Interview with Catherine Forde
Dominican Republic Coordinator
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Catherine Forde
Dominican Republic Coordinator
Could you describe your role and perspective as National Coordinator in the Global Network of Religious and Spiritual Tourism Destinations?
The Dominican Republic is well known internationally for its beautiful beaches, but our island has a lot to offer in the area of religious tourism. We are the cradle of Christianity in the Americas, it was where it all began. As national coordinator, I intend to make known the historical, cultural and, above all, spiritual richness of our country.
What do you consider to be the importance of religious and spiritual tourism in your country?
Our country is a place of firsts, we have at least 15 firsts of America. Among them are the first Missionaries, the place of the first mass, the first baptism, the first martyrs, the first Cathedral, the first Marian dedication, the first diocese, the first convent, among others. Therefore, to delve into the roots of Christianity in America, it is essential to make a pilgrimage through our country.
What are some of the most popular destinations in your country for religious and spiritual tourism and why do they attract so many visitors?
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Altagracia receives one and a half million tourists a year; it is the most visited in the country and in the entire Caribbean. The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Incarnation is the first Cathedral of the New World and is located in the capital city. The Sanctuary of Santo Cristo de Bayaguana, with an extensive tradition of pilgrimage. La Vega Vieja and Santo Cerro, where the first baptisms were performed and where the first Marian advocation is found, the Virgin of Las Mercedes, patron saint of the Dominican people. La Isabela, in the north of the island, where the first Eucharist was celebrated.
These places are very attractive to pilgrims for their historical, spiritual and cultural richness and for the healings and miracles that have been reported in some of them.
How does religious and spiritual tourism impact the local economy?
Religious tourism in the Dominican Republic is a niche yet to be developed. The Dominican people are a people with a deep-rooted faith, but it is not yet known as a religious destination at the international level. Therefore, it is an investment opportunity, both for nationals and international investors who wish to develop this destination.
Currently there are some dates of the year, such as January 21, when 600,000 tourists and locals travel to Higuey, to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Altagracia, generating a spillover economy in the province, through transportation, food, lodging, guides and handicrafts consumed by pilgrims.
In addition, from time to time we receive groups of pilgrims, especially from Central and South America, who make different religious itineraries through our country, helping to move the economy in rural areas.
What are the main challenges facing religious and spiritual tourism in your country?
More support is needed at the governmental level to continue developing the necessary infrastructure that will allow us to receive larger groups of pilgrims.
What measures are being taken to ensure that religious tourism is sustainable and respects both local communities and the environment?
Currently, strategic linkages are being made between the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Catholic Church to respond to this need.
How do you see religious and spiritual tourism evolving in terms of new technologies or innovative practices?
Technology has come to revolutionize every area of tourism. Databases of parishes nationwide are being updated to provide tourists with up-to-date information on mass schedules, confessions and special activities.
During Holy Week 2024, I collaborated with the Religious Tourism Pastoral Committee of the Archdiocese of Sto. Dgo. to elaborate a document with the history of the visit of the 7 churches, with a QR code that allowed to see the maps of 5 routes with distances and location of the churches that could be visited walking through the Colonial Zone. It is a way of using technology in favor of faith.
In some places, such as the Catedral Primada de América and other sanctuaries, there are QR codes, so that visitors can scan and learn the history of each place, without the need to hire a guide.
Could you highlight any important event or festivity related to religious tourism in your country?
The road from Bayaguana to the Sanctuary of Higuey, which takes place on foot from August 10 to 14 every year, where thousands of people go on pilgrimage and bring offerings to the Mother of God. From December 25 to 28, the inverse route from Higuey to Bayaguana takes place. From January 20 to 21, large concerts and celebrations are held to celebrate the day of Our Lady of Altagracia.
Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia
Is there a personal experience or story you can share that illustrates the impact of religious or spiritual tourism?
The road to Bayaguana is an impactful experience. Likewise, pilgrims have a special experience when they celebrate the Eucharist in the same place where the first mass was celebrated, or renew their baptism where the first indigenous people were baptized.
How do you collaborate with other international delegates to promote religious and spiritual tourism?
At the governmental level, we have delegates at the Embassy of the Dominican Republic to the Holy See who promote national tourism in Europe.
At the commercial level, in collaboration with a local company, we offer international delegates the organization of tours to these destinations, receiving groups from different countries to live this experience.
Santo Cristo de Bayaguana Sanctuary
What is your vision for the development of religious and spiritual tourism in your country?
In the first place, that Dominicans know more about the religious and spiritual riches of their country. Secondly, to be known internationally as a destination that has much more to offer than sun and beach. Thirdly, to collaborate with the relevant organizations to develop a better infrastructure in the religious and spiritual destinations of the country.
What message would you like to send to those who are considering visiting the religious and spiritual sites in your country?
Come to the Dominican Republic, where you will not only find a friendly, cheerful and welcoming people, but we have destinations for all tastes, paradisiacal beaches, a varied gastronomy, mountain tourism, adventure, hiking, family tourism and above all, a wide range of cultural and religious offerings.
Religious and spiritual tourism in the Dominican Republic presents itself as a significant opportunity for the country's economic and cultural development. With a rich history of firsts in Christianity in the Americas, the nation has immense potential to attract pilgrims from around the world. Efforts to improve infrastructure and promote these destinations internationally, along with strategic collaboration between the government and the church, are laying the groundwork for a promising future. Technology is also playing a crucial role in this evolution, facilitating access to information and enhancing the visitor experience.
Finally, we invite everyone to discover the Dominican Republic beyond its paradisiacal beaches. The country offers a diversity of experiences that include adventure, cultural and, of course, religious tourism. Visiting sanctuaries and historical sites is not only spiritually enriching, but also allows you to immerse yourself in the hospitality and joy of the Dominican people. The Dominican Republic awaits you with open arms to share its faith, culture and history.
The authors are responsible for the choice and presentation of the facts contained in this document and for the opinions expressed therein, which are not necessarily those of Tourism and Society Think Tank and do not commit the Organization, and should not be attributed to TSTT or its members.
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