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Santo Domingo, DR.- The Dominican Republic is finalizing the details to hold the first UN Tourism Summit for Africa and the Americas in Punta Cana, an international meeting to promote greater tourism cooperation that stimulates development through cultural exchanges and sustainable tourism practices on both continents.
The participation of the President of the Republic Luis Abinader in the opening ceremony of the conclave and the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, host of the meeting, who, in turn, will be in charge of the opening remarks of the event as president of the Regional Commission for the Americas of UN Tourism, was confirmed, starting on Thursday, October 3, at 10 in the morning at the Hotel Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort.
Minister Collado will be followed by welcoming remarks by Louis Steven Obeegadoo, Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Mauritius and President of the Regional Commission for Africa, as well as Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General of UN Tourism.
The event, organized by UN Tourism at the initiative of the Dominican Republic, will have the motto “Promoting South-South cooperation through investment in Education, Culture, Creative Industries and Innovation.”
UN Tourism assures meeting will be key for sustainable development
The World Tourism Organization, now known as UN Tourism, issued a concept note on the event, highlighting that in a context marked by global interconnection and cultural diversity, South-South cooperation between Africa and the Americas emerges as a key factor in promoting sustainable development and achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda.
The Ministry of Tourism reported yesterday, Sunday, on the details of the event to be held between October 3 and 5 with the participation of the President of the Republic Luis Abinader.
In highlighting the importance of the Summit, UN Tourism maintains that promoting tourism and strengthening the creative industry emerge as strategic pillars that not only promote economic growth, but also nurture mutual understanding, cultural diversity and the exchange of experiences.
He stressed that both Africa and America have a great variety of impressive natural attractions, a rich cultural legacy and a wide range of experiences yet to be discovered, where the tourism sector offers a viable path for economic diversification, job creation, innovation, entrepreneurship, preservation and enhancement of cultural and natural heritage and sustainable development.
Characteristics that represent a turning point in promoting a strategic transformative partnership.
Three days of discussions on investment challenges and opportunities
During the three days of activities, which will take place at the Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort hotel, meetings, presentations and high-level sessions will be held, in which ministers, academics, experts and industry players from both regions will discuss the challenges, investment opportunities, sustainable practices, accessible tourism, innovation, culture, history and opportunities for mutual growth between both continents.
The Dominican president, Luis Abinader, will have a special participation in the framework of this first day of presentations, where he will refer to the importance for the country of holding this First UN Tourism Summit for Africa and the Americas.
Minister Collado will speak on the topic: “Successful model of public and private management for tourism development”, scheduled for Friday 4th at 11:45 in the morning.
Minister Collado has already guaranteed the success of the summit and stressed its importance for world tourism.
“This great meeting of two continents once again places the Dominican Republic in the eyes of world tourism. It is a recognition of the work we have done in this wonderful country,” said Minister Collado.
UN Tourism highlights the immense potential that both continents display in terms of natural attractions, rich cultural heritage and the significant increase in international tourist arrivals.
Last year, a total of 267 million international visitor arrivals were recorded, contributing $371 billion to their respective countries' economies, an increase of almost 31% compared to 2022.