SANTO DOMINGO – The World Tourism Organization, now UN-Tourism , recognized David Collado as the Minister of the Americas for his visionary and transformative leadership in the sector.
The award recognizes Collado's outstanding work in promoting tourism as an engine of economic development, social inclusion and environmental sustainability in the Latin America and Caribbean region.
The initiative is part of the new UN-Tourism program that seeks to highlight public figures who, from their positions, promote policies and concrete actions with a significant impact on the tourism industry, explains a press release.
The recognition underscores the official's innovative management, his focus on public-private partnerships, and his contribution to the international positioning of the Dominican Republic as one of the most important tourist destinations on the continent.
The award was presented by the Executive Secretary of UN Tourism, Natalia Bayona, who praised Collado's management at the head of the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic.
Paraguay 2026
Within the framework of the International Conversation on Tourism Cooperation, a letter of intent was also signed between the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic and the National Tourism Secretariat of the Republic of Paraguay (SENATUR), through which the participation of the Dominican Republic as the guest of honor partner country in the International Tourism Fair of Paraguay (FITPAR) 2026 is formalized.
The agreement was signed by the Minister of Tourism of the Dominican Republic, David Collado, and the Minister of Tourism of Paraguay, Angie Duarte de Melillo.
The document reaffirms the mutual commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation ties in the tourism sector.
The Dominican Republic's participation in FITPAR 2026 represents a key platform to showcase its tourism offerings in the South American market, promote cultural and commercial exchange, and consolidate its position as a leading destination in the region.
This alliance also opens new opportunities for the development of joint initiatives, the promotion of investments, and collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Note
The Dominican Republic, in its capacity as chair of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for the Americas, organized a forum on the Dominican Republic's Tourism Sustainability Policy and Strategy, with the support of UN Tourism. The meeting was attended by tourism ministers from across the Americas, international authorities, sustainability experts, and representatives from the private and academic sectors.
In addition to Collado, the following participated in the conservatory: Morena Valdez, Minister of Tourism of El Salvador, Angie Duarte de Melillo, Minister of Tourism of Paraguay, and Mateo Estrella, Minister of Tourism of Ecuador.
Also present were Gustavo Santos, Regional Director for the Americas of UN Tourism, Jaime Miyaki, Director of Technical Cooperation of UN Tourism, and Oscar Rueda, Director of Tourism of the Latin American Development Bank (CAF)
UN Tourism is the specialized agency of the United Nations system responsible for promoting responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism. Its mission is to foster the development of tourism as an engine for economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection, supporting member countries in policy formulation, institutional strengthening, and international cooperation.
