expanding its Punta Cana lineup with three Lopesan resort experiences (Lopesan Costa Bávaro, Lopesan Serenity Cove, Lopesan Caoba Lagoon) plus the new Moon Palace The Grand – Punta Cana. New Openings: Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana has opened in Cabeza de Toro as an adults-only, all-inclusive resort, adding a fresh brand option for travelers. Health Tourism Push: The Dominican Republic advanced landmark legislation to make health tourism a national priority, aiming to boost quality, accreditation, investment, and public-private coordination. Cap Cana Luxury Pricing: Villa Espada in Cap Cana announced 2026–2027 direct-booking rates for its staffed estate model, starting at $2,500/night for up to 16 guests. Air Access & Costs: A separate Caribbean aviation story flags “getting out of hand” airport fee hikes that could flow into higher travel prices—relevant context for regional tourism planning. Safety & Travel Caution: A Dominican Republic–linked “Survivor Greece” lawsuit alleges on-set boat-traffic safety failures after a spearfishing accident near Bayahibe. Travel Compliance at PHL: U.S. CBP reports a K9 Nitro alert led to seizure of $19,000 in undeclared cash from Dominican Republic–bound travelers at Philadelphia International Airport.

Health Tourism Push: The Dominican Republic cleared landmark Senate legislation to make health tourism a national priority, aiming to tighten quality and patient safety through international accreditation, investment, innovation, and public-private coordination. Hotel Growth in Punta Cana: Hyatt opened Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana, bringing a new adults-only, all-inclusive brand concept to Cabeza de Toro. Luxury Lodging in Cap Cana: Villa Espada in Cap Cana announced 2026-2027 direct-booking rates for its staffed estate model, including chef and butler service. Santo Domingo Hospitality Upgrade: Casas del XVI joined IHG’s Vignette Collection, adding a Michelin Key and expanding access via IHG’s loyalty platform. Cruise & Tourism Demand: Puerto Plata’s Punta Bergantín project reportedly generated nearly US$30M in sales over a weekend, with Meliá and Hyatt backing plans for 1,000+ rooms. Aviation Costs Watch: Airport fee increases are drawing complaints from aviation providers, with new levies set to take effect in 2027. Tourism Safety & Legal Noise: A Survivor Greece star filed a $100M lawsuit tied to a filming accident in Dominican waters, alleging inadequate safety measures around tourist boat traffic. Cross-Border Travel Enforcement: U.S. CBP in Philadelphia seized $19,000 in undeclared currency from Dominican-bound travelers after a K9 alert. Local Business Momentum: The formal private sector grew in 2025, with accommodation and food services among the fastest-growing areas.

IHRA Adoption in Santo Domingo: President Luis Abinader announced the Dominican Republic has formally adopted the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism during the Latin American Forum Against Antisemitism in the capital, positioning the country as the seventh in the region to embrace the framework. Luxury Hotel Upgrade (Santo Domingo): Casas del XVI, a boutique stay built from eight restored historic houses in Ciudad Colonial, has joined IHG’s Vignette Collection—21 rooms and a Michelin Key, with the property keeping its original identity. Puerto Plata Cruise Momentum: Taíno Bay in Puerto Plata welcomed Celebrity Beyond with 3,224 passengers and 1,444 crew, as September cruise calls expand across major lines including Royal Caribbean, MSC, Norwegian, and Princess. Punta Bergantín Sales Surge: Tourism Minister David Collado said Punta Bergantín in Puerto Plata generated nearly US$30M in sales over one weekend, with Meliá and Hyatt expected to add 1,000+ rooms and jobs. Aviation/Travel Compliance (U.S.-DR travel): U.S. CBP officers at Philadelphia seized about $19,000 in unreported currency from travelers boarding a flight to Santo Domingo, after a detector dog alert. Tourism Workforce Pathways: Lionel University partnered with Fit Bodies to connect qualified fitness and wellness professionals with teaching opportunities at resorts and travel destinations including the Dominican Republic. Direct-Booking Golf in Cap Cana: Villa Espada launched a direct-booking golf trip for groups at Punta Espada, bundling tee-time coordination, carts, chef service, and discounted member-guest rates.

