Tourism industry analyst Juan Lladó urges the Dominican government authorities to capitalize the global boom for Dominican tropical rhythms for the benefit of the local tourism industry. The Unesco recognized the merengue (2016) and the bachata (2019) on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.
Lladó envisions converting Santo Domingo into the capital of bachata. He recommends the use of a YouTube channel as a link between organizers of bachata events around the world and the Dominican Republic. He would like to see more celebrations of bachata and merengue festivals in Dominican tourism destinations. He also recommends that hotels entertainment departments be more active in teaching the tropical beats to the guests and offering prizes to the best students.
Lladó understands that the government needs to do more to integrate bachata to the country brand. He highlights Dominican international promotion, including advertisements on CNN, needs to piggyback on merengue and bachata to promote our image as a tourism destination.
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Juan Lladó
3 August 2021