Collado predicts Dominican Republic’s star role at Africa-Americas Tourism Summit

Santo Domingo.- Minister David Collado emphasized the significance of the upcoming Africa-Americas Tourism Summit for the Dominican Republic, which will take place next Thursday through Saturday in Punta Cana.

The event, organized by UNWTO at the request of the Dominican Republic, will bring together ministers and key tourism stakeholders from both continents.

Collado affirmed that the summit would be “historic and pivotal for the country,” as the global tourism community will turn its attention to the Dominican Republic for these three days.

“With this event, the global tourism spotlight will be on the Dominican Republic, positioning our country once again as a leader in the industry. This is truly a momentous occasion,” said Collado.

The Dominican Republic will serve as the venue for this first-ever UNWTO Africa-Americas Summit, which will be held from October 3-5 in Punta Cana.

The opening ceremony, aimed at fostering stronger ties between the two regions through tourism, will be led by President Luis Abinader and Minister of Tourism David Collado, who will deliver the opening address on Thursday, October 3 at 10 a.m.

Following Minister Collado’s remarks, welcome speeches will be given by Louis Steven Obeegadoo, Minister of Tourism of Mauritius and Chair of the UNWTO Regional Commission for Africa, and Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UNWTO.

The event, organized by UNWTO at the initiative of the Dominican Republic, will focus on the theme: “Promoting South-South Cooperation through Investment in Education, Culture, Creative Industries, and Innovation.”

Over the course of three days, high-level meetings, presentations, and sessions will take place at the Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort, where ministers, academics, experts, and industry stakeholders from both regions will discuss challenges, investment opportunities, sustainable practices, accessible tourism, innovation, culture, history, and the potential for mutual growth between the two continents.

Dominican President Luis Abinader will make a special appearance on the first day of the summit to highlight the importance of this inaugural UNWTO Africa-Americas Summit for the country.

Meanwhile, Minister Collado will deliver a presentation on “Successful Public-Private Partnership Models for Tourism Development,” scheduled for Friday, October 4 at 11:45 a.m.

UNWTO has emphasized the vast potential of both continents in terms of natural attractions, rich cultural heritage, and the significant rebound in international tourist arrivals.