Collado: Tourism key to Americas’ economic growth

Varadero, Cuba.- The Dominican Republic’s Minister of Tourism and President of the World Tourism Organization’s Regional Commission for the Americas, David Collado, has called for unity among the countries of the region to further boost the development of the sector and “consequently, their economies.”

At the 69th meeting of the UNWTO Regional Commission for the Americas, Collado defined the meeting as a significant milestone in the drive towards a sustainable, community-based, and prosperous tourism future in the region.

Government leaders, tourism experts, civil society representatives, and private sector heavyweights convened for a three-day meeting in Varadero, Cuba.

At the meeting, innovative and collaborative strategies were discussed to promote inclusive, community-based, and responsible tourism development in the Americas.

The summit highlighted the importance of addressing the current challenges facing the tourism sector, including mitigating the environmental impact, promoting social inclusion, and generating equitable economic opportunities.

“We must ensure that the tourism development of our countries goes hand in hand with environmental protection, social inclusion, and respect for human rights,” said the Dominican Minister of Tourism and current President of the UNWTO Regional Commission for the Americas.

He believes that this is the only way to build a prosperous and equitable region for present and future generations.

During the event, the commitment of the member countries of the UNWTO Regional Commission for the Americas to implement concrete policies and actions to promote responsible tourism that benefits all stakeholders was highlighted.

In addition, the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as the participation of civil society and local communities, was emphasized as key elements for the success of sustainable tourism initiatives.

This 69th meeting of the UNWTO Regional Commission for the Americas reflects the firm commitment of the countries of the region to the principles of sustainable, community-based development and the promotion of tourism that contributes to the well-being of people and the care of the environment.

For this event, participants – including more than 20 delegations and 24 Ministers of Tourism – gathered at the Meliá Internacional hotel in Varadero, where the Regional Director for the Americas, Gustavo Santos, will present the report “Panorama of Trends and Perspectives of International Tourism in the Region,” as well as other presentations of interest.