Dominican investigative reporter Arelis Pena Brito of El Caribe newspaper captured a second regional award on 27 June during the Caribbean Media Exchange held in St. Lucia. Her award at the 6th CMEx was for journalistic excellence in her coverage of the struggles between commerce and the environment in the Dominican Republic.
Just days earlier, on 17 June, Pena Brito was honoured with the overall Caribbean Tourism Media Award at the Caribbean Hotel Industry Conference held in Puerto Rico. Sponsored by the Caribbean Hotel Association and American Express, this award recognized her work in reporting topics related to tourism with a sharp business focus that highlights the economic, social and environmental impact of the industry in the DR. Much mention was made of her recent coverage of the efforts of the Dominican Congress to enact legislation that would reduce the National Parks and Protected Areas in order to allow controversial touristic development of the Southeastern Coast. Pena Brito has been following the progress of the controversy from the standpoint of all stakeholders, developers, government and the community.
The Caribbean Tourism Media Awards is part of the commitment being made by CHA and American Express to increase awareness on the importance of the sustainable development of the tourism industry, for the economic and social wellbeing of the region and its people.