Santo Domingo: Strategic CTSD–Adoturd Agreement Accelerates Sports Tourism Growth In Dominican Republic

Published on December 16, 2025

Right in the center of Santo Domingo, a very strong and positive feeling is gradually dominating the three groups of people who notice it. These groups are tourists, local business owners, and those who love adventures, and the cause of this feeling is the new world-record partnership between the Santo Domingo Tourism Cluster (CTSD) and the Dominican Association of Sports Tourism (Adoturd). The partnership will not only help position the Dominican Republic’s capital as a prominent sports tourism destination but also signal a significant change in the strategy which will, in turn, invite new visitors, make the city’s tourism offerings richer and more varied, and increase its cultural and urban attractions.

A Strategic Alliance with a Travel-Centric Vision

Signed in a ceremony that brought together industry leaders with Juan Martín de Oliva of CTSD and Yerik Pérez of Adoturd at the helm, the Interinstitutional Collaboration Agreement represents more than a memorandum: it is a blueprint for uniting sport, culture and tourism under one ambitious framework. The accord seeks to transform how travellers experience Santo Domingo, encouraging visits that combine athletic events, heritage exploration and vibrant urban life.

From marathon running and international competitions to community-level sporting festivals, this collaboration looks to scale up events that bring visitors into the city throughout the year, not just during peak resort seasons. One commentator suggested that integrating sport into the capital’s tourism strategy could be transformative for visitor numbers, while another optimistically noted that Santo Domingo’s rich facilities and vibrant urban landscape uniquely position it for this role.

Aligning Sporting Events with Destination Appeal

Santo Domingo is already recognised on the official GoDominicanRepublic tourism portal for its unique blend of historic charm and modern urban experiences from the UNESCO-designated Colonial City and Plaza de España to sun-lit waterfronts and lively downtown streets.

Building on this breadth of attractions, the new agreement aims to:

• Promote the city as a sports, cultural and recreational hub that appeals to athletes and tourists alike.
• Develop tourism products that beautifully combine local heritage sites, city tours and major sporting occasions.
• Facilitate exchange of expertise among public and private stakeholders to raise service standards across sport and travel sectors.

This multidimensional approach is designed to offer travellers a dynamic itinerary: arriving for a regional competition, staying to explore historic districts, and extending their journey to nearby beaches or cultural hotspots. It aligns with a broader vision of creating year-round tourism flows rather than the traditional seasonal spikes centred on sun and sand.

Pulling in New Audiences and Revenue Streams

Industry observers have pointed out that sports tourism from international marathons to regional championships can be a potent economic engine, boosting hotel occupancy, restaurant revenues and ancillary services. One insider noted that hosting major sporting events not only attracts visiting athletes and their supporters but also places Santo Domingo on the global tourism map, increasing its visibility among new demographics.

Travellers who might once have only considered beach resorts or cultural excursions are now more likely to include Santo Domingo on their itinerary, drawn by high-impact events and unique experiences that blend physical activity with heritage discovery. The CTSD–Adoturd alliance is already exploring opportunities to synchronise promotional campaigns and collaborate with government agencies to enhance infrastructure and visitor services.

Positioning for the Future: Events and Opportunities Ahead

Looking ahead, Santo Domingo’s commitment to sports tourism dovetails with other major international events scheduled in the region, including, for example, the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, which will bring hundreds of athletes and spectators to the city and surrounding areas, further boosting tourism interest and global awareness.

Local tourism professionals have humanised the narrative by sharing that this partnership is not only about statistics or marketing, but about inviting the world to experience Santo Domingo’s warmth, history and excitement in motion, whether watching elite competitors or joining in community-level sports. Residents and travellers alike now see the city’s streets, parks and arenas as spaces where stories are made and memories formed.

Travel Angle: What This Means for Visitors

For the travel community, this initiative elevates Santo Domingo from a traditional cultural destination to an active lifestyle experience. Visitors can plan trips that coincide with sporting festivals, discover local neighbourhoods between events, and extend stays to indulge in cuisine, music and historic explorations.

In essence, the CTSD–Adoturd collaboration is a promising new chapter for Santo Domingo, one that invites travellers to move beyond the sunny beaches of the Caribbean and immerse themselves in a vibrant city where sport, culture and tourism intersect beautifully.