HERITAGE TOURISM IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Cultural heritage tourism (or just heritage tourism) is a branch of tourism oriented towards the cultural heritage of the location where tourism is occurring. Nowhere is this more evident than in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic where visitors encounter beautiful five-star hotels, classy excursions, beautiful countryside, fantastic golf courses and stunning beaches to name but a few of what the island has to offer. But in Punta Cana you will also find the PUNTACANA Ecological Foundation. The PUNTACANA Ecological Foundation is a not-for-profit foundation. Its mission is to protect and restore the natural resources of the Punta Cana region and contribute to the sustainable development of the Dominican Republic. This is done in a variety of ways, most specifically in the implementation of pilot and experimental projects that can be replicated by businesses, individuals, and government. For example there is the project to conserve the Ridgway Hawk, which is conserving an endangered species by increasing its population and diversifying its distribution in the Dominican Republic. The project is geared to educating school children, residents, and local communities about the plight of this species in order to raise awareness and also includes training of local guides to facilitate bird-watching excursions, creating jobs and economic opportunities. Bird tourism has a tremendous potential for species protection and job creation. Alternatively, there is the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park Reserve – 1,500 acres of forest preserve owned and managed by PUNTACANA Ecological Foundation. The reserve is a part of a lowland subtropical tropical forest decorated with eleven freshwater lagoons. The tropical forest tour winds through deep green tunnels of over 500 species of plants and culminates in a cooling dip in one of the eleven lagoons. Historians have discovered that the Taino Indians, the pre-Columbian inhabitants of the island, referred to the lagoons as “eyes” because of their distinctive shape. This is but a couple of example of how sustainable tourism is actively practised In the Dominican Republic helping to promote economic development and the creation of quality jobs, while maintaining a strong commitment to the protection of the natural environment and a respect for local communities. For further information on the destination please contact: ESP: esthercsmith@hotmail.com or esp@esthersmith.biz - Tel/fax: 01962 711239 – Mobile: 07768 901197 – skype: esthercsmith1 About Dominican Republic: Rich in history, the Dominican Republic’s first tourist was Christopher Columbus in 1492. Since then, it has developed into a diverse and luxurious destination offering both Dominican Republic and European flavours to more than 220,000 British visitors each year. A leader in eco-tourism, the Dominican Republic created the world’s first Whale Sanctuary and has established protection zones for more than 20 percent of its land and coastal areas. The country boasts some of the world’s best golf courses and beaches, the largest marinas in the Caribbean and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families. Visit the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism’s official Web site at: www.godominicanrepublic.com or call +44 (0)20 7242 7778.

Link: www.godominicanrepublic.com

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