Dominican Republic Hotel and Restaurant Equipment

The Dominican Republic is internationally known as a desirable tourism destination in the Caribbean, and tourism is one of the pillars of the Dominican economy.  Total contributions of travel and tourism in the D.R. was equivalent to 24% of the total Caribbean GDP in 2022. In the Dominican GDP data, the Hotels, Bars, and Restaurants sector grew 9.2% from January to May 2024 compared with the same period in 2023. From January to May 2024, 3.7 million tourists visited by air along with 1.3 million cruise passengers, for a total of 5.0 million visitors. 2023 also experienced record-breaking tourism numbers, with 10.3 million visitors to the DR.

Hotel construction and expansion projects are experiencing high growth; currently there are 45 hotel projects and hotel expansions in the DR according to a report by ASONAHORES (hotel & tourism association of the DR). The growing tourism market represents business opportunities for U.S. firms interested in supplying products, equipment, and services. Hotels range from city hotels (in Santo Domingo and Santiago) to resorts (in Punta Cana, Samaná, and Pedernales). Another aspect that boosts the hotel sector is that, as reported by the DR Central Bank, 76.7% of the tourists visiting the DR prefer to stay at hotels (as opposed to Airbnb or other options).

The expansion in the sector brings significant opportunities for U.S. companies specializing in hotel and restaurant equipment. As the local restaurant industry evolves with a rising focus on international cuisine and upscale dining, there is increased interest in advanced kitchen technology, efficient appliances, and innovative restaurant solutions. Additionally, CAFTA-DR has eliminated or lowered duties on nearly 80% of products of U.S. origin. U.S. brands can capitalize on the demand for modern equipment and service solutions by increasing their presence and providing quality and reliability in the Dominican market.

U.S. exporters interested in entering this market may seek assistance from the U.S. Commercial Service Office at the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo, by contacting Maria Elena Portorreal, Senior Commercial Specialist at maria.portorreal@trade.gov.