Punta Bergantín Boom: Tourism Minister David Collado says the Puerto Plata mega-project generated nearly US$30M in sales in one weekend, with Meliá and Hyatt expected to add 1,000+ hotel rooms and jobs. New Hotel Opening: Hyatt has officially opened Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana, its first Dominican Republic adults-only, all-inclusive property (467 rooms) built around a “choose-your-own-day” flow/discovery/presence concept. Tourism Investment Outlook: JPMorgan told the Central Bank it wants to expand in the Dominican Republic, pointing to 6.4% June growth and rising FDI (US$3.28B H1). Roads for Faster Travel: Public Works Minister Eduardo Estrella outlined plans to improve interregional connectivity, including removing traffic lights on key corridors and upgrades around Greater Santo Domingo. Weather Watch: The COE raised alerts due to a tropical wave, with yellow alert in five provinces and green in 16, warning of possible flooding and hazardous river crossings. Cruise Momentum: Puerto Plata’s Taíno Bay welcomed Celebrity Beyond (3,224 passengers) as September cruise calls expand. Tourism Product Push: The Tourism Ministry launched “Tourism Close to You” in Puerto Plata, plus a new photo stop at Punta Rucia Beach. Food Tourism: Dominican Restaurant Week 2026 kicks off National Gastronomy Month, expanding to Puerto Plata and Jarabacoa with 200+ participating spots.

New Hotel Opening: Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana officially opened in Cap Cana, an adults-only, all-inclusive with 467 rooms, a “choose-your-own-day” flow/discovery/presence concept, and programming like paddleboard yoga and Dominican coffee tastings. Tourism Trade & Promotion: The Dominican Republic will be the guest country at FIT 2026 in Buenos Aires (Sept. 26–29), highlighting destinations plus tech, gastronomy, cruises, outdoor tourism, and sports tourism. Weather & Safety: The COE raised alert levels due to an active tropical wave: four areas are under yellow alert (including Santo Domingo Province, National District, San Cristóbal, Monte Plata) and 10 provinces remain under green; authorities warn against crossing rivers/streams and avoiding beaches/swimming areas. Infrastructure for Visitors: Public Works outlined road projects aimed at smoother interregional travel, including bypasses and grade-separated interchanges to reduce congestion and eliminate traffic lights on key routes. Local Hospitality Events: Restaurant Week 2026 kicks off National Gastronomy Month in September, expanding to Puerto Plata and Jarabacoa with 200+ participating venues. Tourism Product Updates: Villa Espada in Cap Cana launched direct-booking golf trips for groups with Punta Espada tee-time coordination and member-guest rate discounts.

Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana Opens: Hyatt has launched its first Dominican Republic property, a 467-room adults-only, all-inclusive resort in Cabeza de Toro built around flexible “flow, discovery, and presence” experiences. Tourism Trade Push: The Dominican Republic will headline FIT 2026 in Buenos Aires (Sept. 26–29) as guest country, spotlighting tech, gastronomy, cruises, outdoor tourism and sports tourism. Golf Travel Offer: Villa Espada in Cap Cana is promoting direct-booking group golf trips tied to Punta Espada, including tee-time coordination and member-guest rate savings. Food Tourism: Dominican Restaurant Week 2026 kicks off National Gastronomy Month, expanding to Puerto Plata and Jarabacoa with 200+ participating spots. Road Connectivity Plan: Public Works outlined an ambitious agenda to cut congestion and remove traffic lights on key interregional corridors, including routes linking Santo Domingo with the north and east. Weather Watch: COE raised alerts due to a tropical wave, with yellow alerts in Santo Domingo, the National District, San Cristóbal and Monte Plata, urging residents to avoid rivers and beaches. Gambling Regulation: A bill approved by deputies proposes a 10-year moratorium on new betting licenses, with exceptions for casinos in hotels and tourist areas.

New Resort Opening: Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana has opened as a new adults-only, all-inclusive in the Dominican Republic, bringing 467 rooms, multiple dining options (including a hidden speakeasy), and wellness programming to the Punta Cana market. Tourism Promotion: The Dominican Republic will headline FIT 2026 as guest country, with a major presence at the Buenos Aires fair (Sept. 26–29) and focus areas spanning tech, gastronomy, cruises, outdoor tourism, and sports tourism. Weather & Safety: The COE raised Santo Domingo Province, the National District, San Cristóbal, and Monte Plata to yellow alert due to a tropical wave linked to Dolly’s remnants, while 10 provinces remain on green; authorities urged residents to avoid rivers/ravines and swimming areas. Gaming Policy: A gambling bill approved by the Chamber of Deputies proposes a 10-year moratorium on new betting licenses nationwide, with exceptions for casinos in four-star-or-higher hotels in tourist areas. Bilateral Tourism Links: President Luis Abinader and Honduras President Nasry Asfura agreed to deepen cooperation including tourism and connectivity, positioning DR as a regional example in tourism development. Aviation/Travel Buzz: JetBlue’s Dominican-themed Airbus A320 and interCaribbean’s new Embraer E170 were spotted in St. Kitts, highlighting continued Caribbean route and fleet activity.