The Dominican Republic will host the meeting of two continents at the first UN Tourism Summit for Africa and the Americas, to be held from October 3 to 5 in Punta Cana.
The opening ceremony of the important conclave, which aims to bring both regions closer in terms of tourism, will be led by President Luis Abinader and the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, who, in turn, will be in charge of the opening remarks of the event scheduled to begin on Thursday, October 3, at 10 in the morning.
Minister Collado will be followed by welcoming remarks by Louis Steven Obeegadoo, Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Mauritius and President of the Regional Commission for Africa, as well as Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General of UN Tourism.
The event, organized by UN Tourism at the initiative of the Dominican Republic, will have the motto “Promoting South-South cooperation through investment in Education, Culture, Creative Industries and Innovation.”
During the three days of activities, which will take place at the Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort hotel, meetings, presentations and high-level sessions will be held, in which ministers, academics, experts and industry players from both regions will discuss the challenges, investment opportunities, sustainable practices, accessible tourism, innovation, culture, history and opportunities for mutual growth between both continents.
The Dominican president, Luis Abinader, will have a special participation in the framework of this first day of presentations, where he will refer to the importance for the country of holding this First UN Tourism Summit for Africa and the Americas.
Minister Collado will speak on the topic: “Successful model of public and private management for tourism development”, scheduled for Friday 4th at 11:45 in the morning.
Minister Collado has already guaranteed the success of the summit and stressed its importance for world tourism.
“This great meeting of two continents once again places the Dominican Republic in the eyes of world tourism. It is a recognition of the work we have done in this wonderful country,” said Minister Collado.
UN Tourism highlights the immense potential that both continents display in terms of natural attractions, rich cultural heritage and the significant increase in international tourist arrivals.
Last year, a total of 267 million international visitor arrivals were recorded, contributing $371 billion to their respective countries' economies, an increase of almost 31% compared to 2022.
Source: MITUR