The Dominican Republic is considered the top tourist destination in the Caribbean. During the last years, it has experienced rapid growth in tourism from European, Latin American, Canadian and US visitors.

With more than 9 million inhabitants, the country extends over a 48,380 km² territory, of which 1,288 km shape its coasts and beaches.

With a hotel capacity that exceeds 55,000 rooms, the Dominican Republic has 40% more rooms than any other destination in the Caribbean.

Santo Domingo, the first city in the Americas, combines modern lifestyle with old-world charm and Latin charisma. This colonial city –declared as a patrimony of humanity by the UNESCO– regales visitors with extraordinary sights of its colonial architecture, museums and galleries. The Dominican capital also offers excellent choices in restaurants, hotels, casinos and clubs, as well as complete shopping centers.  

THE GROWING ECONOMY

The Dominican Republic's Gross National Product is US$60 billion (2005), and it represents the second largest economy in the Caribbean, according to the CIA World Fact Book. In addition, it has experienced the highest growth rate in the Caribbean (6.5%, compared to 2004).

Close to 300 U.S. companies and over 200 international companies have operations in the Dominican Republic

According to data from the Dominican Republic's Central Bank, foreign investments grew by 41.2% in 2005 (about US$1 billion), compared to the year before. The tourism industry had the largest share from that total (31.5%), followed by the telecommunications sector. Projections show that this increase could reach US$1.2 billion in 2006.

The countries with largest investments in the Dominican Republic in 2005 were the United States with nearly 40% of the total, and Spain with 17%. The remainder is shared among Canada, Mexico, France, Brazil, Colombia, and Panama.

Source: CIA 2005 World Fact Book PPP, CEI-RD and the Dominican Republic Central Bank