Banco BHD and the Dominican Association of Sports Tourism (Adoturd) announced on August 3, 2026, the launch of the first national and international research study on sports tourism in the Dominican Republic. The study, titled “Economic Impact Study of Sports Tourism in the Dominican Republic,” will be conducted by the Center for Tourism Studies and Local Development (CETDEL).
Research Scope and Objectives
The research aims to provide separate measurements of the sports tourism subsector, delivering data on investment levels and the overall contribution of sports tourism to the Dominican economy. It will also analyze the consumer profile related to this growing market. The study
is intended to support the optimization of public policies, foster innovation, and ensure the sustainability of sports tourism, a segment the World Tourism Organization estimates accounts for 10% of total global tourist expenditure.
Official Views on Industry Potential
Steven Puig, president of Banco BHD, said, “We believe our country has all the potential to further strengthen this niche, and that is why we want to join efforts to support the National Sports Tourism Strategy through research, which is a fundamental pillar for designing data-driven strategies.” Yerik Pérez, president of Adoturd, emphasized sports tourism as the fastest-growing sector within the tourism industry and highlighted the potential
for the Dominican Republic to become the leading sports tourism hub in the Caribbean and Central America.
Industry Context and Strategic Alliance
Sports tourism is recognized as an economic driver that prolongs the average tourist stay and increases direct and indirect spending while enhancing destination reputation and investment. The partnership between Banco BHD and Adoturd extends beyond research to include the development of financial products tailored for event organizers, tour operators, athletes, and participants in sports events. It also incorporates training programs for micro-enterprises and small to medium enterprises within the sports tourism value chain, aiming to promote sustainable growth in the sector.
