ANALYSIS: Golf in the Dominican Republic, the Number One Destination in the Caribbean and Latin America

Golf tourism in the Dominican Republic generates an economic impact of over 400 million dollars a year, attracting more than 250,000 international players. Its consolidation as the undisputed leader in the region rests on world-class infrastructure and a privileged climate. In this high-performance ecosystem, real estate development takes a step forward with projects like Larimar City & Resort, which integrate the sport into a smart residential and tourism offering.

An economic engine driven by golf and sports tourism

The growth of golf tourism in the Dominican Republic is not a passing trend, but a diversification strategy consolidated over time. According to reports from the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) and various analytical platforms in the sector, the country annually welcomes between 250,000 and 300,000 tourists who travel with the main purpose of playing this sport. This influx translates into a direct and indirect economic impact of golf that exceeds the 400-million-dollar barrier.*

The Dominican Republic is currently home to around 28 golf courses, 18 of which reach professional category. The technical and infrastructural quality of these venues has been validated worldwide: organisations such as the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) and the prestigious World Golf Awards have honoured the Dominican Republic, over multiple consecutive editions, as the Best Golf Destination in the Caribbean and Latin America. In the case of the World Golf Awards, the country has maintained an almost absolute dominance in the region since the awards were created, winning up to eight times since 2014.

The competitive advantage is irrefutable. Unlike golf communities located in desert or inland areas, the Dominican Republic sits on the coast. That privilege, together with its stunning landscapes, offers a clear advantage for tourists looking to make the most of a golf course. Nationwide, there are 86 holes with panoramic sea views and 39 that directly border the coast. The layouts, signed by historically renowned architects such as Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye, Tom Fazio and Greg Norman, pose technical demands at the highest level while integrating the overwhelming natural beauty of the Caribbean.

Punta Cana: the epicentre of wellbeing and "active luxury"

The eastern region of the country, with Punta Cana as its undisputed core, operates as the central engine of this market niche. Punta Cana International Airport, which projects historic flows of close to 12 million passengers a year nationwide for 2026, facilitates direct arrivals from the main source markets of North America and Europe.

Golf has been fundamental in catalysing active luxury tourism. The consolidation of top-tier events in the region, such as the Corales Punta Cana Championship (an official PGA Tour tournament), works as a media showcase of great value. This tourist profile is strategic from an economic and real estate point of view: golfers plan longer stays, tend to travel in groups or families and show a daily spend notably above average (according to data from the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic, visitors drawn by golf activities spend around 360 dollars more than the average tourist). These characteristics energise the services sector and raise demand for premium accommodation.

The demographic thesis and its impact on tourism

The profitability of golf in the Caribbean goes far beyond the courses; the sport acts as an accelerator for investment in the real estate sector.

There is a demographic variable to bear in mind: during this decade, more than 40 million US citizens will reach retirement age. This segment, endowed with high purchasing power, is actively looking for safe climate havens in which to purchase second homes. Here golf emerges not only as an intergenerational discipline, but as a lifestyle that defines the purchase decision, and it is also a popular sport among older audiences.

For wealth and institutional investors, real estate assets linked to golf courses are considered a safe-haven asset. Properties located in golf settings in the Dominican Republic record more stable occupancy rates throughout the year, softening seasonal swings.

Larimar City: redefining golf in a Smart City

In the face of this growing international demand, Larimar City & Resort introduces an urban vision that optimises the symbiosis between sport, nature and residential life. The city integrates golf into its development as a structural axis of its life experience.

In the sporting offer of Larimar City & Resort, the complex incorporates two golf courses with distinct personalities and vocations. A main 18-hole course will be deployed (with 9 holes built during the first construction phase). This layout has been meticulously integrated into the landscape to work as a natural extension of the homes, ensuring that 60 hectares of green areas frame residents' daily lives. In addition, this course will be complemented by a high-end country club, elevating the social dimension within the project.

Taking advantage of the enclave's unique topography, Larimar City & Resort adds a second 9-hole course. This layout sits on the promenade, resting on the edge of the natural cliff 100 metres above sea level. This design guarantees wide panoramic views of the Caribbean and will include an exclusive golf bar next to the playing area. Its conception responds to the need for a more agile, relaxed game, allowing residents to enjoy their favourite sport just steps from the commercial and dining area.

In conclusion, the approach of Larimar City & Resort shows how golf has evolved to become the unifying core of a fast-growing, technologically advanced and highly profitable community, underpinning the Dominican Republic's position as the number one destination for golf investment and play in the Caribbean.

*MITUR data, 2024