Independent Hotels Boost Their Business Within the HIC Network

Santo Domingo, DR: The Dominican Republic continues to solidify its position as a leading destination in the Caribbean, with sustained growth in international tourist arrivals. According to official data from the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR), the country surpassed 6 million visitors during the first half of 2025, representing a significant increase compared to the same period last year. Projections indicate that by the end of August, the total number of visitors will exceed 8 million.

This tourism stability is driven by the quality of the hotel infrastructure, the beauty of its beaches, its historical and cultural heritage, and the diversification of its tourism offerings, which include nature, adventure, artistic, and wellness tourism.
This environment has created new investment opportunities for independent hotels seeking to join international networks, such as Hyatt Inclusive Collection (HIC), to enhance their growth, improve competitiveness, and access global quality standards, while also contributing to the economic and tourism development of local communities.

“Hyatt Inclusive Collection aims to open new doors for independent hotels in the country, helping them grow within an international network and gain access to global quality standards, while fostering local job creation and promoting experiences that highlight the cultural and heritage wealth of each destination,” said Fernando Fernández, VP of Development at Hyatt Inclusive Collection.

Expansion and Integration Strategy for Independent Hotels

This model not only seeks to expand the country’s luxury hotel offerings but also prioritizes the tourism and economic development of the destination. During the integration process, job creation is promoted, the acquisition of local materials and furnishings is prioritized, and experiences that highlight the historical and cultural richness of each region are encouraged—such as excursions, recreational activities, and events that allow visitors to interact with community residents.

“The Dominican Republic was the first destination in our Inclusive Collection portfolio and remains a strong contender for continued expansion opportunities. We look forward to continuing to work closely with owners to broaden their diverse offerings, while maintaining the essence, architecture, and services that honor the environment and the local community,” Fernández added.

Among the brands available for this conversion model are Secrets, Dreams, and the upcoming Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts, designed to serve the new generation of travelers. Each resort is carefully adapted to the cultural and tourism characteristics of its location, incorporating regional architectural elements and offering services and activities that allow guests to authentically immerse themselves in Dominican history, traditions, and culture. This approach aims to generate added value, enriching the visitor’s experience while supporting the local economy and reinforcing each destination’s identity.

Benefits for Hoteliers and the Community

Hoteliers who join the Hyatt network receive comprehensive support ranging from property planning and renovation to the implementation of advanced technology, sustainable practices, and the use of native materials, ensuring that the resort meets international standards of quality and efficiency. Shortly before opening, owners benefit from Hyatt’s extensive distribution network and loyalty programs, such as World of Hyatt and Unlimited Vacation Club, which help boost bookings and enhance the resort’s market positioning.

Hyatt maintains a collaborative approach with owners to align the resort’s vision with market needs, ensuring that each property preserves the character and value of its destination while generating jobs both during construction and daily operations. Additionally, the model encourages the purchase of local products and services, directly supporting the local economy and contributing to the sustainability of tourism. This enables authentic cultural experiences that showcase the destination’s heritage while fostering a sense of regional identity.

Recent examples include Hyatt’s expansion into Miches, with the opening of Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa and the upcoming Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa, as well as the future opening of Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana, an adults-only resort that will broaden the tourism offering and create new job opportunities in the region, further consolidating Hyatt’s contribution to local economic and tourism development.