Spanish
The Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic (MITUR) is the governing body responsible for regulating, promoting, and developing the tourism sector in the country. Its role is fundamental to the Dominican economy, as tourism represents one of the main sources of income and employment.
Origin of the Ministry of Tourism
The history of tourism in Dominican Republic formally begins in 1931, with the enactment of Law No. 103, which regulated the use of automobiles for tourists. However, it was in 1934 when a system of direction and organization of tourism was implemented under the Secretariat of State of Communications and Public Works.
Subsequently, the administration of the sector went through different government agencies:
- 1937: Transfer to the Secretariat of State for Commerce, Industry, and Labor.
- 1948: The General Directorate of Tourism is transferred to the Secretariat of State for National Economy.
- 1956: Assigned to the Secretariat of State for the Interior, and then in that same year to the Secretariat of State for Industry and Commerce.
- 1962: The General Directorate of Tourism is transferred to the Industrial Development Corporation of the Dominican Republic.
- 1969: The National Directorate of Tourism is created, dependent on the Executive Branch.
- 1979: With Law No. 84, the National Directorate of Tourism is elevated to Secretariat of State for Tourism, granting it greater autonomy and resources.
- 2010: With Decree 56-10, the Secretariat of State for Tourism is transformed into the current Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic (MITUR).
Regulation and Tourism Development
The MITUR is responsible for establishing standards and regulations for the country's tourism industry. In 1984, various regulations were implemented to classify and regulate tourism services, including:
- Hotel establishments.
- Restaurants and travel agencies.
- Land tourist transport and vehicle rental.
- Tour guides and gift shops.
In 2001, with Law No. 158-01, the Official Tourism Promotion Fund and the Tourism Development Council (CONFOTUR) were established to encourage development in areas with little growth and locations with high tourism potential.
Structure of the Ministry of Tourism
The MITUR is organized into different vice ministries that manage its various areas of competence:
- Administrative Vice Ministry
- Technical Vice Ministry
- Vice Ministry of International Cooperation
- Vice Ministry of Destination Management
- Vice Ministry of Development
- Vice Ministry of Quality of Tourism Services
MITUR Dependencies
- Consejo de Fomento Turístico (CONFOTUR): Fosters development in new tourist destinations and areas with little development.
- Comité Ejecutor de Infraestructuras de Zonas Turísticas (CEIZTUR): Plans and executes infrastructure projects in tourist areas.
Tourism Promotion Offices
To ensure tourism promotion, MITUR has an extensive network of offices throughout the country and abroad. In the Dominican Republic, the offices are located in strategic cities such as Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, Samaná, Barahona, La Romana, among others.
At the international level, the Ministry of Tourism maintains a presence in key countries such as United States, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Spain, France, Italy, Germany and Brazil, among others.
Importance of the Ministry of Tourism in the Dominican Economy
The MITUR plays a crucial role in the economic growth of the Dominican Republic, as tourism generates thousands of direct and indirect jobs and contributes significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The promotion of destinations, the attraction of investments, and the modernization of tourism infrastructures are some of its priorities.
With a strategic vision and a sustainable approach, the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic continues to position the country as one of the most attractive destinations in the Caribbean and Latin America.
Technical Sheet
- Name: Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic (MITUR)
- Address: Av. Cayetano Germosén, Esq. Gregorio Luperón, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
- Website: www.mitur.gob.do
- Current Minister: David Collado (since August 16, 2020)
