Last week, Santo Domingo’s hoteliers launched a strategic plan to boost travel to the capital city. Tourism consultant Juan Lladó said that the city should focus on attracting conventions, as well as visitors interested in participating in sporting events and festivals. The city of Santo Domingo offers many attractions for the holding of small conventions. A large convention center is yet to be built.
Juan Lladó proposed that the city should organize a convention and visitors’ bureau and that a committee should promote the construction of a large convention center.
He also recommended the organization of a board that would be responsible for the Merengue Festival and another for the Santo Domingo Carnival. He also suggested a working committee to organize smaller festivals and events, together with sporting events.
Among other recommended measures the city should consider is the creation of a board for the Parque Nacional Litoral Sur, the coastline bordering the Malecón of Santo Domingo. He feels this should start with an agreement for collaboration between the Dirección Nacional de Parques, which is in charge of national parks, the municipality, and the Centro de Investigación de Biología Marina (Cibima).
Other suggestions include the introduction of a bus shuttle to Boca Chica beach. To do this, it was proposed that the Mayor of Santo Domingo, and the Minister of Tourism meet with the taxi unions who might oppose the measure.
The creation of a Santo Domingo Information Office at Las Americas International Office, with funding from the private sector and the support of the airport and the Ministry of Tourism, is also proposed.
The strategic plan also contemplates promoting the creation of a Special Authority for the Port of Santo Domingo, with the participation of shipping agencies to look into its potential as a cruise ship port.
Jaime Tio, president of the Association of Hotels of Santo Domingo, proposed that the city be broken up into areas or districts. These would be: 1) the Las Americas to Santo Domingo city center area; 2) the Colonial City and the Ciudad Nueva; 3) the area from Gazcue to the Centro de los Héroes alongside the Avenidas Independencia, Bolívar and George Washington; 4) a new commercial and entertainment area bordered by 27 de Febrero, Roberto Pastoriza, Gustavo Mejía Ricart, Tiradentes, and Winston Churchill.
He explained that in addition to the attractions within these areas for tourists, because of their high use by large segments of the population, the improved state of these areas will have an effect on the conditions of living for city residents.
He feels that refuse collection, the electricity supply, environmental rehabilitation, renovation of the Malecon park, the organization of public transportation, proper signs and repairs to the streets, and security are all vital.
The conversion of the Sans Souci area into a tourist beach for Santo Domingo with proper facilities and services is also considered a priority by Jaime Tio.