A project was initiated to develop a sustainable tourism policy for the country during the First UN-Tourism Summit held yesterday in Punta Cana.
The Minister of Tourism, David Collado signed the agreement with UN Tourism Secretary General, Zurab Pololikashvili. The President of the Association of Hotels and Tourism (ASONAHORES), David Llibre, as well as Anabel Bueno, the Dominican Republic’s ambassador to UN-Tourism, were also present.
This alliance aims to create a sustainable tourism policy aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, according to a press release.
It will focus on capacity building, collaboration, communication, and innovation to promote sustainable tourism across the entire value chain.
More Than 30 Countries
Collado noted that the tourism summit of Africa and the Americas was a success. It saw participation from over 30 countries during a three-day event in the country’s primary tourist destination.
He stated that a consensus was reached about common goals and the challenges of promoting tourism between the two continents.
David Collado, External Source.
The debates held during the summit will significantly impact tourism in the coming years. The success of the summit is undeniable, stated Collado.
Punta Cana Declaration
According to Collado, the Punta Cana declaration presents a strong commitment from the countries of Africa and America. These countries will cooperate in promoting a SOUTH-SOUTH development agenda.
He added that the countries present during the summit committed to forming a joint investment agenda. This agenda aims at achieving sustainable development goals that directly impact tourism.
Collado further stated that this cooperation would foster cultural, gastronomic, and ecological tourism agendas. As a result, diversity and similarities among these nations would significantly contribute to the development of their people through tourism.
Secretary General UN Tourism
Zurab Pololikashvili, the Secretary General of UN Tourism, mentioned that the summit helped establish a common tourism agenda between the two continents. He emphasized the importance of promoting investments as, without them, the development of tourism is impossible.
Pololikashvili thanked the Dominicans for their hospitality and praised David Collado for his leadership in the international tourism sector.
The UN Tourism summit, which had representatives from 30 African and American countries, was spearheaded by the Dominican Republic.