The origins: 1931, the starting point
Dominican tourism has a history that dates back to1931, when theLaw No. 103 on Cars for Tourists. It was the first law to formally recognize this activity, laying the foundations for what is today one of the pillars of the national economy.
At that time, the country was beginning to receive visitors interested in exploring its tropical nature, beaches and hospitality, although the infrastructure was still in its infancy.
1940–1960: the first hotels and the Malecón era
HeHotel Jaragua, inaugurated in 1944 together with the emblematicSanto Domingo Malecon, marked the beginning of urban tourism in the capital. It was the first luxury hotel in the country and, together with theAmbassador Hoteland theProvincial Hotel, set a precedent for the growth of the sector.
During these decades, Santo Domingo consolidated itself as a hotel center, while tourism projects emerged in other provinces. The lodging experience became a symbol of modernity and openness to the world.
1960–1980: legal framework and tourism planning
In1969, the government enacted theOrganic Law of Tourism No. 541, creating theNational Tourism Directorate, in charge of regulating the industry. That same year was bornCorporation for the Promotion of the Hotel Industry and Tourism Development, key institution to finance new projects.
Ten years later, in1979, both structures evolved with the creation of theSecretary of State for Tourism(todayMinistry of Tourism), which assumed leadership of the sector and began to implement sustainable development policies, hotel classification standards and regulations that gave greater formality to the industry.
1990: the golden era of Dominican tourism
The 90s marked a before and after. With the arrival of large international chains and the expansion of complexes"all inclusive", the country lived itsgolden age.
Regions likePunta Cana,Puerto PlataandSamanaThey became tourist centers of global reference. Tourism became a driver of foreign investment, a generator of employment and foreign exchange, contributing decisively to GDP growth.
2001: the CONFOTUR Law and the new development poles
With the promulgation of theTourism Incentive Law No. 158-01 (CONFOTUR), the government promoted the development of areas with potential but little exploited. This standard grantedtax incentives and tax exemptionsfor hotel, real estate and ecotourism projects.
The law was modified in2013, extending the benefits from 10 to 15 years and extending to the entire national territory, opening opportunities in emerging regions such asFlints,michesandMontecristi.
2010–present: diversification and regional leadership
Today, Dominican tourism is not only limited to "all-inclusive." The country offers a wide diversity of experiences:
- 🌿Ecotourism and adventure tourism(Jarabacoa, Constanza)
- 🏥Health and wellness tourism
- 🏖️Real estate and second home tourism
- 🛳️Cruise tourism, with new ports in Puerto Plata and Samaná
Thanks to this diversified model and public-private coordination—between theMinistry of Tourism,ASONAHORESand theProvincial Tourist Clusters—, the Dominican Republic has established itself as thesecond most visited country in Latin America, according to UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO).
World Tourism Day 2024: tourism and peace 🕊️
HeSeptember 27, 2024, the Dominican Republic celebrated together with the world the44th edition of World Tourism Day, under the motto"Tourism and Peace".
This message, promoted by UN Tourism, highlights the role of the sector as a tool of cooperation and understanding between nations.
In the words of the UN Secretary General,Antonio Guterres:
"Building peace is a conscious, bold and even radical act."
The call is to promote sustainable, ethical and responsible tourism, capable of generating prosperity without compromising natural resources or human rights.
Conclusion: a model that continues to evolve
From a law on cars for tourists to regional leadership in sustainability and connectivity, the history of Dominican tourism is also the history of its economic and social transformation.
Today, the country faces the challenge of maintaining its growth without losing the essence that makes it unique:its people, its nature and its authenticity.
The Dominican Republic is, more than a destination, an experience that continues to write its history.
Sources consulted
- Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic
- UN Tourism (World Tourism Organization)
- Central Bank of the Dominican Republic
- Héctor Julio Real Aquino – "Evolution and relevance of tourism in the Dominican Republic"
- Billetaxo Research (2025)
