Accor is set to significantly expand its presence in the Dominican Republic, with plans for 23 hotel projects that promise to add nearly 6,000 rooms to the country’s hospitality sector. This development represents approximately 6.5% of the Dominican Republic’s current hotel capacity.
The announcement was made during Dominican Republic Week in France, held from October 19 to 23. The new projects will be located in popular resort areas such as Miches and Samaná Bay, as well as in urban centers like Santo Domingo and Punta Cana.
Accor views the Dominican Republic as a crucial market for growth within the Caribbean, planning to introduce a range of brands from economy to premium to cater to diverse travelers’ needs.
“The Dominican Republic is a market where tourism growth, infrastructure investment, and international demand are all converging at pace, and the opportunity is real,” stated Camil Yazbeck, Global Chief Development Officer for Premium, Midscale & Economy at Accor. He emphasized the company’s commitment to creating lasting value for local communities and stakeholders through these developments.
Beyond sun and sand: major resort development
In 2022, the Dominican Republic welcomed 11.6 million visitors, and Accor’s development initiatives aim to broaden the country’s tourism offerings. Among the notable projects in Miches is a multi-brand resort on 207 hectares, which will feature a 250-key Swisshôtel, a 1,000-key Grand Mercure, Novotel resorts for families and groups, along with an ibis hotel.
Further plans include a 250-key luxury hotel featuring 100 branded residences, currently under negotiation.
On the eastern tip of the country at Cabo Engaño, proposed developments include a 1,000-key Mövenpick, a 150-key TRIBE with additional residences, and a 150-key Swisshôtel, also including branded residences.
Accor’s Handwritten Collection will introduce new properties, including a 350-key lagoon resort in Miches, which will comprise 400 branded residences and aims to open in 2030, and a 95-key Handwritten Collection hotel in Cabrera scheduled for 2028.
Cities, business and events
Accor’s expansion plans encompass business-oriented developments as well. Located east of Santo Domingo, the 400-key Pullman Juan Dolio will feature a 4,000-seat convention center aimed at attracting international events.
In Punta Cana, a new 102-key Novotel is expected to open in 2027, with plans for a 137-key Novotel Punta Cana Downtown to follow, contributing to a mixed-use financial and residential hub in the Bávaro-Punta Cana corridor. Additionally, a 90-key ibis Styles Punta Cana is planned for 2030.
Accor is also pursuing a wider network of ibis and ibis budget properties, with development agreements covering 1,250 rooms in areas such as Santo Domingo, Santiago, Puerto Plata, Las Terrenas, and Higüey.
In the capital, a Swisshôtel combining approximately 75 rooms with 180 branded residences is being developed to meet the demand for extended stays.
Local impact
Accor’s development pipeline also includes more than 1,000 branded residences, potentially generating up to 9,000 direct jobs in the region.
“Every project announced today and in our pipeline was born of a partnership,” remarked Abel Castro, Chief Development Officer for Accor Americas, highlighting the importance of collaboration with local families, investors, and institutions.
