Spanish
Punta Cana. — Through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Hotels and Tourism Association of the Dominican Republic (ASONAHORES) agreed to continue promoting a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient tourism model in the country.
In the framework of the XXXVII ASONAHORES Commercial Exhibition, Ana María Díaz, resident representative of UNDP, and Aguie Lendor, Executive Vice President of ASONAHORES, committed to join efforts to consolidate tourism as a driver of human development, generator of decent employment, gender equality, innovation and environmental protection.
The Memorandum of Understanding establishes a framework for cooperation to strengthen the tourism value chain through concrete actions aimed at sustainability and inclusion. These actions include the promotion of sustainable practices in waste management, energy consumption, and responsible water use; social cohesion and territorial development; the labor inclusion of people with disabilities, through technical assistance, awareness workshops, and the promotion of an inclusive tourism seal; the promotion of the Gender Equality Seal for Companies (Igualando RD) and the NORDOM 775 certification, with the aim of promoting gender equality.
In addition, it includes the performance of diagnostics on accessibility and safety for women in tourist spaces, accompanied by protocols to prevent gender-based violence; and the promotion of new forms of tourism aimed at digital nomads, senior citizens and other emerging niches, as part of an integral diversification strategy.
"Since 2020, UNDP has deployed key initiatives such as the "Coastal Biodiversity and Tourism" project, which has promoted transformative ecotourism in various coastal areas of the Dominican Republic, the Future-Proof Tourism model in Las Terrenas, the Adapting your business program in Las Galeras, among others, focused on transforming coastal tourism through resilient infrastructure, financial inclusion and circular economy in an integral vision of human development centered on people," said Ana María Díaz.
Díaz added that sustainable tourism is part of UNDP's strategic plan, which seeks to promote a clean planet with responsible practices, strengthen effective governance through participatory institutions, promote the resilience of communities in the face of crises, and foster shared prosperity, generating inclusive jobs and opportunities for women, youth, and vulnerable populations.
