Government launches territorial planning strategy for Verón-Punta Cana

Punta Cana.- The Dominican government has presented the Municipal Territorial Planning Plan (PMOT) for Verón-Punta Cana, a long-term strategy aimed at guiding urban growth, protecting natural resources, and promoting sustainable development in the country’s leading tourism destination.

Minister of the Presidency José Ignacio Paliza said the plan will help organize land use, improve mobility, strengthen food security, reduce vulnerability to natural hazards, and support a more resilient and sustainable tourism model.

Tourism Minister David Collado stressed that Verón-Punta Cana can no longer expand in a disorganized manner, noting that the destination receives more than 4 million visitors annually through Punta Cana International Airport. He said effective land-use planning requires coordination among the government, local authorities, the private sector, and the community.

According to Vice Minister of Territorial Planning Domingo Matías, Verón-Punta Cana accounted for about 60% of the country’s air passenger arrivals and saw its population grow from 43,982 in 2010 to 138,919 in 2022, with projections reaching 241,767 residents by 2035. The plan establishes guidelines for land classification, environmental protection, infrastructure investment, and citizen participation.