The 27th UN Tourism General Assembly will bring together government representatives, multilateral organizations, key players in the tourism industry and international experts, which makes this designation a high-impact opportunity for the Dominican Republic. It is not only a showcase to present its tourism infrastructure, destinations and promotion policies, but also a decisive moment to strengthen networks, attract investment, foster sustainability and project the country as a key tourism hub in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The choice reflects broad recognition of the Dominican Republic’s sustained tourism growth, its leading role in the region and its capacity to host large-scale events. According to Dominican media, the resolution approving the venue acknowledges that the country has demonstrated leadership and strategic vision in tourism development. This designation comes on top of the recent recognition of David Collado by UN Tourism as “Tourism Minister of the Americas,” the first time the organization has granted this distinction.
For the Dominican Republic, hosting this type of global forum entails multiple structural and reputational benefits. From an institutional standpoint, it opens the door to the international debate on tourism best practices, sustainability, digitalization and sector governance. In economic terms, it attracts delegates, media, international operators and visitors, which can provide a boost to the hotel sector, air connectivity, logistics and services. In addition, it strengthens the country brand and positions the destination within the circuit of major global tourism events.
However, holding the event also poses challenges. It will be essential to ensure that accommodation capacity, infrastructure services, transport connections, event management systems and security are up to the standards demanded by a world-class forum. It will also be crucial to promote sustainability and accessibility policies so that the event serves as a catalyst for change and leaves a real legacy that goes beyond the photo opportunity. In this regard, organizational experience, coordination between public and private entities and engagement with the local community will be key to making the most of this opportunity.
At the same time, being chosen as host gives the Dominican Republic a strategic moment to push forward its agenda for responsible, attractive and competitive tourism. It provides a platform to showcase its rich diversity of destinations—beaches, mountains, cultural heritage, nature—advance in adapting to climate change and the sector’s green transition, and enhance air connectivity as well as regional integration. This global gathering will allow the country to demonstrate how it is implementing innovative tourism promotion policies, investing in infrastructure, building public–private partnerships and shaping a forward-looking vision for tourism.
The election of the Dominican Republic as host of the 27th UN Tourism General Assembly in 2027 marks a decisive moment in its evolution as a leading global destination. It is recognition of its track record, a platform to project its strengths and a challenge to consolidate its regional leadership and play an active role in the major debates that will define the future of world tourism. The stage is set for this event to be not just a one-off celebration, but a driving force behind the transformation of the Dominican tourism sector towards a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient model.
