Dominican Republic Returns to WTM London led by Minister David Collado to Strengthen UK Trade Partnerships as Growth Continues

More UK flights and seats, over 5,000 new hotel rooms in the pipeline and a first year-round cruise homeport give UK trade plenty to talk about at WTM. Stand N6-220.

The Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) and Minister of Tourism David Collado returns to WTM London 2026 with a clear aim to deepen its partnerships with UK tour operators, travel agents, airlines and hotel groups, and to turn growing British demand into new business for 2027 and beyond.

The Dominican Republic welcomed 8.86 million air passengers in 2025, up 3.8% on 2024 and more than a third above 2019 levels. Cruise is growing even faster, with 2.82 million cruise passengers in 2025, up 6% year-on-year and more than double 2019, and the country is tracking ahead of its three million-passenger goal for 2026.

The UK is the Dominican Republic’s largest European source market, with 200,496 air arrivals in 2025, up 3.6%. Capacity is growing too with flights from the UK increasing by 12.8% YOY, a 50% flight route increase in 2024 and an average load factor of 85%. British visitors stay an average of 11 days, with 85% saying they would return.

WTM London is the cornerstone of the Dominican Republic’s UK trade calendar, bringing the team together with operators, agents, airlines and hoteliers. Over the three days the team will meet existing partners and new ones to explore new opportunities, showcase new products and plan joint activity for 2027 and beyond.

More than 5,000 new hotel rooms are scheduled to open in 2027. Highlights include the adults-only Secrets Macao Beach Punta Cana (406 rooms), the 400-room Meliá Bergantín Beach on the north coast near Puerto Plata, Swissôtel’s Dominican debut in Santo Domingo and Novotel Punta Cana Airport. They follow Lopesan’s three new resorts in Bávaro, which opened in July 2026 with more than 1,000 rooms and an expansion of Casa de Campo’s Premier Club.

From November 2026, MSC Cruises begins year-round homeporting from La Romana, the country’s first major homeport agreement, opening up pre- and post-cruise stays for UK partners combining cruise and land. New terminal investment at Samaná and Cabo Rojo, a $15 million-plus expansion at La Romana and Disney Cruise Line’s first call at Puerto Plata in winter 2026–27 add to a fast-growing, multi-port offer. 

UK trade partners can meet the Dominican Republic team on stand N6-220. 

For further information visit www.godominicanrepublic.com.