Health Tourism Push: The Dominican Republic’s Senate approved landmark legislation to turn medical tourism into a national priority, aiming to boost quality, international accreditation, investment, innovation, and public-private coordination after 338,000 health tourists in 2023 generated over US$1.4B. Migration & Trade Talks: Foreign ministers from the DR and Haiti met in Dajabón to coordinate migration management, border security, legal cooperation, trade formalization, and air connectivity, while also pushing for continued UN support for Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force. Aviation & Cross-Border Logistics: U.S. flight restrictions over Haiti were extended until March 2, 2027, and Dominican Customs tightened container controls for goods transiting to Haiti to improve traceability amid security-driven port disruptions. Tourism & Hospitality Growth: Hyatt opened Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana, expanding its all-inclusive footprint in the country. Business Sector Momentum: Formal business units rose 5% in 2025 and formal employment surpassed 2.56M jobs, with accommodation and food services among the fastest-growing areas. Digital Safety: UNICEF reports about 20M children across 21 countries face online sexual abuse/exploitation each year, with social media driving most cases. Currency Enforcement: In Philadelphia, CBP’s K9 Nitro helped seize US$19,000 in undeclared cash from Dominican Republic-bound travelers. Environmental Enforcement: The government declared “environmental terrorism” a high national interest, setting tougher penalties for attacks on national parks and protected resources.