Record Tourism in Dominican Republic: How Smart Owners Are Cashing In

The Dominican Republic just broke records. Over 11 million tourists visited the country in 2024 — the highest in its history. That kind of tourism surge is reshaping the vacation rental market, especially in popular destinations like the North Coast, Punta Cana, Samaná, and Casa de Campo.

For property owners, it’s both an opportunity and a challenge.

Not every rental performs the same — and in a competitive market, some owners are thriving while others are falling behind. Here's what you need to know about the current Dominican Republic vacation rentals landscape — and how Calisto can help you win.

A Vacation Rental Boom — With a Shift in Demand

Oversupply of Apartments vs. Strong Demand for Villas

The explosion of listings on Airbnb and similar platforms has led to an oversupply of 1 and 2-bedroom apartments, especially in urban areas and large condo developments. These units are:

Competing directly with hotels
Facing pricing pressure
Requiring constant discounting to stay booked

On the other hand, large villas in top vacation markets — like Sosúa, Cabarete, Las Terrenas, and Casa de Campo — are seeing strong, sustained demand from travelers looking for:

Privacy
Comfort
Hassle-free, high-end stays

These guests want the space and style of a villa — but expect the service of an all-inclusive.

Why Guests Prefer Villas (When They Come With Service)

Today’s travelers don’t just want a house. They want an experience. That's where Calisto comes in.

We offer:

Calisto Guest Services — personalized concierge support to book tours, private chefs, massages, and more
24/7 customer assistance — so guests never feel left on their own
Local maintenance and cleaning staff — ensuring hotel-level standards with fast response times

This combination of space + service is what keeps our listings fully booked and highly rated — especially in the luxury and family travel segments.

The North Coast Is Hot — But Not for Everyone

Winners and Losers in a Booming Market

Areas like Sosúa and Cabarete are welcoming more travelers than ever. But only well-positioned properties — those that offer both quality and professional service — are taking full advantage.

Self-managed apartments with no support team, poor marketing, or inconsistent standards are struggling with:

Low occupancy
Last-minute discounts
Negative reviews

Meanwhile, professionally managed villas are capturing the best guests, at the best prices, and earning more per stay.

What This Means for Property Owners

If you’re a property owner in the Dominican Republic, 2024 is a golden opportunity — but you need to approach it the right way.

Calisto Helps You:

Increase your revenue through dynamic pricing and high-demand listings
Deliver a 5-star guest experience with local teams and concierge support
Reduce your workload with full-service property management
Protect your property with trusted vendors and proactive care
Access transparent reporting and hands-free financial management

What Areas Are Performing Best?

While the entire country is seeing growth, our top-performing areas include:

Sosúa – strong demand from U.S. and Canadian travelers, especially for villas with pools
Cabarete – popular for families, water sports, and digital nomads
Las Terrenas – growing luxury market with French and European travelers
Casa de Campo – exclusive, high-end villa market with strong seasonal rates
Punta Cana – high tourist flow, though oversupply means location and service matter more than ever

Join a Winning Program — Before the Next Season Begins

Whether you’re just starting out or frustrated with underperformance, now is the time to reposition your property. At Calisto, we’re curating a select group of homes across the Dominican Republic that meet our premium standards — and delivering hands-free management with real results.