As part of the visit, the delegation will also attend a gala on February 13 at the Cultural Palace in the Diplomatic Quarter to celebrate the 181st anniversary of Dominican independence. Their agenda includes meetings with Saudi tourism authorities, business leaders, and visits to institutions such as the UN Tourism Regional Office and the School of Hospitality and Tourism. Ambassador Andy Rodríguez Durán emphasized the significance of this initiative in strengthening Dominican tourism diplomacy and showcasing the country’s tourism leadership.

Rodríguez Durán highlighted the Dominican Republic’s record-breaking tourism growth, with over 11 million visitors in 2024, driven by strategic public-private partnerships. He also noted Saudi Arabia’s expanding outbound tourism market, expected to generate over $25 billion by 2027, presenting new opportunities to attract Saudi travelers. The Dominican Republic’s participation aligns with its foreign policy strategy to enhance its presence in the Middle East and diversify its tourism sources.