PUNTA CANA, LA ALTAGRACIA PROVINCE - Yesterday was the first day of the leaders' meeting in this tourist destination, which will continue until tomorrow, Saturday, October 5th, to discuss the main needs of the tourism sector, share the progress of the participating countries, and project the future of this growing industry, which is experiencing one of its best moments in the Dominican Republic.
After listening for several hours to ministers and delegations presenting their experiences and reflections on the opportunities and gaps existing in the sector, the UN Tourism Summit for Africa and the Americas issued the Punta Cana Declaration, which outlines the commitment of 51 African and 27 American countries.
Providing workers who lend their labor to the tourism industry with continuous training, incorporating sustainability as a fundamental pillar, and investing strategically were elements that the United Nations Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) put on the table during the exchange of views among the exhibitors.
To promote strategic investment, the countries committed to fostering public-private partnerships to mobilize resources and exchange recognition, implementing supportive policies that create an enabling environment for investing in sustainable tourism, and facilitating access to innovative financing mechanisms.
Similarly, both regions took responsibility for prioritizing education and training to ensure a well-trained workforce in the tourism sector, adapted to the needs of each sector, under a sustainable, community-based and diverse approach.
Support for the development of new technologies that increase the sustainability of the sector and incentivize SMEs, as well as the inclusion of cultural and creative industries for the development of unique and attractive destinations, were two other major components addressed in this declaration.
"We are confident that, through joint efforts, we will open new avenues for mutual growth, cooperation and sustainable development," the declaration emphasizes, in which the leaders assumed the responsibility of holding these types of meetings every two years.
Raquel Peña: "It's time to continue promoting the policies necessary to boost our tourism."
Vice President Raquel Peña, during her participation in the meeting. (External source).
“Now is the time to continue promoting the policies necessary to raise our tourism to the level we project,” declared the Vice President of the Dominican Republic, Raquel Peña, yesterday in her closing remarks during the first day of the first UN Tourism Summit of Africa and the Americas.
The vice president emphasized that the achievements in the sector should fuel further progress, underlining that the success story of the Dominican tourism industry serves as an example for the Americas.
Raquel Peña pointed out to the delegations from various countries present at the meeting that, in order to continue promoting tourism, the government has set out to diversify the tourism offer with new modalities such as health tourism and ecotourism, while expanding the real estate and service offerings, such as adventure parks, shopping centers and gastronomic establishments.
Sustainable tourism
He said that through shared strategies and brotherhood, sustainable tourism can be promoted that protects natural resources, because tourism not only generates economic growth; "it is a key tool in the fight against climate change and the preservation of our ecosystems.".
"By integrating sustainable practices, we not only protect the natural beauty of our countries, but we also ensure that future generations can enjoy these resources in all tourist areas of Africa and the Americas," he emphasized.
He added that to achieve this, interregional collaboration must continue to be strengthened. "From the creation of training networks to the implementation of common policies for the development of responsible tourism, our success will depend on our ability to work together," he commented.
He emphasized that tourism has proven to be a key driver of economic recovery and growth worldwide, generating employment, investment, and comprehensive development for all.
The event is organized by UN Tourism at the initiative of the Dominican Republic and has the motto "Promoting South-South cooperation through investment in Education, Culture, Creative Industries and Innovation".
More about the Declaration
Representatives of the member states of the United Nations Tourism Commission for the Americas and Africa also reaffirmed their commitment to promoting South-South cooperation, with the aim of advancing sustainable development between the two regions and achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda.
The event includes three days of meetings, presentations and high-level sessions, in which ministers, academics, experts and industry actors from both regions discuss the challenges, opportunities for investment, sustainable practices, accessible tourism, innovation, culture, history and opportunities for mutual growth between both continents.
