This 4 year program, to be set in motion with a US$3 million contribution by Japan’s Government, aims to benefit the zone’s communities through the development of tourist product and services using local resources, said the Economy Ministry in a statement.

“To combine efforts to motor Puerto Plata’s tourism development and confront the reduction of tourists since the mid 90s is the main joint goal which we must all undertake,” said JICA official Tadashi Ikeshiro.

The sustainable tourism project seeks to have positive impact on that province, benefiting the more than 312,700 residents in the municipalities Altamira, Guananico, Imbert, Los Nobles, Luperón, Sosúa, Villa Isabela and Montellano.

The project looks to provide more opportunities for the zone’s local population to participate in tourism development, in collaboration with the industry.  “This would improve the population’s quality of life and thusly the tourism sector’s sustainable and appropriate development.”

From Dominican Today