The Ministry of Tourism highlighted that tourism activity contributes to strengthening national production and food security, following the country's removal from the FAO's Hunger Map.
PUNTA CANA - The Dominican tourism industry buys more than RD$98 billion annually from the agricultural sector, making it one of the main markets for national production and contributing to strengthening food security, reported the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur).
This was explained by the authorities during a meeting with the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), QU Dongyu, in which they analyzed the links between tourism, agriculture and community development.
In that context, they highlighted that the sustained growth of tourism activity has favored the opening of markets for Dominican producers, the generation of jobs and the expansion of economic opportunities in different locations throughout the country.
These advances gain relevance following the recent removal of the Dominican Republic from the FAO's Hunger Map, a recognition that reflects the progress achieved in food security.
Tourism drives national production
Referring to this relationship, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Carlos Peguero, stated that the expansion of the sector has helped to connect the demand for hotels and other establishments with the local agricultural supply, creating opportunities for producers and their communities.
“Without a doubt, our tourism sector has been a key ally in the national effort to guarantee food security,” the official said.
He also maintained that the progress achieved by the country is related to a development vision that integrates tourism activity with national production, through stable markets, more jobs and better opportunities for Dominican families.
Along the same lines, Peguero explained that the impact of this industry goes beyond the arrival of visitors, as its demand for goods and services affects various branches of the economy.
“Each new tourist we receive generates greater demand for goods and services produced in our country. This boosts agriculture, strengthens value chains, creates jobs, and contributes to the well-being of thousands of Dominican families,” he noted.
However, he indicated that the continued increase in tourist flow also poses the challenge of raising the country's productive capacity, without neglecting the sustainability, quality and innovation necessary to compete in international markets.
FAO highlights the country's progress
For his part, QU Dongyu expressed his satisfaction at visiting the Dominican Republic for the first time and learning firsthand about the national experience of integration between tourism, agriculture and territorial development.
Similarly, he valued the progress made in food security and reiterated the international organization's interest in supporting initiatives that contribute to the well-being of communities and to achieving the Zero Hunger goal.
During the event, participants highlighted that the demand from the tourism industry can serve as a platform to organize and expand agri-food markets, provided it is developed in an inclusive and sustainable manner.
Consequently, they raised the need to improve the organization, diversification, traceability and logistics of the local supply, as well as to advance in its formalization to respond to the requirements of hotels and other establishments in the sector.
Furthermore, they pointed out that the regularity and purchasing power of tourism activity represent an opportunity to raise the standards of quality and food safety and consolidate production chains with an impact on local economies.
They present sustainability initiatives
As part of the meeting, the Director of Intelligence of Mitur, Liliana Cruz, presented the exhibition “Tourism as a platform for linkages with national production”, which addressed the potential of this industry to expand the marketing of Dominican products.
Eric Dorrejo, Director of Territorial Planning at the Ministry of Economy, presented the Hand-in-Hand initiative in Pedernales, aimed at promoting territorial development opportunities.
Meanwhile, Mildre de Sierra, Head of Sustainability at Meliá, presented the Optic Waste project, a tool designed to measure and reduce food waste in the hotel industry.
In that order, the model promoted in Cabo Rojo, Pedernales, was also highlighted as an experience to strengthen the relationship between tourism, agricultural production and communities, through the generation of economic opportunities and the use of the local supply.
Meeting Participants
The meeting was attended by the Minister of Agriculture, Francisco Oliverio Espaillat Bencosme; Frank Rodríguez, Commercial Director of the Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic (Asonahores); Patricia Mejía, Vice Minister of Destinations of Mitur; Daysi de Óleo, Governor of La Altagracia; and Ada Hernández, Dominican Ambassador to the FAO in Rome.
Also present were representatives of the international organization and other national and foreign authorities linked to the agricultural, tourism and development sectors.
Recommended readings:
- Dominican Republic aims to surpass 1.3 million Canadian tourists with Meet in Paradise Toronto 2026
- Tourism invests RD$25.5 million in the reconstruction of sidewalks and the surroundings of the Basilica of Higüey
- The Dominican Republic promotes its tourist destinations in Paraguay as the guest country of FITPAR 2026
