Image: Arecoa
Barahona, DR.- Tour operators in the southern region, led by their president Elvin Santana, are urging Tourism Minister David Collado to address the stalled completion of the Enriquillo-Barahona highway. The project, which has been inactive for nearly a year, is crucial for connecting Barahona to Pedernales, a key area the government aims to establish as a major international tourist destination.
Santana emphasized that the highway’s poor condition has caused a 40% drop in tourist arrivals, significantly impacting tourism operations and the local economy. He also raised safety concerns, noting the lack of retaining walls to prevent landslides along the cliffs bordering the sea, a risk exacerbated by the Ministry of Public Works and Communications’ (MOPC) oversight.
Tour operators believe that Minister Collado’s intervention is essential to prioritize and complete the highway. Santana stressed that finishing the road would enhance safety, improve accessibility, and revitalize tourism, providing a much-needed boost to the region’s economy.