New destinations are essential to execute sustainability plan

Varadero, Cuba. The time to promote responsible tourism is now, so in the new destinations that the Dominican Republic develops, its new sustainable tourism strategy policy must be executed, said yesterday the director of the Department of Technical Cooperation for UN Tourism, Jaime Mayaki.

“In these destinations, elements of sustainable tourism must be implemented from the beginning at the community, intermediate and decision-making levels. Having these flows at the different levels will allow us to integrate in each of these principles a common vision in the implementation of truly sustainable tourism,” he explained.

He said this will help to have more sustainable tourism at the level of restaurants, energy consumption, and the design of activities. This will allow an essential base to be formed, which, in the future, will allow the DR to have destinations with a specific focus on tourism.

He added that changing the paradigm will be a bit difficult for already established destinations, but with the current issues of climate change and the new adaptation of infrastructures, little by little, there will be an impact that will drive the reality of sustainability in the sector.

“It’s going to take time and it’s going to take training and adaptability, but I think it’s something that DR is going to be able to achieve. Updating the laws will also play an important role,” he said.

He added that in emerging destinations, it is mandatory to involve and consult the local population so that they understand the importance of sustainable tourism, which involves their activities.