Dominican Sustainable Tourism Organization, DSTO

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Dominican Sustainable Tourism Development Master Plan, PM-TDO PDF Print E-mail


General information about this proposal


Committed to the mission of the NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (CONDESPI), and starting the fulfillment of one of the targets identified in the economic area as  to encourage and participate in the development, implementation, and monitoring of a MASTER PLAN FOR THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM (PM-DOT).

Knowing the levels of development of the Dominican communities, it is essential to develop a master plan for  the sustainable tourism development (PM-DOT):

The CONDESPI understands the need to raise levels of awareness and create a framework for sustainable development based on environmental,  socio-cultural and economic principles. The objective is to provide additional benefits at local, regional and national levels, making possible the flow of visitors who will propitiate an improvement in the economy and quality of life through the creation of microenterprises.

Twenty-five (25) counties, a total of sixty-four (64) that comprise the first stage and which constitute a vast conglomerate of local communities, have formalized their support to this need on an individual basis. On Wednesday, November 15, 2008, it was hold the official launch of this initiative as part of the MASTER PLAN FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (PM-DSDO), with the support of communities, the private sector, local authorities, cooperation agencies, the agencies, foreign governments, and others. The event sought to provide and strengthen initiatives aimed at facilitating the protection of nature, valuing socio-cultural and business opportunities, taking into consideration the guidelines of Agenda 21st  and Program of the Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations, among others .

The DOT Team, tasks and responsibilities

With the purpose of designing and implementing the MASTER PLAN FOR THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM (PM-DOT), the CONDESPI has shaped the DOT Team (ETDO) with the responsibility of achieving this and obtaining financial and technical resources.

The design of the PM-DOT aims to define market objectives and to identify products and business opportunities that would converge on sustainable tourism. In addition, it would establish local and regional brands, as well as to promote services and products. The ETDO will  advertise and promote strategies, and prioritize the steps to complete.

The ETDO is formed by a multidisciplinary team of technicians, backed by COUNSELS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND  MUNICIPAL PROMOTION  (CONDESPI-MUN) from each of the participating municipalities of the project.

The ETDO will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the following tasks:

- Channel the initiatives of the sustainable tourism.

- Create and build a non-governmental organization, grouping the Dominican tourism industry and related professionals, committed to the development of such tourism. This organization, together with the CONDESPI, will ensure the observance of the principles for sustainability of this important economic activity, serving as support for the PM-DOT.

Update: On this date 28.08.2007 was formed the Dominican Sustainable Tourism Organization, ODTS, fulfilling this task.

- Develop terms of reference for the PM-DOT.

- Implement and coordinate the PM-DOT, including all project activities, the preparation of reports in accordance with the requirements of the sponsor of resources, and  commitments for hiring the specialized personnel and institutions required.

- Work together with community leaders to organize workshops and conferences; prepare the  information required  by third parties about the development of projects. Similarly, support consultants with the necessary information and ensure the implementation of actions on the track.

- Maintain records and accounting records of the various activities of the project; control costs and ensure proper management of project resources.

- Provide additional research and analysis that could lead to new proposals.

- Establish collaboration and cooperation bonds with entities, national and international authorities, universities, research institutions, NGOs, cooperative organizations, international agencies and other institutions in order to involve these and / or its personnel in  the project activities .

- Get information about the availability of funds and their sources. Mobilize additional resources to continue with the implementation of projects, based on the identification of needs.

- Closely work and follow the enterprising initiatives related to environmental protection and natural resources, sustainable tourism, socio-cultural aspects, training of human resources, as well as changes in the laws and regulations.

Conformation and coordination  of the team, TDO 

The ETDO is coordinated by Professor  Bolivar Matias Morales Troncoso, Master in Ecotourism, as qualified historian, geographer, environmentalist, ecologist and technician in sustainable development. (bolivar.troncoso @

Agricultural Engineer Paino-Collado Abréu, ME, environmentalist, ecologist and technician in planning and sustainable development. (paino.abreu @

Gilda Pereyra, licensed, advertising,  promotion, marketing, and brand professional (branding). (gilda.pereyra @

Mr Jeremy Garrett, professional  in the development of tourism products, marketing, advertising, and promotion of sustainable tourism.   ( jeremy.garrett @


To identify technicians and experts, including members of this team, to develop a PM-DOT, as part of the PM-DSDO.

To promote, encourage and value local cultural events.

To create brands and certifications for specific local and/or regional products and services.. Similarly, it will create conditions and opportunities for fair trade.

To develop a  promotional and advertising plan.

The management will aim to:

1. Facilitate the overall vision of the Project

1.1. Develop an agenda, a program and a chronogram, in which the development of it is projected,, including calls from the public and private sectors.

1.2. Create a local and regional consulting team, to discuss the development of the project and provide at the precise moment the views, suggestions and accurate information to ensure the taking of decisions.

