The Dominican Republic is a destination that has made a great commitment to sustainable tourism.
This was stated by the senior vice president of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Virginia Messina, who points out that the country carries out very positive practices and is working to reduce its carbon footprint.
“We have a great relationship with the DR and we have seen the great commitment it has not only with the sector, but for preserving all natural resources, for having very ambitious sustainability plans, so, for us it is playing a great role,” she said.
The executive pointed out that the country has large hotel chains with very advanced initiatives and criteria. “They have commitments, certifications, an advanced and ambitious sustainability plan”.
Messina mentioned as an example the Puntacana Group, which she considers “a very sustainable destination, with excellent level practices”. “We work very closely with them.”
He also referred to the Palace Resorts Group which, although it is a Mexican chain, its shareholders have invested in the country and in its establishments in very high-level practices, especially in employee protection and community service.
The Iberoestar chain was another of those highlighted by Messina. She said it stands out for its large investments in sustainability, according to Acento.
The WTTC vice-president put into perspective that the country is progressing very well, and that tourism figures are very positive.
She pointed out that the WTTC together with a significant group of hotel brands, worldwide, developed the Hotel Sustainability Basics initiative, which consists of a set of feasible, coordinated and internationally recognized sustainability indicators, which all hotels should assume and put into practice.
The executive said that they are working with the Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic (Asonahores) to promote this initiative composed of 12 criteria so that small hotels and tourism establishments in the country can apply them.
To hotels and related small businesses, the vice president invites them to analyze this initiative, which is available in Spanish and English, so that they can start working with these criteria. She said that putting these types of practices into action, in the long term, will be very beneficial for everyone.
Referring to the public-private partnership, the executive highlighted the great commitment at the government level to the tourism sector. “That is something we love to see, because there are many countries that do not have this kind of support. We know that there is a committed president, and that he works hand in hand with Minister David Collado. It is very clear that this is one of the priority sectors for the country’s economy, and that is something we highlight.”
In Messina’s opinion, this type of alliance is something that “we would like to see more in the world”, because it results in greater financing and investment. He indicated that in the sustainability part there is greater implementation of public policies, such as renewable energies, preservation of the oceans and nature which is fundamental for the destination.
Source:Arecoa.com
