According to the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic, these measures were updated based on a technical study conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, Planning, and Development. The study identified provinces requiring greater incentives to become competitive players in the national tourism landscape. Under this new categorization, 25 provinces have been prioritized for enhanced benefits, while highly developed areas like La Altagracia (Punta Cana), the National District, Santiago, and Santo Domingo are excluded from these additional advantages. The goal is to concentrate growth in regions with significant potential that have yet to be fully developed.
Tourism Minister David Collado emphasized that the policy aims to strengthen tourism as a tool for comprehensive development and territorial equity. In his words, "We are committed to a more inclusive tourism model that generates quality jobs and revitalizes local economies beyond established destinations." This vision aligns with the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting a tourism model that respects cultural diversity and ecosystems while enhancing institutional capacities and encouraging private investment in non-traditional areas.
The law stipulates that developers benefiting from these incentives must adhere to standards for environmental sustainability, service quality, and social responsibility. This ensures that tourism growth does not compromise community resources or degrade natural surroundings. This blend of economic stimulus and ethical responsibility has positioned the Dominican Republic as a regional leader in public policy for tourism.
In recent years, CONFOTUR has approved more than 200 projects under this decentralized development vision, generating a ripple effect across sectors such as agribusiness, construction, ground and maritime transport, commerce, and technical training. With this newly updated incentive regime, investments are expected to rise in emerging destinations like Pedernales, Samaná, Montecristi, Bahoruco, El Seibo, María Trinidad Sánchez, and other provinces boasting untouched beaches, national parks, biosphere reserves, and historical heritage sites with strong international appeal.
Additionally, an increase in community-based tourism, ecotourism, wellness tourism, and cultural tourism is anticipated—initiatives that highlight the richness of Dominican identity in all its forms. This diversification will help reduce tourism seasonality, more evenly distribute economic benefits across the country, and solidify a broader, more varied image of the Dominican Republic on the global stage.
Investors interested in applying for CONFOTUR’s incentive program can submit proposals to the Ministry of Tourism, provided they meet the technical and legal requirements. The Dominican government has reiterated its commitment to streamlining administrative processes, ensuring legal certainty, and promoting public-private partnerships as essential tools for driving this new wave of national tourism growth.
With this renewed policy, the Dominican Republic sends a clear message to the world: it’s time to look beyond well-known destinations and discover the untapped richness hidden in every corner of the country. This is not just about attracting more tourists—it’s about building a fairer, more sustainable, and resilient development model that benefits both travelers and the host communities.
