MITUR clarifies that water sports can be practiced in Las Terrenas; asks businesses to register
After the Kitesurfing Association of the Northeast (Adokitenordeste), indicated that the instructors and authorities of Las Terrenas prohibit the use of kitesurfing, the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR), clarified this Friday that water sports can be practiced in this tourist town of Samaná and asked businesses to register.
“In Las Terrenas, Dominicans and tourists can make use of the beaches and practice water sports freely,” MITUR clarified on its Twitter account.
It added that “businesses that rent equipment or offer services for this type of activity must be registered with the local authorities”.
On Friday, the Adokitenordeste called on the authorities to establish a public-private dialogue to reach a consensus on kitesurfing and focus on positive efforts to protect and promote the municipality as a world kitesurfing destination.
In a press release, the entity said that due to the growing demand for kitesurfing in Las Terrenas, the instructors of this sport formed the Adokitenordeste, a public non-profit organization, in order to regulate and protect the rights of kitesurfing enthusiasts in the municipality, through public-private collaboration.
“However, both instructors and foreign and local lovers of this sport, have been subject to attacks by local authorities, specifically by the Tourist Police (Politur), which prohibits the use and removes kitesurfers from the beaches without any legal basis”, stated Adokitenordeste.
They added that kitesurfing is strong as a discipline that is practiced a lot in Las Terrenas and contributes to the well-being and health of the people.
In the statement, the association stressed that “Las Terrenas offers excellent weather conditions and a safe recreational space for the whole family from Punta Popy to Portillo beach, where everyone – from beginners to professionals – can enjoy themselves in a healthy and safe way”.
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