Toronto’s Enercare Centre was alive with vibrant merengue music and Dominican culture on October 26, as the Dominican Republic hosted the inaugural Canadian edition of “Meet in Paradise.” The event brought together over 1,150 attendees, including tourism partners and travel advisors, to explore the Caribbean destination’s offerings through a series of activities, culinary demonstrations, and one-on-one meetings with Dominican hoteliers and tour operators.
The event, organized by the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism and led by Tourism Minister David Collado, aimed to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage. Attendees experienced traditional dishes, including casabe, a type of cassava flatbread, and sampled mamajuana, a popular Dominican beverage. The agenda also featured destination training and insights on social media strategies for promoting the Dominican Republic as a travel destination.
Canadian arrivals climb 13 percent
According to the ministry, the Dominican Republic saw a 13 percent increase in Canadian arrivals by air from January to September 2026, with 933,715 Canadians visiting—107,627 more than the same period the previous year. Canada ranks as the second-largest tourism source market for the Dominican Republic, following the United States. In 2025, the country welcomed over 1.15 million Canadian visitors via 6,707 flights across 29 routes, with 47 percent originating from Ontario and 39 percent from Quebec.
Data also indicated that 77 percent of Canadian visitors entered through Punta Cana International Airport and that 91 percent opted to stay in hotels for an average duration of eight days. Family trips constituted 36 percent of all visits, highlighting the destination’s appeal to vacationing families.
Jennifer Elias, the ministry’s director of tourism marketing, emphasized the importance of the Canadian market for the Dominican Republic, noting that planning for the 2027 event is already underway. She pointed out that the event attracted travel professionals from various Canadian provinces, extending beyond Ontario to include participants from Montreal, Halifax, and Alberta.
Arajet recalls its Canadian beginnings
During the event, Tony Yapure, executive director of the Dominican Association of Airports, spoke about ongoing efforts to streamline airport processes for arrivals. Victor Pacheco, founder and CEO of Arajet, shared his airline’s growth story, recalling how Canada provided a crucial opportunity for expansion when U.S. routes were unavailable. Arajet offers year-round service to Toronto and Montreal, facilitating travel not just to the Dominican Republic but also to other countries in South America, including Brazil and Argentina.
New reasons to visit
Tourism officials emphasized that the Dominican Republic offers more than just all-inclusive resorts. Jennifer Elias encouraged advisors to recommend destinations like Miches, known for its sustainable luxury and nature experiences. The area is set to welcome the Four Seasons Resort and Residences in mid-2027, further enhancing its appeal.
Additionally, luxury developments such as a new Ritz-Carlton in Macao, near Punta Cana, and established properties like Casa de Campo were highlighted as attractions for high-end travelers. Sports tourism is another growing focus, with events including the Corales Puntacana Championship and an upcoming OCEANMAN World Final Championship scheduled for November in Miches.
Elias concluded by noting opportunities for travel advisors to diversify their clients’ itineraries, from pet-friendly accommodations in Samaná to cultural experiences in Santo Domingo and La Romana.
