The Trade Exposition organized by the Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic (Asonahores) closed on Friday with 323 booths occupied by more than 200 companies and attendance of over 5,000 visitors, the highest figures recorded by the event in its 38 years.
The fair ran from September 2 at BlueMall Punta Cana, in the province of La Altagracia, and surpassed 2025 attendance, when it drew around 4,000 people.
According to the tourism trade group, 85% of the companies that took part this year had attended previous editions and returned to the exposition to showcase their products and services, as well as to make contact with buyers linked to tourism activity.
Record turnout and business growth
The return of exhibiting companies and the growth of the fair reflect the business opportunities that tourism generates for other economic activities, according to Asonahores executive vice president Aguie Lendor.
Lendor said that the fact that 85% of companies returned, and that this year the fair reached 323 occupied booths and more than 5,000 visitors, demonstrated the strength the trade exposition has built up over time.
Asonahores is the main trade association representing the hotel and tourism industry in the Dominican Republic, a sector that is a major driver of the country's economy.
Economic ripple effect
Lendor said that demand from the tourism sector creates opportunities for suppliers, producers, industries and service providers, extending the impact of tourism activity into other areas of the economy.
This year's edition brought together buyers and representatives of the hotel industry, along with companies from sectors including food and beverages, technology, financial services, furnishings, kitchen equipment and energy solutions, among other segments.
Asonahores said that behind every occupied hotel room there is a chain that demands food, manufacturing, technology, financing, equipment, energy and multiple other services.
Talks on AI, investment and tourism policy
The exposition also included a schedule of panel discussions covering the Tourism Development Council (Confotur) and its impact on the sector's development, the national economic environment, the criminal liability of legal entities, and the use of artificial intelligence in the tourism and hotel industries.
The role of private capital and investment funds in tourism development was also discussed.
The program included an economic meeting with representatives of the press and the signing of collaboration agreements with other sectors.
Local artisans take part
More than 10 local artisans took part in the exposition, in a space set aside for the creative economy and handicraft production.
The 38th edition of the Trade Exposition was sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism and by companies from the financial, energy, industrial, commercial and services sectors.
