The Dominican Republic and Belize sign a cooperation agreement in the area of tourism

The Dominican Republic and Belize sign a cooperation agreement in the area of tourism
Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, 06/18/2011

The Ministers of Tourism of the Dominican Republic and Belize signed a bilateral agreement whose main objectives are strengthening economic and technical cooperation, the exchange of experiences, the implementation of eco-tourism projects, and the adoption of sustainable tourism.

“This partnership allows us to acquire important experience from that country and we will make available to them all the experience that the Dominican Republic has accumulated, and which has led it to become the number one destination in the Caribbean,”…

According to a statement sent to arecoa.com the agreement, which will allow Belize to take advantage of the wealth of experience of the main tourist destination in the Caribbean, was signed by Dominican Minister Francisco Javier Garcia, and by Lindsay Garbet of Belize’s Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture.

After signing the agreement, Francisco Javier Garcia said that the partnership is very important for both parties since it recognizes Belize’s experience on the cruise industry and the leadership position that the Dominican Republic occupies in the Caribbean.

“This partnership allows us to acquire important experience from that country and we will make available to them all the experience that the Dominican Republic has accumulated, and which has led it to become the number one destination in the Caribbean,” Garcia said.

In turn, the Minister of Tourism of Belize, Lindsay Garbet, thanked the Dominican willingness to join forces by signing the agreement, which they hope will not only benefit the two signatory countries, but also others in the region.

To implement programs and projects, the priorities of both partners must be taken into account, by involving the public, private and social sectors, and by relying on the universities and on technical and economic research institutions.

The signatories agreed to develop a work plan that includes technical assistance through the exchange of experts and interns, as well as providing statistical information and data collection in the sector.

The plan also includes the implementation of shared programs in the promotion of tourist attractions with a view to increasing visitor flow and encouraging airline operators to improve and expand air services in both countries.

The agreement also addresses the implementation of social tourism, quality systems, organizational plans, management and operation of tourist services, as well as taking advantage of the benefits the area offers, sector legislation, planning, regulation and training in the field of sustainable tourism.

To accomplish this, a variety of programs will be set in motion to train professionals through specialty scholarships, seminars and conferences, consulting services, activities with third countries, trade missions, fairs and exhibitions, and visits of businessmen.

The parties also agreed to adopt joint positions on issues related to tourism that are discussed at international organizations, of which both are members.

The Dominican Republic is the dominant Caribbean nation in terms of tourism, with more than four million visitors in the year 2010, a figure that is on its way to being surpassed during the current tourist season.

In turn, tourism is Belize’s most important source of foreign exchange income. Its tourist product depends largely on its natural and cultural heritage, archaeological sites and a network of terrestrial and marine protected areas that are utilized for diving, and watching birds and other wildlife.