In parallel, specialized training was conducted for the private sector, offering practical guidelines for companies and trade associations.
Specialists in tourism law and key players in tourism, airports and sustainability, gathered in Punta Cana, analyzed the main challenges and opportunities in terms of sustainability, management, governance and territorial planning, among others.
They met at the first Regional Congress of the Observatory of Tourism Law for Latin America and the Caribbean, where alternatives and recommendations were put forward to promote legislation that strengthens and enhances the competitiveness of the sector.
The Regional Congress took place in the eastern part of the country on July 14, 15 and 16 under the title "Legal Perspectives towards sustainable tourism" under the organization of UN Tourism, Grupo Punta Cana and Quiroz Advisors – QA Legal, and was attended by dozens of national and international professionals and authorities.
Alicia Gómez, Director of the Department of Legal Affairs and International Standards at UN Tourism, commented at the opening of the meeting that the underlying issues discussed stemmed from a shared vision in Tourism Law, comprised of the need for “clearer and more transparent legal frameworks, more inclusive and participatory governance models, and a focus on sustainability in all economic, social, and environmental dimensions.” In her view, the aim is to use the law as a tool to achieve more resilient and sustainable tourist destinations.
José Quiroz, managing partner of QA Legal, explained at the opening of the Congress that the sessions were designed to foster the sharing of reflections, ideas, and best practices on crucial aspects related to tourism, such as regulations for sustainability, territorial governance, short-term tourist rentals, accessible tourism, the opportunities and challenges for operators within the framework of sustainable tourism law, and access to green financing. “Only through regional collaboration will we be able to consolidate fair, competitive, and resilient tourist destinations,” stated the lawyer specializing in the sector.
Yudith Castillo, Legal Director of Grupo Punta Cana, welcomed those present, thanking UN Tourism for selecting the Dominican Republic to hold this first Congress and convening world experts to analyze key issues of interest and build together proposals that strengthen the competitiveness of the sector in an increasingly changing environment.
Alongside the working sessions, specialized training was conducted for the private sector, offering practical guidelines for companies and trade associations on implementing international standards for accessible tourism. Furthermore, with the participation of the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF) and the Inter-American Development Bank, a post-conference event was held focusing on how green investments can act as an engine for driving a sustainable economy, particularly in the tourism sector, thereby promoting more inclusive and environmentally responsible development.
The Congress was attended by international guests, national and international government representatives, such as the Minister of Tourism of Ecuador, Mr. Mateo Estrella, the Vice Minister of Tourism of the Dominican Republic, Mr. Carlos Peguero, and the Minister of Housing, Mr. Francisco Solimán, as well as directors of business associations such as ASONAHORES, ADETI, ASOLESTE and executives from the private and banking sector, academia, among others.
Through its official channels, UN Tourism will communicate the main conclusions of this event, as well as the Observatory's work agenda.
