Skip to content
Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

NYC: May 23, 2025 at 3:11 AM

Dominican Republic to Host 1st UN Tourism Africa & Americas Summit

The 1st UN Tourism Africa & Americas Summit will bring together leaders to promote South-South cooperation through sustainable tourism. Held in Punta Cana from October 2 to 5, the event aims to deepen ties between Africa and the Americas and highlight shared economic opportunities.

Can't read it? Listen now!

0:00

The upcoming “UN Tourism Africa & Americas Summit,” set for October 2 to 5, 2024, in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, will focus on fostering deeper tourism collaboration between Africa and the Americas. The summit, organized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Dominican Ministry of Tourism, is a significant step toward promoting South-South cooperation in the global tourism industry.

Focus on South-South Cooperation

The summit will revolve around the theme “Promoting South-South Cooperation through Investment, Education, Culture, Creative Industries, and Innovation.” This agenda underscores the importance of building stronger ties between the two regions, focusing on common interests such as sustainable tourism practices, tourism accessibility, and industry challenges.

The three-day event, taking place at the Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort, will feature high-level discussions and conferences attended by global tourism leaders. The goal is to exchange insights and explore solutions to improve tourism infrastructure, foster innovation, and unlock the economic potential of both continents.

Opening Ceremony and Key Figures

The official start of the summit on October 3 will include an opening ceremony featuring Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader and Minister of Tourism David Collado. Other notable figures expected to attend include Louis Steven Obeegadoo, Minister of Tourism for Mauritius, and Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UNWTO, both of whom are key proponents of international tourism cooperation.

Tourism Growth in Africa and the Americas

The summit comes at a time when tourism in both Africa and the Americas has seen significant growth. According to UNWTO data, the two regions attracted 267 million visitors in 2023, generating $371 billion in revenue—an increase of 31% compared to 2022. This economic boost highlights the growing importance of these markets and the potential for further collaboration between them.

By focusing on joint investments, education, and creative industries, the summit aims to facilitate shared growth and address challenges, including sustainable development and equitable tourism models.

Dominican Republic’s Strategic Role

Hosting the summit marks an important moment for the Dominican Republic, which aims to leverage its role as the host to enhance its international profile in tourism. Minister David Collado noted that the event offers a unique opportunity to showcase the country’s growing tourism sector and solidify its status as a global tourism leader.

The Dominican Republic’s commitment to sustainable tourism and innovation aligns with the broader goals of the summit, positioning the country as a pivotal player in promoting regional cooperation across the Americas and Africa.

Share everywhere!

Get Haiti's top stories. Sign up for free!

Keep up to date with the latest news about Haiti and beyond.