He Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic (MITUR) It is the governing body responsible for regulating, promoting, and developing the country's tourism sector. 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 promulgation of the Law No. 103, which regulated the use of automobiles for tourists. However, it was in 1934 when a system of management and organization of tourism was implemented under the Secretariat of State for Communications and Public Works.
Subsequently, the administration of the sector passed through different government departments:
- 1937: Transfer to the Secretariat of State for Commerce, Industry and Labor.
- 1948: The General Directorate of Tourism is transferred to the State Secretariat for the National Economy.
- 1956: It is assigned to the State Secretariat of the Interior, and later that same year to the State Secretariat of Industry and Commerce.
- 1962: The General Directorate of Tourism is transferred to the Industrial Development Corporation of the Dominican Republic.
- 1969: It is created at National Directorate of Tourism, dependent on the Executive Branch.
- 1979: With the Law No. 84, the National Directorate of Tourism is elevated to State Secretariat for Tourism, granting it greater autonomy and resources.
- 2010: With the Decree 56-10, the State Secretariat for Tourism is transformed into the current Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic (MITUR).
Regulation and development of tourism
The MITUR (Ministry of Tourism) is responsible for establishing standards and regulations for the country's tourism industry. 1984, various regulations were implemented to classify and regulate tourist services, including:
- Hotel establishments.
- Restaurants and travel agencies.
- Land tourist transportation and vehicle rental.
- Tour guides and gift shops.
In 2001, with the Law No. 158-01, was established Official Tourism Promotion Fund and the Tourism Development Council (CONFOTUR), to encourage development in low-growth areas and localities with high tourism potential.
Structure of the Ministry of Tourism
The MITUR is organized into different vice-ministries that manage their 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
- Tourism Development Council (CONFOTUR): Promotes development in new tourist centers and underdeveloped areas.
- Executive Committee for Infrastructure in Tourist Areas (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, Samana, 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 Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) plays a crucial role in the Dominican Republic's economic growth, as tourism generates thousands of direct and indirect jobs and contributes significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Promoting destinations, attracting investment, and modernizing tourism infrastructure 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: Cayetano Germosén Avenue, Corner of Gregorio Luperón, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
- Web page: www.mitur.gob.do
- Current Minister: David Collado (since August 16, 2020)
