Tourism entrepreneurs agree that the future of the sector must be inclusive and sustainable

Tourism entrepreneurs affirmed that the sector is making a rapid recovery, but the pandemic has taught that its future growth must be focused on sustainability, resilience and be inclusive.

This was stated by the president of Coral hospitality Corp, Julio Llibre; the executive president of Amhsa Marina Hotels & Resorts, Luis López, and the vice president of Grupo Puntacana, Simón Suárez, participating as exhibitors in the business breakfast “A tour of the history of Dominican tourism”, carried out by the Official Chamber of Commerce of Spain in the Dominican Republic.

In this sense, Llibre stressed that the pandemic gave the opportunity to think about the future, and plan and reorient to the tourism sector, as well as diversify its markets.

He specified that before the country focused on European tourists, but after the pandemic it is more expensive for them to travel and now the country has turned its gaze to the United States.

“Before, European tourism was 60% of the total number of tourists, but now it is 30%. And the new tourist from the United States comes with a higher rate and it’s easier for them to get around,” he said.

On his side, López said that today tourism and any sector must be developed with the conservation of natural resources in mind and seek a balance between development and environmental sustainability.

Meanwhile, Suárez explained that now the sector must begin to plan for the long term, just as the first destination, Puerto Plata, was made, but taking into account making alliances between the public and private sectors.

The exhibitors during the breakfast shared their point of view regarding tourism development in the country and the initial role of Spain, the obstacles, tax incentives, financing, infrastructure, investment and chains, as well as the main markets of origin in the face of its evolution. and diversification.