Espaillat launches ecotourism plan to attract more visitors from Puerto Plata
Jamao al Norte, Espaillat.- The Espaillat Province Ecotourism Cluster presented a proposal to promote sustainable, community-based tourism in the province’s northern mountain range, bringing together local authorities, business leaders and community representatives in Jamao al Norte.
The meeting concluded with the creation of a Provincial Tourism Board, designed to improve coordination among public and private stakeholders and increase community participation in tourism development.
The Cluster, which emerged from ADEPE, is promoting ecotourism as a new economic driver for Espaillat. Its plans include improving local roads, protecting forest areas, supporting mountain agriculture and creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
One of the main proposals presented was “Luminous Paths,” an ecotourism initiative inspired by routes such as Spain’s Camino de Santiago. The project seeks to transform existing trails and rural paths connecting Jamao al Norte, Villa Trina and Gaspar Hernández into a family-friendly tourism circuit.
The Cluster also called on the central government to accelerate construction of the bridge over the Yásica River in Jamao al Norte, which would connect Espaillat with Puerto Plata. According to the organization, improved connectivity could facilitate multi-destination tourism between Espaillat and Puerto Plata through Sosúa and bring more international and cruise visitors to the province.
Cruise tourism opportunities
Cruise tourism was a key topic during the meeting. Dorca Balcácer, a member of ADEPE and the Ecotourism Cluster, urged the Ministry of Tourism to include Espaillat in excursions and tourist experiences offered to cruise passengers arriving through Puerto Plata.
The organization argues that stronger connections between Puerto Plata and Espaillat could help distribute the economic benefits of cruise tourism to communities beyond traditional tourist destinations.
Santiago Álvarez, executive director of the Strategic Development Plan of Espaillat Province (PEDEPE), also highlighted the importance of connecting the region’s tourism destinations and emphasized the Amber Highway as a strategic link for regional tourism development.
Rosa Anllela Rivas, executive director of the Ecotourism Cluster, said the new Provincial Tourism Board will help coordinate initiatives, strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and place local communities at the center of tourism planning.
