SANTO DOMINGO.- David Collado, Minister of Tourism, affirmed yesterday, Friday, that his administration firmly and decisively believes in continuing to encourage the private sector to invest in tourism, in the development of new hotels and new brands.
"From our perspective in the Tourism Cabinet and the Ministry, the protection and promotion of private investment has never been, and never will be, in question. We firmly and emphatically believe in continuing to encourage the private sector to invest in tourism, in the development of new hotels and new brands, and that is why I publicly announce here that Confotur will continue its work," Collado stated.
The official considered that the sustained growth of the sector he represents warrants continued incentives for investment in the construction of more hotel rooms and the renovation of existing ones.
Collado expressed his views while participating in the Tourism Investment Forum of the Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic (Asonahores).
He said the Dominican Republic requires around 30,000 additional hotel rooms to support the rapid growth experienced by the industry in recent years.
David Collado gave assurances that Law 158-01 will also remain in place to continue renovating the country's hotel rooms, something he considered fundamental for the tourism industry to remain positioned and competitive.
David Collado, Minister of Tourism. (EXTERNAL SOURCE).
He emphasized that despite the proposed Fiscal Modernization Bill submitted by the Government, which was withdrawn from the National Congress after public rejection, the Tourism Cabinet "did not have the elimination of Confotur on its list.".
"The Tourism Cabinet had a plan, it had a measure, and under no circumstances were the investments going to be left up in the air, and under no circumstances was the incentive for the creation of new rooms going to be eliminated," he assured.
He indicated that there was a "frank and direct" dialogue with investors, with whom meetings were held "constantly" to keep their positions in mind when making decisions, since the development of tourism has been due, more than anything, to public-private collaboration.
Collado emphasized that Dominican tourism "is at its best, and that this growth will not stop, since it is projected that, by the end of 2024, 11,500,000 visitors will arrive, thus exceeding the 10 million reached last year.
He recognized companies that are pillars of tourism development in the Dominican Republic, including Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana, Wyndham Alltra, and the Dorado Water Park in Cap Cana, highlighting their impact on economic growth and excellence in the country's industry.
