The Ministry of Tourism has undertaken the drafting of the National Tourism Sustainability Strategy. A series of encounters with public and private entities and contributors to the tourism value chain are being held to compile information for the plan. Veronica Pinilla and Victor Gorga, of the Technical Cooperation-Tourism/United Nations are assisting the government in the preparation of the plan. The work tables are coordinated by Deputy Tourism Minister for International Cooperation Carlos Peguero.
Vice Minister Peguero said the initiative starts with gathering information. The plan seeks to define the steps to be taken in terms of sustainability in tourism, to ensure better conditions for tourism development. The strategy will look into areas such as environment, land use, water use, energy, solid wastes, and statistics.
Peguero highlighted the drafting of the Sustainability Strategy is undertaken given the constant growth of the industry that has already reached 10 million tourists. He stressed this means greater efforts and care for our natural resources, identity and culture are needed given the impact the large numbers of tourists will have on communities and their economy.
Regarding the plan, Vice Minister of Destination Management Patricia Mejía highlighted the enthusiasm shown by the entire Ministry of Tourism team and the expectations created. She spoke of how the focus is on developing a common vision, legal framework, and responsible management, as an integral part so that the actions remain over time.
Along with Mitur, technicians from the ministries of Environment, Economy, and Culture attended the first working sessions. Also participating were representatives of the Institute of Drinking Water and Sewage (INAPA), of Hydraulic Resources (Indri); Santo Domingo Aqueduct and Sewer Corporation (CAASD); National Statistics Office (ONE); Punta Cana-Macao Energy Consortium; Public-Private Trust for Comprehensive Solid Waste Management, Pro-Pedernales Trust (CEPM); and the National Council on Climate Change.
Representatives of public-private entities from the tourist destinations of Pedernales, Puerto Plata, Samaná, La Altagracia, Santo Domingo, Bayahibe and Miches presented to the UN-Tourism advisors on the impacts of climate change, diversification, tourism development, achievements and challenges in the field of sustainability, among other topics.
The hotel and tourism sector was represented by the National Hotel & Tourism Association (Asonahores). Tour operators and travel agents were represented by the president of the Association of Incoming Tour Operators of the Dominican Republic (Asoture), César González and by the president of the Association of Inbound Tour Operators of the Dominican Republic (Opetur), Maria Grazia Bataglia; and for ADAVIT, the general manager, Vilma Pockets.
Read more in Spanish:
Ministry of Tourism
Diario Libre
CEPAL
UN Sustainable Tourism
23 April 2024