The initiative is based on three pillars and seeks to strengthen wellness tourism for communities and visitors
In Puerto Plata, the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) launched the national program “Tourism Close to You” yesterday, Thursday, August 27, an initiative that integrates the entire value chain to continue strengthening the sustainability, safety, quality and organization of tourist destinations in the Dominican Republic.
David Collado, head of that state agency, explained that the initiative is part of an essential vision: "tourism is built with the people and for the people," he said, after stating that the true development of destinations is born in their communities, in the hospitality of their citizens and in the daily effort of those who are part of the tourism activity.
“Behind every tourism experience are people, families, and communities. With 'Tourism Close to You,' we want to listen to, support, and work hand in hand with all sectors, because our people are the true essence and the main protagonists of tourism development,” said Collado.
Safety for visitors
During the launch, David Collado highlighted that the Dominican Republic has one of the highest levels of security among the main tourist destinations in the region, citing 2024 data from the OAS Inter-American Security Observatory.
“The Dominican Republic is a safe destination. We have made significant progress and will continue working with communities, businesses, and institutions to further enhance our levels of safety, organization, quality, and sustainability,” he added.
Broad representation
TheMinistry of Tourism's statement indicates that the event had broad representation from across the tourism value chain, including provincial and municipal authorities, community and religious leaders, business associations, tourism clusters, and representatives from the hotel, gastronomy, commercial, airport, port, financial, and health sectors.
It also mentions tour operators, tour guides, artisans, taxi drivers, carriage drivers, beach vendors, media outlets, and other service providers linked to the tourism development of Puerto Plata.
The program's key elements
The Ministry of Tourism specifies that “Tourism Close to You” is developed on three fundamental axes:
–The sustainability and management of destinations, focused on planning, land management, signage and the protection of natural and cultural resources;
–Tourist security, aimed at strengthening visitor assistance, the protection of children and adolescents, surveillance and regulation of the sector;
-Strengthening tourism regulations through updating regulations, supervising services, and applying quality and safety standards.
With the launch of “Tourism Close to You” in Puerto Plata, the Ministry of Tourism reaffirms that the sector's growth must translate into well-being, opportunities, and a better quality of life for communities. The goal is to continue building, together with the people, an increasingly safe, sustainable, organized, inclusive, and competitive tourism sector, the press release concludes.
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