President Luis Abinader announced that the Dominican Republic will host the 27th UN Tourism General Assembly in 2027, a significant opportunity to promote its tourism sector and attract investment. During a meeting with UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Alnuwais, Abinader emphasized that the event would enhance the country’s role as a strategic partner in the Americas and the Caribbean.
Abinader noted that the international assembly will showcase the Dominican Republic’s destinations, tourism experiences, and sustainability initiatives. The country is currently serving its second consecutive term as the chair of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for the Americas and is collaborating on a National Tourism Sustainability Policy aimed at integrating sustainability into the planning and development of tourism destinations.
The initiatives under this cooperation include improving air connectivity, enhancing climate resilience, and providing technical assistance to strengthen institutions across the Caribbean region.
The president also shared that the Dominican Republic is projected to receive over 12 million visitors in 2023, a number that exceeds its estimated population of 10.5 million. He credited the sector’s growth to robust tourism infrastructure, various investment incentives, and the government’s Zero Bureaucracy program, which aims to simplify administrative processes.
Furthermore, Abinader highlighted tourism’s significance in the government’s Meta RD 2036 strategy, which aims to double the national economy. The sector not only impacts hotels, airlines, and cruise lines but also stimulates other industries such as agriculture, transportation, and construction, thereby generating jobs and increasing demand for Dominican products and services.
Hosting the 2027 assembly is seen as a chance for the Dominican Republic to bolster international alliances, share its tourism expertise, and promote ongoing economic and social development within the country.
