Ecotourism and Sustainability: A Unique Experience in the Dominican Republic for Green Investors and Tourists

The Dominican Republic has become a leading example of tourism recovery in the region. In 2023, the country achieved a historic milestone by welcoming 10 million tourists, and it is on track to reach 11 million visitors in 2024. This success is driven by:

• Public Policies: Initiatives by the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) and other stakeholders to support the sector.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): According to Héctor Valdez Albizu, Governor of the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic, FDI in the first quarter of 2024 totaled $1.281 billion, with projections to exceed the $4.5 billion recorded last year.
• Comprehensive Promotion: A robust marketing campaign highlighting opportunities for both investors and international tourists has played a critical role in these achievements.

 

A Unique and Diverse Tourism Offering

Known for its breathtaking beaches, rivers, and world-class hotels, the Dominican Republic offers a diverse range of tourism options, including ecotourism. This eco-friendly approach focuses on the preservation and conservation of the environment and natural resources, delivering holistic benefits across environmental, socio-cultural, and economic dimensions. These efforts align with the 2030 Agenda and support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, particularly:

• Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth,
• Goal 12: Responsible production and consumption, and
• Goal 14: Life below water.

 

Eco-Sustainable Investment Opportunities

In support of sustainable tourism, the Dominican government recently established the Inter-Institutional Ecotourism Committee, under the Ministries of Environment, Tourism, and Culture. This committee aims to monitor public policies aligned with the National Ecotourism Strategy (ENEC-2030). At its inaugural meeting, the importance of fostering local entrepreneurship and implementing training programs to enhance the sector’s competitiveness and sustainability was emphasized.

Ecotourism now presents a fertile ground for sustainable investment, offering projects characterized by environmental and socio-economic sustainability. Key initiatives include:

• Cabo Rojo Port, Pedernales
  Focused on environmental and socio-cultural sustainability, this project includes luxury and eco-friendly hotels, with an estimated investment of $2.245 billion for 12,000 rooms.
• Punta Bergantín, Puerto Plata
  Designed with an emphasis on environmental conservation, this development incorporates solar and wind energy infrastructure to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The first phase involves a projected investment of $500–$600 million, encompassing 3,200 hotel rooms, a golf course, an industrial hub, a film studio, a commercial urban center, and a residential tourism area.
• Miches, El Seibo
  Featuring the construction of 4,551 hotel and residential rooms, this project unites prominent local and international business groups, with a focus on conservation and foreign investment attraction. The estimated investment is $1 billion.

 

Ecotourism Activities

The Dominican Republic already offers a variety of eco-friendly and sustainable activities for tourists seeking unique and immersive experiences, including:

• Hiking the Damajagua Waterfalls in Puerto Plata.
• Navigating the canals of Los Haitises National Park in the Samaná Peninsula.
• Visiting Saona Island, located in La Altagracia province within Cotubanamá National Park.
• Rafting on the Yaque del Norte River in Jarabacoa.
• Participating in Eco-Action Boca Chica, located in Andrés Bay within the Municipal Intertidal Park.

 

Conclusion

The Dominican Republic possesses all the key factors needed to continue its trajectory as a regional leader in ecotourism and sustainable tourism. Its natural resources and diverse ecosystems form the foundation for a thriving ecotourism sector.

The country’s favorable environment for eco-tourism growth aligns seamlessly with public policies from the Ministries of Tourism and Environment, focused on environmental preservation. Moreover, positioning sustainable business models as attractive investment opportunities for foreign investors creates a win-win scenario, benefiting the environment, local communities, and stakeholders alike.