La Romana Bayahibe Tourism Cluster

La Romana-Bayahibe Tourism Cluster (CTRB) is a certified, non-profit organization that seeks the integral development of the destination in accordance with the principles of sustainable tourism, such as profitability, community involvement, and the preservation of local and cultural environment.

Mission
To develop the interests and goals between tourism and the community, with confidence, credibility and authority to maintain a sustainable tourism model.

Vision
To become a model institution in the implementation and management of an integrated sustainable and competitive tourist destination while improving the quality of life of the community, and preserving the natural and cultural resources of the region.

Main Objective
Promote the destination and the integration of tourism industry players and surrounding communities through guidance, direction and support, in order to increase competitiveness and quality of life for inhabitants, preserve local culture, and foster environmentally friendly actions and economic progress by promoting a sustainable tourism model for the comprehensive development of the destination.

History
La Romana Bayahibe Tourism Cluster (CTRB) was established in March 2003 with the support of CHEMONICS and funding of United States Agency for International Development (USAID). 

The CTRB’s mission was the national and international promotion of the destination Romana - Bayahibe as an eco-friendly, global model of sustainable tourism management.

In 2008, the National Council for Competivity (CNC), the Dominican Sustainable Tourism Alliance (DSTA) and La Romana - Bayahibe Hotel Association invited key players involved with tourism in the area to achieve a higher level of integration and openness for all sectors that make up the destination by becoming active participants in the CTRB.

In accordance with this invitation the following committees where created to assist in the CTRB’s development process: Cultural Committee, Human Resources Committee, Environmental Committee, Small Business Committee, La Romana Committee, Transportation Committee and the Viva Bayahibe Committee.

Achievements
The actions of the CTRB have focused primarily on strengthening the organizational performance of the organization and serving as an integrated management mechanism for tourism and the environment, while fomenting the following objectives:

• Improve the national and international image of the destination;
• Improve social and environmental stewardship;
• Foster the development of additional tourist services;
• Reduce supply costs of tourism products;
• Increase the value of tourism products and services.

In 2006, the Interamerican Development Bank (IDB) through the Multilateral Investment Facility (MIF) invested in a program of action for the CTRB dubbed “Model for Sustainable Tourism Management in Bayahibe”. This program of action revolved around four (4) strategic components of interrelated work: awareness building and organization, training, integration of new tourism products and marketing.

The “Model for Sustainable Tourism Management in Bayahibe” promotes the integration of small businesses and economic opportunities for surrounding communities through participation in the tourism sector. Projects developed under this program include the creation of several community based excursion routes, such as EcoBayahibe, Padre Nuestro Ecological Trail and Discover Bayahibe.

The program also supports the development of local products by directly supporting local artisans. 
 

Board of Directors
The Cluster is comprised of a seven member Board of Directors:

• President: Daniel Flaquer (Tropical Tours)
• Vice president: Kelly Robinson de Schaun (La Romana y Bayahibe Hotels Association)
• Treasury: Andrés Fernández (Casa de Campo Tourist Pier)
• Secretary: Denny Yahaira Angomas (El Lago Restaurant)
• Vocal: Rubén González (Tabacalera de García)
• Vocal: Francesco Pandolfo (La Romana - Bayahibe News)
• Vocal: Iankel Ávila (La Bahía Restaurant)
  
  

The Cluster's technical staff is composed by:

• Executive Director: Ana-B. García-Sotoca Pascual
• Commercial Coordinator: Maritza Richiez
• Tourism Associate for Pilot Projects: Ercira Guerrero

The Cluster's organizational chart is described below, taking into account they key points:

• The DSTA's role is solely to serve as a consultant to the Executive Committe.
• The Executive Committe, Association Coordinator, companies and communities will only serve as consultants, providing guidance and support.

For more information about us, please contact us at:

Telephone: +1 829.520.7390
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Address:  
Plaza Comercial La Estancia Local 2-B
Carretera La Romana - Bayahibe, Km 12 1 / 2
La Altagracia, La Romana, República Dominicana