21 March 2025 - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, has been officially selected to host the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in 2027, following a vote by IOC Members during the 144th IOC Session held in Greece. This marks the first time the Dominican Republic will host this gathering of the IOC membership, and a return of the Olympic Movement to the Caribbean 38 years after the 95th IOC Session in Puerto Rico in 1989.
The Dominican Republic's Olympic Committee, led by its President, Garibaldy Bautista, had earlier expressed immense pride and enthusiasm for the opportunity to host the IOC Session, and the colourful presentation today, led by IOC Member in the Dominican Republic Luis Mejía Oviedo, brought a touch of Caribbean culture and flavour to the ongoing Session.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, has been selected to host the IOC Session in 2027, following a vote by IOC Members.
— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) March 21, 2025
The presentation, led by IOC Member Luis Mejia Oviedo (@luisinmejia), brought a whiff of Caribbean culture and flavour to the ongoing 144th IOC Session in Greece.… pic.twitter.com/dicIlvkqiT
The President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, also addressed the Session via video message: “On behalf of our entire country, it is an honour for us to have the opportunity to host the IOC Session in 2027 in Punta Cana – an event of great importance for the future of the Olympic Movement and the global development of sport.”
The proposal to consider Punta Cana as the host city was initially put forward by the IOC Executive Board (EB) in December 2024. This recommendation was based on a feasibility study conducted by the IOC Session Evaluation Commission, led by IOC Member Ser Miang Ng, in October 2024. The Commission was impressed by the exceptional quality of the world-class facilities, combined with a clear sustainability focus and strong support from local authorities. On the visit, the Commission was accompanied by Mejía Oviedo and Bautista.
Commission Chair Ng said: “The IOC Session will take place in the largest convention centre in the country. The local authorities are showing great interest in the IOC Session and are ready to help. Hosting the IOC Session in the Caribbean after 38 years would also highlight the universality and global reach of the Olympic Movement.”
The selection of Punta Cana underscores the IOC's commitment to engaging with diverse cultures and regions, reflecting the universal appeal of the Olympic Movement. The Dominican Republic's rich cultural heritage and passion for sport are expected to contribute to a memorable and impactful IOC Session in 2027.
