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Dominican Republic to Measure Economic Impact of Sports Tourism
Banco BHD and the Dominican Association of Sports Tourism (Adoturd) have launched the country's first comprehensive study on sports tourism, aiming to measure the sector's economic contribution and support future growth strategies.
SANTO DOMINGO — Banco BHD and the Dominican Association of Sports Tourism (Adoturd) have announced the launch of the first nationwide study focused on measuring the economic impact of sports tourism in the Dominican Republic. The research is intended to provide data that will help strengthen one of the country’s fastest-growing tourism segments.
The study, titled “Economic Impact of Sports Tourism in the Dominican Republic,” will be conducted by the Center for Tourism Studies and Local Development (CETDEL). The initiative stems from a cooperation agreement announced earlier this year during the FITUR International Tourism Fair in Madrid.
Research to Measure the Sector’s Economic Contribution
According to the organizers, the study will measure the sports tourism subsector independently, generating data on investment levels, its contribution to the Dominican economy, and the profile of travelers attracted by sporting events. The findings are also expected to support public policy development, encourage innovation, and promote the long-term sustainability of the sector.
The project aligns with estimates from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), which indicate that sports tourism accounts for approximately 10% of total global tourism spending.
Supporting a National Sports Tourism Strategy
Steven Puig, president of Banco BHD, said the financial institution has supported the sustainable development of the Dominican tourism industry for more than two decades.
“We believe the Dominican Republic has all the potential to further strengthen this niche, and that is why we are joining efforts to support the National Sports Tourism Strategy through research, which is a fundamental pillar for designing data-driven strategies,” Puig said.
Yerik Pérez, president of Adoturd, described sports tourism as the fastest-growing segment of the global tourism industry. He said the Dominican Republic has the opportunity to establish itself as the leading sports tourism hub in the Caribbean and Central America.
“This research will be an essential step toward our shared goal with Banco BHD of promoting sustainable initiatives that generate economic impact, foster social inclusion, and increase the Dominican Republic’s international visibility,” Pérez said.
Beyond the Research
In addition to the economic study, the partnership includes plans to develop financial products tailored to sports event organizers, tourism operators, athletes, and participants. The initiative will also provide training programs for micro, small, and medium-sized businesses to help them identify opportunities within the sports tourism value chain.
Organizers believe the project will provide reliable data to guide investment decisions while reinforcing the Dominican Republic’s position as a competitive destination for international sporting events and related tourism activities.
