Dominican tourism sector records wage and employment growth
The tourism sector of the Dominican Republic continues to consolidate itself as one of the fundamental engines of the national economy. According to the most recent data presented during the Asonahores 2026 Trade Exhibition, held in Punta Cana, the average salary in hotels, bars, and restaurants has experienced a significant rise, going from RD$22,705 to RD$27,580. This adjustment represents a net increase of RD$4,875, reflecting an improvement in the conditions of workers linked to this vital industry.
Impact on job creation
The report highlights that, at the close of 2025, the tourism ecosystem was responsible for sustaining 882,419 jobs in the country, accounting for direct, indirect, and induced positions. This figure underscores tourism’s capacity to stimulate other sectors of the national economy through its value chain.
- Direct jobs: 301,800 positions.
- Indirect jobs: 400,610 positions.
- Induced jobs: 180,010 positions derived from household consumption related to the activity.
The labor impact of tourism extends beyond hotel establishments due to the high demand for products and services it generates in other economic activities in the country.
Juan Bancalari, president of Asonahores
Contribution to social security and national economy
The sector’s commitment to social security has also shown constant strengthening. During 2025, the tourism sector made contributions of RD$10.774 billion to the Social Security Treasury (TSS). Likewise, the total collection from hotels, bars, and restaurants reached RD$45.227 billion, a figure that shows exponential growth when compared to the RD$15.611 billion recorded in 2015.
In macroeconomic terms, tourism contributed 8.3% directly to the gross domestic product (GDP), a figure that rises to 15.9% when considering the multiplier effect of its indirect and induced activities.
Revenue and investment growth
The industry closed the year 2025 with generated revenues of US$11.866 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 9.3%. Meanwhile, foreign direct investment in this area reached US$1.288 billion, reaffirming the confidence of international investors in the Dominican market. These results reaffirm that the growth of tourism not only generates foreign currency, but also remains a key pillar for the creation of job opportunities and productive development throughout the Dominican Republic.
