PUNTA CANA, LA ALTAGRACIA PROVINCE – For tourism to flourish, a national vision must be developed. Macroeconomic policies are needed to foster a stable economy, along with incentive programs that attract investment and instill confidence in investors.
This was stated on Thursday by the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, in his capacity as president of the Regional Commission for the Americas, during the first UN Tourism Summit for Africa and the Americas, which began today in the main tourist destination of the Dominican Republic.
“We are aware that it is necessary to have a long-term vision that seeks to enhance the strengths of each destination and manage weaknesses, with the ultimate goal of building a diversified product for all segments,” the official commented.
He added that he is also aware of the need for a vision of strategic alliances involving both the public and private sectors. “The government’s role is to develop a strategy with realistic goals; to be a driving force for industrial growth through infrastructure investment; to guarantee physical and legal security; and to build increasingly stronger bridges of international relations,” Collado explained.
David Collado during his participation in the summit. Fidel Pérez/El Inmobiliario.
"Why?" he asked, and then answered: "To encourage private investment... because only in unity does our industry find the strength to expand," Collado said before representatives from more than 30 countries attending the meeting.
Collado pointed out that once this is done, the commitment to the growth, promotion, and preservation of tourism will be shared by everyone. “And it will become increasingly easier for the rest of the world to access us and our cultural wealth.”.
Two lands as the cradle of humanity
David Collado argued that, despite the more than 1,600 kilometers separating the African and American continents, we are united by cultural and historical traits.
“Today, we meet at a midpoint between two lands that served as the Cradle of Humanity and as the home of the New World,” he declared.
He expressed his gratitude for the presence of all the ministers participating in the international conclave and said he was convinced that this Africa-Americas summit is the starting point for the continents to work together in the promotion and development of tourism.
He asserted that the Dominican Republic and Africa are closely linked, each containing a bit of the other. “The more than five centuries of shared history we have have only enriched the folkloric and cultural aspects we share, which are so important in the lives of our people and have given us a distinctive character worldwide. These ties unite us, enrich us, and inspire us to work together for a better future,” David Collado emphasized.
He opined that tourism, beyond being a branch of economic activity, is a means of exporting our essence to the rest of the world. “That is why, currently, African countries lead local investment in tourism (according to information from the World Economic Forum), and for that same reason, the Dominican Republic has focused its efforts on the industry that exports Dominican identity.”.
Routes
Collado pointed out that with more than 200 air routes operated by 100 airlines, 93 cruise lines, 80,000 hotel rooms and more than 50 hotel chains, the Dominican Republic has made history.
“The 8 international airports and 7 cruise ports together with the 3,500 tourism providers that operate in the tourism industry, allowed us to reach the milestone of one visitor per inhabitant in 2023, with the arrival of 10.3 million visitors and the loyalty of 18,000 travel agents worldwide.”.
