Collado indicated that travel agencies or tour operators in the Americas account for 9% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), since they have been responsible for sending tourists to the Dominican Republic.
“Tourism is not sun, sand and piña colada for our country. It is our country’s main industry. It makes up 15% of GDP. According to the WTTC (World Travel & Tourism Council), more than 899,000 Dominicans make their living from this sector, whether directly and indirectly,” said the minister.
The Minister of Tourism shared these details during the launch of the first “DO Travel Rewards” global loyalty program which aims to broaden the entry of foreigners to the Dominican Republic, with the help of hundreds of international travel agencies.
President Luis Abinader, when delivering the presentation of the plan to an audience of some 500 travel agents, said “This innovation is the first loyalty system of its kind for any country in the world. Thanks to you (tour operators) and working together with us, we are going to make it a great success and, at the same time, we are going to show our gratitude to that loyalty, to that fidelity, that for years you have had bringing tourists to our country,” said the president.
High security
The safety standards of the country’s holiday destinations “are among the highest in the world,” said Abinader, and has promised that this work will be taken “very seriously.”
“We take care of your people (tourists). We take care of them in terms of safety and health, we take care of them on all levels so that their visit to the DR – which you (agents) recommend to them – is a truly satisfactory and unforgettable experience,” he said.
The President also said that tourism “has only just begun,” but assured that it will continue to grow with a purpose: “To bring you a joy, bring a smile to the tourists that you (tour operators) send here and, also, so that Dominicans continue to live with dignity from the tourism sector.”
About ‘DO Travel Rewards’
According to the authorities, the program is a form of loyalty to the DR as a holiday destination, aimed at building up customer loyalty, and informing and strengthening the relationship with travel agents.
According to a press release, the program includes a reward plan, training, information and familiarization trips to various destinations throughout the country.
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