The decision also acknowledges tangible results: continuity of sectoral governance in a context of global uncertainty, diversification of source markets, and strengthened air connectivity, accompanied by marketing campaigns focused on reputation and trust. Industry observers have emphasized that a combination of facilitation policies, infrastructure investment, and a “safe destination” narrative enabled the Caribbean nation to maintain its leadership in regional tourism.
During the ceremony, Natalia Bayona stressed—according to various reports—that the recognition is grounded in a long-term vision of tourism as a lever for economic growth, social cohesion, and sustainability. In that framework, she highlighted training, innovation, and partnerships with the private sector as pillars of a policy aimed at future competitiveness and value creation in destinations.
For his part, Collado expressed gratitude for the honor and for the support of his regional counterparts, noting that the achievement is shared with the ministry’s team, business leaders, and sector workers. In his public statements, he reiterated that priorities will continue to include maintaining destination quality, attracting responsible investment, and increasing tourism’s impact on community life through programs that integrate MSMEs and promote high value–added experiences. These statements reinforce the notion that the recognition is not an endpoint but a commitment to continuous improvement.
For the industry across the Americas, UN Tourism’s gesture carries a regional message: it rewards a management model based on data, interagency coordination, and resilience, and signals that competitiveness will depend on each destination’s ability to balance growth and sustainability. In this vein, the Dominican case has been noted for its ability to sustain visitor flows, expand its offerings, and safeguard the country’s reputation in international markets. The “Minister of the Americas” distinction thus adds to the Dominican Republic’s track record as a leading destination and represents an endorsement by the world’s reference body for tourism. In a context of intense competition among destinations and increasingly demanding travelers, this milestone reaffirms that collaborative governance, innovation, and sustainability are not slogans but the core of contemporary tourism success.
With regard to the nature of the recognition, and following inquiries made to UN Tourism’s communications department, the institution has informed us that this recognition is exceptional, as the award is not formally institutionalized within the organization—that is, it does not have a specific regulation or an established jury—and that, for the moment, it is not possible to confirm whether its eventual granting will be extended to authorities from other continents.
