The Dominican Association of Sports Tourism (Adoturd) started with strength its mission to convert the Dominican Republic into the main regional sports tourism hub. During the forum “Global Sports Tourism Hub Forum”, organized with Asonahores, an ambitious agenda of events for 2026 was presented, focused on attracting investment, economic development and international projection. Yerik Pérez, founder president of Adoturd, emphasized that this public-private platform will order and strengthen sports tourism to diversify the tourist offer, extend stays and generate employment.
ADOTalks panel reveals key sports tourism events
The ADOTalks: Sports Tourism Projects and Events 2026 panel highlighted attractions such as Major League Baseball games, the Legends Night of FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, the surge of paddle tennis, the ATP Challenger 175 Copa Cap Cana and the Oceanman open water event. Participants like Gabriel Alma, Humberto Reginato, Joelle Schad, José Hernández and Rafael Miranda exposed the potential of these events to drive sports tourism.
Recognitions and presentations strengthen the sports tourism ecosystem
Adoturd Awards for career
The Adoturd Awards were awarded to figures like Ricardo de los Santos, president of the Senate; Félix Sánchez, double Olympic champion; and Juan Marichal, baseball icon. These awards recognize contributions to the link between sports and sports tourism in the country.
Expert presentations on sports tourism
Jimmy Llibre, Porsche Sprint Challenge champion, spoke about car racing as a tourist niche. Persio Maldonado highlighted the media role of international events, while Luisín Mejía, from the COI, emphasized strategic governance. Aguie Lendor, from Asonahores, supported the initiative as a tourism diversification axis.
Global sports tourism grows at 17.5% annually until 2030, according to UNWTO, representing 10% of global tourism spending. In Spain, it generates 1.47 million visitors with a daily expenditure of 188 euros, a model that Adoturd seeks to replicate. Historically, the Dominican Republic has hosted events like MLB series, consolidating its infrastructure for more sports tourism.
- Attraction of high-impact events.
- Improvement of quality standards and secure investment.
- Integrated promotion in global markets.
With this vision, Adoturd aligns sectors to make sports tourism a sustainable pillar, positioning the DR as a regional leader.
