PARIS — The Dominican Republic is making a strategic push to expand its footprint in Europe’s $2 trillion annual tourism market by showcasing its multifaceted travel offerings at IFTM Top Resa, one of the continent’s most influential B2B travel industry trade shows. Headed by Tourism Minister David Collado, the country’s official delegation is leveraging the high-profile event to do more than just promote its world-famous Caribbean shorelines: it is highlighting a full spectrum of travel experiences that blend sun and sand with rich local culture, world-class gastronomy, untouched natural landscapes, and one-of-a-kind immersive activities, while forging stronger commercial ties and expanding critical air links between the island nation and Europe.
France has emerged as one of the Dominican Republic’s most consistent and growing European source markets, with official travel data showing a double-digit increase in French visitor arrivals through the first eight months of 2026. Between January and August of this year, the Dominican Republic welcomed 112,056 French tourists, marking a 14.3% jump compared to the same period in 2025. That adds up to 14,039 additional French visitors year-over-year, pushing France into the rank of the Dominican Republic’s ninth-largest source market globally. For the full year 2025, the island country recorded 132,747 French resident arrivals, a trend the tourism delegation expects to continue into 2026 and beyond.
Air connectivity sits at the top of the delegation’s priorities at this year’s trade show, as expanded direct flight access is widely seen as the key to unlocking further visitor growth. Currently, regional carrier Air Caraïbes operates regular direct routes between France and three of the Dominican Republic’s top travel hubs: Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, and Samaná. Starting November 30, 2026, major European carrier Air France will boost its existing service between Paris and Punta Cana by adding three weekly flights, increasing capacity for travelers heading to the popular beach destination.
The expansion of European air links is not limited to France. Italian flagship carrier ITA Airways will launch a new direct route between Rome and Santo Domingo the same day that Air France ramps up its Punta Cana service. The new Rome-Santo Domingo route will launch with one weekly flight, with frequency set to double to two weekly flights by mid-December 2026, opening the Dominican Republic up to a growing base of Italian travelers seeking Caribbean getaways.
More than 21 co-exhibitors from the Dominican Republic are joining the national delegation at IFTM Top Resa, representing a cross-section of the country’s travel sector including major hotel groups, commercial airlines, international tour operators, and local destination management companies. Throughout the event, the delegation has been holding a full schedule of B2B and strategic meetings focused on attracting new tourism infrastructure investment, expanding the network of air connections to the island, and boosting overall visitor arrivals from across Europe.
Beyond formal business negotiations, the Dominican Republic’s exhibition stand is designed to immerse visitors in the country’s unique cultural identity. Displays of the country’s iconic gemstones larimar and amber, which are unique to the island, anchor the cultural showcase, while guests have the opportunity to sample authentic regional Dominican cuisine and experience live performances of the country’s world-famous musical traditions. Dancers and musicians bring merengue and bachata, the Dominican Republic’s national dance styles, to life at the stand, giving trade attendees and visitors a first-hand taste of the country’s vibrant cultural scene.
Overall, the country’s participation in IFTM Top Resa 2026 is part of a long-term strategy to solidify its standing in existing European source markets, open new avenues for tourism-related business growth, and position the Dominican Republic as far more than a traditional beach destination. Delegation leaders emphasize the country’s ability to cater to every type of traveler, from luxury vacationers and adventure seekers to cultural tourists and eco-travelers, all anchored by the authentic, warm hospitality that defines the Dominican experience.