3 Reasons Why The Dominican Republic Will Break Travel Records This Winter

Last Updated 3 weeks ago

Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic are more popular than ever with tourists as officials release new projections showing the sun-soaked country is likely to break its all-time travel record this year.

With the busy high season just weeks away, resort destinations in the tropical country are gearing up for groundbreaking occupancy rates, packed beaches, and fully booked tours.

palm trees in punta cana on a white sand beach

As the Dominican Republic continues to soar in popularity, here’s a closer look at three reasons why the Caribbean island national is on track to break records this year.

New Nonstop Flights From North America To Key Destinations

a white-sand beach in punta cana with palm trees

The Dominican Republic government has just released a new forecast showing that the country is likely to welcome over 10 million travelers by the end of the year – a new all-time record.

The primary reason behind the astonishing number is the country’s growing international connectivity to a number of key markets, namely the United States.

@travelbyram Puerto Plata > Punta Cana…Still so much more in 🇩🇴 that I need to see! #thingstodointhedominicanrepublic #visitdr #traveldominicanrepublic #visitpuertoplata #travelbyram #🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴 ♬ Baiana – Barbatuques

Over the past several months, several major U.S. airlines have announced a host of new flights to the Dominican Republic. While many – such as Delta – have scheduled new connections to existing hotspots, such as Punta Cana, others are focusing on new destinations.

Last week, American Airlines revealed that it would massively ramp up flights to Puerto Plata, one of the trendiest destinations in the Dominican Republic this year.

@zitaprekop Just breathtaking 🫶🏽 #dominicanrepublic #traveltiktok #saonaisland ♬ suono originale – Jr Stit

Growing Array Of Luxurious All-Inclusives

Another factor helping boost the Dominican Republic’s skyrocketing popularity is the sheer choice of new luxurious accommodations. This year, many of the country’s all-inclusives have been awarded with prestigious accolades by Travel + Leisure and Caribbean Journal, among others.

While many of the country’s best resorts are found in Punta Cana – where travelers can choose from over 50 top-rated properties – others can be found in hotspots like La Romana, Samaná, and even Santo Domingo, which is surging in popularity for its stunning history.

@travelbyram This was a last minute trip I booked for my birthday but it turned out great! #puertoplata🇩🇴 #dominicanrepublic #visitdr #travelpuertoplata #budgettravel #travel2023 #allinclusive #puntacanavacation ♬ Baiana – Barbatuques

Several of the country’s most revered properties – including La Romana’s Casa de Campo and Punta Cana’s Tortuga Bay – are considered to be some of the best in the world.

These properties are famous for pushing the envelope when it comes to delivering personalized service, lavish designs, and award-winning experiences, including spas, outdoor activities, and private dining.

But many other prestigious properties, including Cap Cana’s Hyatt Zilara, cater to the masses, providing luxurious experiences at affordable rates.

@kyla.travelbysolstice Here is a room tour of my favorite resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic🐚🌞🇩🇴 #puntacana #dominicanrepublic #tortugabay #tortugabayresort #tropical #beachvacation #caribbean #honeymoon #caribbeanvibes #caribbeantravel #resortreview #roomtour #CapCut ♬ FEEL THE GROOVE – Queens Road, Fabian Graetz

New Exciting Destinations

While the Dominican Republic is mainly famous for its beachfront resorts, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife, the country is quickly becoming much more than just a paradise for sun and beach lovers.

With a coastline measuring over 800 miles in length, the Dominican Republic is dotted with quaint towns, verdant rainforests, and towering mountains. Emerging destinations like Miches and Pedernales are taking advantage of the country’s versatility and are poised to become the country’s newest resort hotspots.

@ms.ciera2you Bestie Bday Trip To Temptation Miches DR #vacation #girlstrip #bestiecation #fyp #fypシ #trips #dr #domonicanrepublic #temptationmichesresort #trend #travel #fupシ #viral #explore ♬ Water – Tyla

In Miches, travelers can already find a diverse range of all-inclusives, including two adults-only Temptation resorts. Meanwhile, Hyatt and Grupo Puntacana have announced massive investments in the new destination, adding over 2000 rooms to the destination’s inventory.

In Pedernales, work is underway on the country’s brand-new flagship cruise ship terminal, Port Cabo Rojo. But unlike other similar facilities, the country’s biggest port will feature several massive resorts, shopping centers, and even a waterpark.

The new cruise ship port is expected to begin operating in late 2023 and is designed to handle over a million passengers per year.