Record Dominican Republic tourism: 11.6 million visitors in 2025
Record tourism in the Dominican Republic has changed the rules of the game. 11.6 million visitors projected for 2025. The Dominican Caribbean has become the epicentre of holiday and residential investment. And I’m not just talking about full hotels. This is transforming the high-end property market in ways that seemed impossible five years ago. Areas such as Bávaro and Punta Cana are experiencing a unique moment.
If you are a European investor dreaming of a second home that also generates income, this context matters to you. I have seen people buy apartments and double their value in two years. It’s not magic. It’s knowing where to put your money. Projects such as Salado Golf & Beach —a beachfront apartment residence in White Sands, Bávaro, Punta Cana— prove it.
What lies behind these tourism records?
The Caribbean country has known how to get things right. Air connectivity, stability, a tourism offering that keeps growing. The figures speak for themselves:
- 11.6 million visitors in 2025. A 12% increase compared to before the pandemic.
- Hotel investment exceeding 3,000 million US dollars over the last three years.
- Growth of 18% in direct flights from Europe. Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, London… new routes that didn’t exist before.
- Punta Cana concentrates 40% of international tourism. White-sand beaches, golf courses, luxury resorts. The perfect combination.
This dynamism makes the region a magnet for second-home buyers. People seeking capital appreciation and high-yield holiday rentals. And rightly so.
How the tourism boom is changing the property market in Bávaro
When a destination receives millions of tourists a year, demand for premium accommodation skyrockets. New-build beachfront apartments become scarce assets. And expensive, yes. But worth it. In Bávaro, the price per square metre has risen 22% year on year. Holiday rental occupancy rates exceed 85% in high season.
How much can you earn? Between 8% and 12% per year
Investors who purchase properties in projects such as Salado Golf & Beach can obtain a gross annual return of 8% to 12%. Far above the European average (which is rock bottom, it must be said). Why?
- High rental demand: tourists willing to pay premium rates for seafront stays with exclusive services. And there are plenty of them.
- Professional management: specialised companies handle the rentals and maintenance. You don’t have to think about a thing.
- Guaranteed capital appreciation: the scarcity of beachfront land and tourism growth ensure constant revaluation. This isn’t speculation, it’s logic.
Key fact: According to the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic, the tourism sector accounts for 18% of national GDP and generates more than 500,000 direct jobs. Investing here isn’t playing the lottery. It’s betting on a real economic engine.
Salado Golf & Beach: the project that makes the most of the moment
Located in White Sands, Bávaro, Salado Golf & Beach is a new-build apartment residence. Designed for those seeking a balance between luxury and slow living (a word that’s used all the time, but here it actually means something). Every home offers:
- Direct access to the beach and an 18-hole golf course.
- Spa, infinity pools, gym and coworking areas.
- High-end finishes with local materials and smart home technology.
- Views of the sea and the greens, with tropical gardens designed by international landscape architects.
Premium services for discerning investors
This isn’t just a home. It’s a lifestyle. The slow living concept invites you to disconnect from the urban pace without giving up your comforts. Owners enjoy:
- Restaurant and beach club with Caribbean fusion cuisine. (Try the ceviche, it will change your life).
- 24/7 security and personalised concierge service.
- A loyalty programme for holiday rentals with property management included.
Tips for investing in Punta Cana during this tourism boom
If you’re considering buying a second home in the Dominican Republic, keep this in mind:
- Choose new builds: apartments under construction usually have better pre-sale prices and appreciate in value once completed. I’ve seen it a thousand times.
- Prioritise location: beachfront properties close to golf courses guarantee higher rental demand. It’s not complicated.
- Check for professional management: projects like Salado Golf & Beach include holiday rental services. This way you maximise your returns without any headaches.
- Get advice from local experts: Residencial Group, commercial partner in Spain, will guide you through the entire process. From financing to handing over the keys. In Spanish, in case you’re worried about the language.
Frequently asked questions about property investment in Punta Cana
Is it safe to invest in the Dominican Republic?
Yes. The country has legislation favourable to foreign investment. There are no restrictions on buying property as a non-resident. And the record tourism figures reinforce the market’s stability. It’s not a tax haven, but almost.
How long does it take to rent out a property?
In high season (December to April), well-located properties are rented out within days. The average annual occupancy rate in Bávaro exceeds 70%. And that’s just the average. The best projects reach 90%.
Can I finance the purchase from Europe?
Yes. Many Dominican banking institutions offer mortgages to foreigners. Residencial Group makes the process easier with bilingual advice. No small print to give you a headache.
So, what now?
The record tourism in the Dominican Republic is not a fluke. It is the consolidation of a destination offering quality of life, nature and business opportunities. With 11.6 million visitors in 2025, demand for premium accommodation will keep growing. Those who purchase a beachfront property today will benefit from exceptional returns and constant capital appreciation. This is not a sales pitch. It is what is happening.
Projects like Salado Golf & Beach represent the perfect gateway into this market. In the heart of Bávaro, with first-class services and a slow living concept that captivates the most discerning travellers. They are a safe investment and, moreover, a unique life experience. (I know someone who bought an apartment there and now spends half the year living in the Caribbean. Not a bad life).
If you would like to be part of this success, contact Residencial Group in Spain. They will guide you through every step. So that your second home in the Caribbean becomes a reality. And not just a dream on a screen.
