British Ambassador Highlights Growing Tourist Interest in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is seeking to attract more visitors from the United Kingdom as tourism authorities intensify efforts to strengthen the country’s presence in one of Europe’s most important travel markets.

UK Ambassador to the Dominican Republic Carol Ann van der Walt has highlighted the growing interest among British travelers in visiting the Caribbean nation, pointing to its beaches and the hospitality of its people as major attractions.

“I know that British tourists come to the Dominican Republic in greater numbers every year,” the diplomat said during an interview with journalist Moisés González of the television program Despertar Nacional, held during the 12th Dominican Week in London.

British Travelers Show Growing Interest in the Dominican Republic

Van der Walt identified the country’s natural attractions and welcoming atmosphere as important reasons behind its appeal to British holidaymakers.

She also emphasized the importance of strengthening relations between the United Kingdom and the Dominican Republic, highlighting the role of initiatives such as Dominican Week in creating opportunities for closer cooperation between businesses, institutions and public-sector representatives from both countries.

The 12th edition of Dominican Week runs from November 1 to 5, bringing together diplomatic, government and business representatives to promote bilateral relations, trade and investment.

Dominican Republic Targets the UK Market at WTM London 2026

This year’s Dominican Week coincides with the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2026, taking place from November 3 to 5 at ExCeL London. The international tourism exhibition brings together destination representatives, airlines, hotel groups, travel agencies and tour operators from around the world.

The Dominican Republic is participating with a delegation led by Tourism Minister David Collado, accompanied by tourism executives, business leaders and representatives of institutions connected to the industry.

The country’s presence is focused on strengthening commercial relationships with British travel companies, expanding air connectivity and creating new opportunities to attract European visitors.

According to WTM’s industry briefing, the United Kingdom remains the Dominican Republic’s largest European source market. The event is also providing an opportunity to develop partnerships with airlines, tour operators and hotel companies as the country looks to convert growing demand into additional business for the coming years.

Tourism Figures Point to a Recovery in the British Market

Figures presented by the Dominican tourism sector highlight the importance of the United Kingdom as a source of international visitors.

In 2025, the Dominican Republic received 178,754 foreign tourists residing in England. When ethnic tourism was included, the total reached 183,023 visitors.

The market is showing renewed momentum in 2026. Tourism authorities project approximately 200,000 arrivals from England during the year, supported by stronger air connectivity and renewed interest among British travel operators.

The projection represents an important step toward recovering historical visitor levels. In 2006, the Dominican Republic welcomed 242,559 visitors from the English market, one of its strongest historical performances.

According to figures reported by the tourism sector, arrivals from England increased by 7% between January and September 2026. Meanwhile, scheduled airline seat capacity for the November 2026 to January 2027 winter season is 12% higher than during the previous winter period.

Stronger Tourism Ties Between the Dominican Republic and the UK

The combination of Dominican Week and WTM London provides the country with an opportunity to promote its tourism offering while strengthening broader economic and diplomatic relationships with the United Kingdom.

Beyond traditional beach holidays, the Dominican Republic is looking to consolidate its position in the European travel market through stronger partnerships with airlines, tour operators and hospitality companies.

For British travelers, the growing commercial relationship could support greater travel connectivity and a wider range of holiday opportunities in the Caribbean destination.

With an estimated target of 200,000 visitors from England in 2026, the Dominican Republic is seeking to regain momentum in a market that remains strategically important to its international tourism development.