Punta Cana. La Altagracia. – David Collado, the Minister of Tourism, declared the Africa and Americas tourism summit a total triumph. The three-day event took place in this renowned location, attracting participants from over 30 countries. There were even negotiations with UN Tourism about strategizing a way to ensure the country’s tourism becomes fully sustainable.
He stated that during the conference, they were able to reach a common agreement on key issues and challenges in marketing tourism on both continents.
“The discussions were highly beneficial and will affect our tourism in the short, medium and long-run. There’s no doubt that this confluence of Africa and the Americas was highly successful,” Collado proclaimed.
Collado confirmed that the Punta Cana statement symbolizes a steadfast agreement established between African and American nations to jointly promote a SOUTH-SOUTH development strategy.
Besides, Collado indicated a mutual commitment from participating countries to formulate a joint investment plan aimed at reaching sustainable development goals that directly influence tourism.
“This is a landmark acknowledging an unprecedented channel of cooperation allowing tourism to unify our people. We aim to develop cultural, gastronomic, and ecological tourism plans where our diversity and similarities are vital for the growth of our people via tourism,” the Minister of the Dominican Republic reported to the press at the conclusion of this Friday’s working sessions.
Zurab Pololikashvili, the UN Tourism Secretary-General, labeled the convention as an essential meeting among ministers and other sector stakeholders, which will encourage a shared plan between both continents.
He is of the viewpoint that fostering investments is crucial, stating “without investments there is no tourism development.”
He expressed gratitude to the Dominican population for their warm reception during the summit and singled out Minister David Collado’s excellent contribution and industry leadership globally.
The conference, initiated by the Dominican Republic and organized by UN Tourism, gathered representatives from 30 countries across Africa and the Americas for three days.
Sustainability agreement
As part of this first UN-Tourism Summit, an agreement was inked signifying the inception of a Sustainable Tourism Policy and Strategy for the nation.
The contract was signed by David Collado, the Minister of Tourism, and Zurab Pololikashvili, the UN Tourism Secretary General. Also present were ASONAHORES president, David Llibre and Anabel Bueno, the Dominican Republic’s UN-Tourism ambassador.
The agreement is geared towards creating a sustainable tourism policy and strategy, aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
It involves an inclusive approach incorporating capacity building, collaboration with key players, communication, and innovation for the growth of sustainable tourism throughout the entire value chain.