David Collado, the Minister of Tourism, commented that the supremacy of Dominican tourism is once again shown through the UN Tourism Africa and the Americas summit commencing this Thursday in the Caribbean nation, scheduled to carry on till Saturday.
“The prominent position the Dominican Republic holds in global tourism is undeniable, hence our presence here. For the first time, two continents come together to discuss the realm of tourism, which bolster our economies,” stated the Dominican minister in his inaugural speech at the summit.
At the global representative meeting, Collado expressed appreciation for all the attending ministers, expressing his belief that this gathering between Africa and America will pave a path for the two continents to collaboratively develop and endorse tourism.
“At this location, where the modern world began, we also initiate an enormous mission to promote a shared tourism agenda, since this sector brings prosperity to countries,” the Minister declared, who also presides over the UN Tourism for the Americas.
The meeting was held under the auspices of UN Tourism, initiated by the Dominican Republic. It was themed around “Boosting south-south synergy through investing in education, culture, creative industries, and innovation. “
Apart from Collado, Roberto Álvarez, the Dominican Foreign Minister, Zurab Pololikashvili, UN Tourism’s Secretary General. As well as Louis Steven Obeegadoo, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Housing, Territorial Planning, and Tourism of Mauritius who also chairs the Regional Commission for Africa, addressed the inaugural ceremony.
At the Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort hotel, the three days of activities sees an array of sessions, high-ranked meetings, and presentations. During these gatherings, professionals from both regions, including ministers, academics, and any other interested parties discuss the challenges, sustainable practices, investment possibilities, accessible tourism, innovation, cultural, historical aspects, and collaborative opportunities for growth.
Post the official opening, participants started their tasks at the summit, with prominent stakeholders in tourism from all continents present.
Highlights and Sessions
Post mid-morning, the first keynote was presented by Auxillia Mnangagwa, Patroness of Tourism and First Lady ofamp; Zimbabwe. After which, the High-level Minister’s Dialogue: “Establishing Opportunities between Africa and the Americas” took place.
This debate, coupled with the pre-scheduled bilateral meetings, focused on fostering increased collaboration in tourism, initiating meaningful cultural exchanges, promoting sustainable practices, and developing new prospects for economic and tourism growth between the two continents.
The course of the day also witnessed the approval of the Punta Cana Declaration along with a keynote presentation on “Creating bridges between continents: Strengthening African and American links”, delivered by Peter Cerda, IATA’s regional vice-president.
The talk ‘Cooking Connections: The Power of Gastronomy to Unite Continents’ will be delivered by UN Tourism’s ambassador and Ethiopian chef, Yohanis Hailemariam.
Raquel Peña, the Vice President of the Republic, will then speak in the afternoon, concluding activities and presentations of the summit’s first day. It resides under the theme: “Boosting south-south cooperation through investing in education, culture, creative industries, and innovation.”