Tourism Demand: Canada and Europe are driving a fresh tourism surge in the Dominican Republic, with 817,000+ visitors in the first quarter (+13.3% from Canada and +14.8% from Europe), spreading growth beyond the U.S. market. Free Zones & Investment: The DR Trade & Investment Road Show 2026 wrapped up in Houston, Columbus and Raleigh, pitching industrial parks and free trade zones to 110+ U.S. executives from tech, manufacturing, energy and logistics, including Google, Lockheed Martin and First Solar. Logistics Competitiveness: ADACAM says logistics outsourcing is becoming a strategic lever for DR competitiveness, resilience and faster response times, as the sector shifts from “operational” to value-creating. Construction & Permits: MIVHED approved RD$330.2B+ in private construction projects in H1 2026 (+157%), as permit modernization aims to cut delays and boost predictability for investors. Mining & Energy Research: CAMIPE reports mining’s strong 2026 start (exports +67.6% to US$1.45B through May), while the Energy Ministry and UT Austin partner on geology and hydrocarbon/rare-earth basin assessments through March 2027. Public Safety Tech: The 911 system began a technical collaboration with Boston Dynamics to explore Spot robots for hazardous emergency response. Humanitarian Response: EMT-RD treated 1,200+ patients in Venezuela after the earthquake, marking the DR’s first WHO-certified Type 1 emergency medical deployment abroad. Tourism Heritage: Tourism Minister David Collado says the Alcázar de Colón museum restoration is complete and public lighting in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City is underway. Municipal Governance: Fedodim announced nominees for the Juan Pablo Duarte Awards, with the gala in Santiago on July 16.