The Dominican Republic assumes the Pro Tempore Presidency of SITCA and CATA at FITUR 2026
The Caribbean country will lead the political coordination and international promotion strategy for the Central American multi-destination during the first half of 2026, promoting a common agenda based on integration, data and market intelligence
Within the framework of FITUR 2026, the Dominican Republic assumes the leadership of the integration and joint tourism promotion of the region, by taking the Pro Tempore Presidency of the Central American Tourism Council (CCT) and the Pro Tempore Presidency of the Board of Directors of the Central American Tourism Promotion Agency (CATA), for the period between January and June 2026.
The Vice Minister of Tourism of the Dominican Republic, Carlos Peguero, has received both presidencies, key responsibilities that articulate the regional political vision and the joint tourism promotion strategy of Central America and the Dominican Republic in international markets, strengthening institutional coordination and the projection of the regional multi-destination.
The handover of the baton took place during a symbolic ceremony formalizing the transfer of the Pro Tempore Presidency, with the participation of Ms. Nicole Solano, Vice Minister of Tourism of Belize, and Gloria De León, Minister of Tourism of Panama and President of the Central American Tourism Council (CCT), reaffirming the spirit of continuity, cooperation and institutional articulation that characterizes the regional tourism integration model.
During his speech, the Vice Minister of the Dominican Republic, Mr. Carlos Peguero, stated, “We assume this leadership with the conviction that the Dominican Republic can contribute experience, vision, and the capacity for coordination to Central America to strengthen a smarter, more integrated, and more competitive joint tourism promotion. The union of Central America and the Dominican Republic represents the fusion of two complementary tourism worlds: cultural diversity, nature, connectivity, and hospitality, projected as a single regional offering capable of competing more effectively in international markets.”
With over 11.6 million visitors in the last year, the Dominican Republic assumes this role as a consolidated Caribbean destination, contributing experience, institutional capacity, and an integrated vision that strengthens the international profile of Central America's multi-destination region. This new presidency promotes a shared narrative that connects destinations, optimizes efforts, and reinforces the region's value as a diverse, complementary, and competitive tourism offering.
As the first milestone in this new phase, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between CATA and Amadeus, aimed at strengthening the use of data, tourism intelligence, and strategic regional cooperation. This alliance marks a key step towards more informed decision-making and more effective promotion in key source markets.
With this change in leadership, CATA consolidates its commitment to regional integration and a joint tourism strategy that projects Central America and the Dominican Republic as a connected, innovative destination prepared for the challenges of global tourism.
Source: CATA.