The trend towards sustainable tourism marks a paradigm shift in the segment of luxury travelers, who are looking for eco-friendly reports and services, even if they come with a hefty price tag.
Euromonitor knows that luxury travellers will now pay 30% to 50% more for sustainable features, such as energy-efficient amenities or services.
But what exactly is sustainable tourism? The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) defines it as “comprehensive attention to existing and long-term economic, social and environmental impacts, while meeting the wishes of visitors, industries, the environment and host communities. “Far beyond simply recycling cans through hotels or airlines that use more efficient fuels: it’s an aspiration to minimize the environmental impact of travel in general for generations to come.
As it turns out, the Dominican Republic is taking this imperative seriously, temporarily presenting a diversity of offerings for those who minimize their footprint and maximize their sumptuous lifestyle.
Below, check out the stunning features of this Caribbean country for eco-conscious travelers who don’t need to sacrifice luxury and find out why this country is the most sensible destination for sustainable tourism worldwide.
A six-pronged style of sustainable tourism
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development has known six in the Dominican Republic’s sustainable tourism strategy.
Building coalitions for impact
Efforts for sustainable tourism and ecosystem preservation in the Dominican Republic have not begun recently or been carried out in isolation. The Dominican Republic’s participation in a global progression initiative between 1994 and 2005 saw the finishing touch of Pedernales, a program to conserve biodiversity. in the region.
The recovery of historic buildings, streets, and villages in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development promoted tourism in the colonial zone from 2014 to 2020, while that same year the United Nations Development Program shaped a sustainable tourism style commission that was implemented through the Dominican Ministry of Tourism in the provinces of Montecristi and Samaná.
Sustainability that brings together the public and forces
The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Tourism partners with private companies, public organizations, and non-profit teams to advertise climate-friendly tourism practices that maintain the country’s natural beauty as well as its colorful culture.
An example of this is a public-private coalition with the Punta Cana Group, which advocates for sustainable tourism models to protect the environment and local communities. The coalition has resulted in projects such as the preservation of 3,100 square miles in the Southeast Reef Marine Sanctuary, one of the largest armored spaces in the Caribbean.
In addition, a joint effort with Cornell University, involving prestigious training centers such as Harvard University, Roger Williams University, and others, led to the creation of the Center for Sustainability of the Dominican Republic, which is helping the country’s marine wildlife and other unique local species. as well as preserving and restoring the ecology of the region.
Becoming a waste-free holiday destination
The Dominican Republic is also supporting a zero-waste initiative in one of its most popular destination cities, Punta Cana. There, tourism business partners and citizens participate in a recycling program that reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, selling a cleaner, healthier environments for all.
And it doesn’t stop there: the Dominican Republic advocates for a number of other social impact initiatives, conservation projects, environmental education programs, and more that actively help a larger planet and allow travelers around the world to enjoy sustainable, restorative, and sustainable enjoyment. and organic products. -Conscious holidays.