Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable tourism includes environmentally-friendly tourism activities. 

Tourism is the main source of income of the Dominican Republic, according to a World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) study. This fact, coupled with the demands that industry places on this small island country, gives way to the need to sustainably develop the local tourism industry, by focusing on fostering the relationships between tourists, the environment, and community thus ensuring the continued growth of the destination.

Sustainable tourism includes environmentally friendly activities, encouraging the community to maintain their culture and values that allow our visitors to enjoy a positive exchange of experience amongst the local residents.

In La Romana, we believe that sustainable tourism should promote the following principles:

1) Optimal use of environmental resources as a key element in tourism development, maintaining essential ecological processes, which help to conserve natural heritage and biodiversity.

2) Respect of the socio-cultural authenticity of the host communities, preserving their cultural heritage and traditional values, and contributing to inter-cultural understanding and tolerance.

3) Ensure the development of viable economic opportunities for the future while fostering socio-economic benefits for all stakeholders today, including employment and income generating opportunities and social services for local communities in order to contribute to the eradication of poverty.

Sustainable tourism requires the informed participation of all involved, including businesses, communities, and visitors. To our visitors, we kindly ask that you help us by:

1. “Buying local,” support local businesses, restaurants, artisans and tours.
2. Respect local customs and traditions.
3. Protect the environment by choosing accommodation facilities that have environmental certifications or programs.
4. Do not litter.
5. Support conservation by visiting national protected areas.
6. Do not buy souvenirs made from protected species, such as hawksbill turtles, red coral, or dolphins.
7. Conserve local resources by turning off lights, closing taps and keeping doors closed in your hotel room.
8. Sign up for our “Plant a Tree” campaign in the Visitor’s Centers in Dominicus Americanus.

The La Romana – Bayahibe Tourism Cluster (CTRB) and the La Romana-Bayahibe Hotels Association (AHRB) are promoters of this vision, along with significant contributions from the following institutions:

Casa de Campo Living
Fundación Dominicana de Estudios Marinos (FUNDEMAR)
Rio de Chavón Ecological Foundation
National Park of the East
Asociación Romana de Ahorros y Préstamos
Collares Rojos
BoMana Foundation
La Romana Bayahibe News
Ministerio de Turismo (La Romana Office)
Secretaria de Estado de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales
US Agency for International Development (US AID)
Interamerican Development Bank (IDB)
Japan International Cooperation Agency
Institute for Dominican Integral Development (IDDI)