The Sustainable Development Goals and Tourism in the Dominican Republic
Introduction
The Minister of Tourism, David Collado, has announced that the Dominican Republic is projected to receive 6.9 million tourists in 2023. These tourists will primarily come from Canada, the United States, and Latin America. The arrival of these tourists is expected to generate a gross foreign exchange of at least US $7,900 million and a net foreign currency of US $5,000 million. Additionally, it is estimated that tourism will contribute 7% of the country’s tax revenues and provide more than 70,000 occupied rooms.
Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals
Collado emphasized that tourism is not just about sun, beach, and piña coladas in the Dominican Republic. It is the main industry, representing 15% of the country’s GDP. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), more than 899,000 Dominicans directly and indirectly depend on this sector for their livelihoods. This highlights the importance of tourism in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations.
The Launch of “DO Travel Rewards”
The Minister of Tourism unveiled the first global loyalty program called “DO Travel Rewards.” This program aims to attract more foreign tourists to the Dominican Republic by collaborating with hundreds of international travel agencies. The launch event was attended by President Luis Abinader, who praised the program as an innovative approach to tourism loyalty. He expressed his gratitude to tour operators for their years of loyalty and their contribution to bringing tourists to the country.
By focusing on sustainable tourism practices and promoting the SDGs, the Dominican Republic aims to strengthen its tourism industry while contributing to the economic development and well-being of its people.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
- SDG 12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.
- SDG 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of tourists projected to come in 2023 (indicator for SDG 8.9)
- Gross foreign exchange generated by tourist arrivals (indicator for SDG 8.9)
- Net foreign currency generated by tourist arrivals (indicator for SDG 8.9)
- Percentage of tax revenues generated by tourist arrivals (indicator for SDG 8.9)
- Number of occupied rooms (indicator for SDG 8.9)
- Percentage of GDP represented by travel agencies or tour operators in the Americas (indicator for SDG 8.9)
- Number of Dominicans living directly and indirectly from the tourism sector (indicator for SDG 8.9)
- Launch of the first global loyalty program (indicator for SDG 17.17)
- Collaboration with international travel agencies (indicator for SDG 17.17)
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
---|---|---|
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products. |
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SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | 12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature. |
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SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships. |
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Source: dominicantoday.com
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