David Collado, The Minister of Tourism, declared the tourism summit of Africa and the Americas, a great success. The summit, which was held in this famous destination for three days, saw participation from over 30 countries from both continents.
The Dominican Republic’s Minister of Tourism expressed that a consensus on key points and challenges in promoting tourism between the two continents was reached during the summit.
“The debates were highly productive and will influence our tourism sector in the short, medium and long term. Without a doubt, this summit of Africa and the Americas was a great success,” Collado stated.
He asserted that the Punta Cana declaration is a solid commitment that has been forged between the African and American countries, with the aim to jointly promote a SOUTH-SOUTH development agenda.
Furthermore, Collado pointed out that the nations involved in the summit pledged to formulate a shared investment agenda focused on achieving sustainable development goals that positively affect tourism.
“This represents a significant milestone as it will enable a cooperation channel that did not exist before, letting tourism be the tool that unites our people. We will develop cultural, gastronomic and eco-friendly tourism agendas. Our diversity and our similarities provide crucial support for our people’s development through tourism,” said the Minister, talking to journalists at the conclusion of the Friday work sessions.
Zurab Pololikashvili, The Secretary General of UN Tourism, characterized the summit as an important congregation of ministers and other stakeholders in the tourism industry from both continents, facilitating the promotion of a common agenda.
He believes one of the priorities should be to encourage investments, as he stated, “without investments, there is no development of tourism.”
Pololikashvili expressed gratitude to the Domincans for their hospitality throughout the summit, and acknowledged Minister David Collado’s excellent work and international leadership within the sector.
A total of 30 African and American countries were represented in the UN Tourism-organized summit, which took place over three days and was initiated by Dominica.
Sustainability agreement
During the First UN-Tourism Summit, an agreement that signifies the commencement of a sustainable tourism policy and strategy development project for the country was inked.
The Minister of Tourism, David Collado and the Secretary General of UN Tourism, Zurab Pololikashvili, signed the agreement, which was witnessed by David Llibre, the president of Asonahores, and Anabel Bueno, the Dominican Republic’s ambassador to the UN-Tourism.
The pact aims to promote the formulation of a sustainable tourism policy and strategy that aligns with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals.
The comprehensive approach of the agreement will involve competency building, collaboration of key stakeholders, innovation and communication, serving to develop sustainable tourism across the entire value chain.