Banco BHD and the Dominican Association of Sports Tourism (Adoturd) announced on August 4, 2026, the launch of the Dominican Republic’s first research study on sports tourism with national and international scope.
Sports Tourism Economic Impact Study and Objectives
The research, titled “Economic Impact Study of Sports Tourism in the Dominican Republic,” will be conducted by the Center for Tourism Studies and Local Development (CETDEL). It aims to measure the sports tourism subsector independently within the country’s tourism industry. The study will provide data on investments and contributions of sports tourism to the Dominican economy, analyze consumer profiles, and support the optimization of public policies and innovation
efforts to enhance sustainability in sports tourism.
Official Statements on the Research Importance
Steven Puig, president of Banco BHD, emphasized the country’s potential for growth in this niche, stating, “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, said, “Sports tourism is the fastest-growing sector in the tourism industry. Our country has everything to become the main sports tourism hub in the Caribbean and Central America. This research will be
an essential step in the joint goal we have with BHD to promote sustainable initiatives that generate economic impact, social inclusion, and greater international visibility for the Dominican Republic.”
Strategic Alliance and Industry Context
Banco BHD and Adoturd’s strategic alliance also includes developing financial products targeting event organizers, tour operators, athletes, and event participants. The partnership plans to provide training for micro-enterprises and SMEs involved in the sports tourism value chain.
According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), sports tourism accounts for 10% of total global tourist spending. It is recognized as an economic accelerator that increases tourists’ average length of stay and both direct
and indirect spending, while strengthening national reputation and foreign investment. The Dominican Republic’s first comprehensive research effort aligns with its National Sports Tourism Strategy and aims to consolidate the country’s position in the Caribbean and Central America.