1.3. Establish the geographical boundaries of the areas of action for the project.

1.4. Submit periodic reports concerning the work completed.

1.5. Carry out the required regular meetings of ETDO.

1.6. Edit  a final report, including an executive summary of the research, recommendations, detailed marketing strategies, the study of the economic impact, and all other relevant information.

1.7. Invite all the communities represented by TIPS ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTING MUNICIPAL for the submission of the report of the PM-DOT in order to assess the reliability of the information and determine the next steps to follow.

2. Market research

2.1. Investigate the profiles of visitors and markets currently visiting the region. Define target markets. Incorporate these data into the full retail strategy.

2.2. Use existing data as a basis and extend this if necessary to develop an accurate identification of the  visitor  and of the desired target market, his origin and his participation in various activities.

2.3. Compare attributes and statistics of the existing mass of visitor   with the desired market.

2.4. Investigate and analyze the current economic impact of tourism. Establish basic indicators generated by the increasing flow of tourists to the region.

2.5. Analyze and evaluate the promotional materials of tourism enterprises and their impact, compared to the competition.

2.6. Investigate national and international brands to understand how the region or area to be marketed compares to other destinations within Dominican, but especially compares to other Caribbean islands and countries of the region.

2.7. Prepare an economic impact analysis and final report of the study.

3. Identify local and regional products and opportunities

3.1. Develop a matrix for sustainable tourism, with the aim of covering all the possibilities and opportunities of products belonging to or found within the area or region, according to environmental, socio-cultural and economic parameters.

3.2. Perform a search and listing by community of the specific products and opportunities in the environmental, socio-cultural and economic areas that each community currently offers or might offer.

3.3. Identify and assess sites and places of public use, including refuges, parks, lakes, rivers, forests, private properties, and so on.

3.4. Investigate, gather information and consult with experts in the localities and identify and write articles about nature, culture, people, recreation, history, folklore, gastronomy, religion, magic-religious and economic systems, which identify and uniquely represent a locality, region or area. This will require interviews and exchange of information with key individuals linked to tourism, community development and marketing/promotion.

3.5. Revise and expand the list of communities and provide suggestions on products and additional opportunities by municipality.

3.6. Make an analysis on the potentialities, strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and threats (SWOT) at local and regional levels to define these important issues.

3.7. Identify the products and opportunities that cross municipal  and / or regional boundaries.

3.8. Edit sub-themes and stories that identify and represent a single locality or region.

3.9. Develop models and tools for creating sites of interest, crossings, gates, visitors’ centers, and other eco-museums, with programs covering the entire process through legends, anecdotes and  real and genuine stories.

3.10. Describe and display information about the programs that would cover the whole process of visiting the sites of interest, crossings, gates, visitors’ centers, eco-museums, and others.

3.11. Enumerate how communities can achieve standards for certification programs, regulations, technical assistance, requirements for obtaining funds, and so on.

3.12. Define the need and importance of the ongoing project initiatives, such as radio communications, meteorological stations, and so on.

3.13. Make recommendations on infrastructure; prepare communities for the impact of visitors; identify concerns about health (risks and benefits) and any other element to consider.

3.14. Analyze products and opportunities, and write a final report of the study.

4. Develop brand elements

4.1. Develop the recommended positioning for the brand that integrates the perception of the visitor experience available within the  region/s of the project. The brand must offer a message defined, consistent and clear, hit by identifying phrases, images and graphics.

4.2. Develop audio and visual images, phrases, colors, logo, emblems and descriptive language to represent the projected image to potential visitors in the target market.

4.3. Define a total alternative brand for Dominican integrating the products and opportunities found in the region/s to be marketed.

4.4. Define specific brands for the elements, products and services closely linked or related to the  tourism area.

4.5. Recommend a national brand identification for  items, goods and services as well as routes and internal associated  circuits to exportation.

4.6. Examine all the elements, products, services, and opportunities, to recommend whether there is a possibility or need for additional brands.

4.7. Development of a trademark analysis and a final report of this study.

5. Define promotional opportunities

5.1. Develop a marketing strategy report that includes an analysis of the current visitor profile, an analysis of the potential target market, media and promotional messages to attract more audience, publications, trade shows or other methods to advertise and promote products, services and opportunities offered or to be offered within the targeted town and region, and which can ensure a greater flow of visitors to the project area.

5.2. Define the tools and materials to promote  local and regional products and opportunities for each element, specific product and service, which include sites on the Internet, maps, promotional campaigns (both on the Internet and printed materials), familiarization trips (fam trip) and for the press (press trip),etc.

5.3. Recommend multilingual materials to cover a wider market.

5.4. Create a comprehensive marketing strategy.

5.5. Develop an analysis on advertising and promotion, and a final report of the study.

6. Recommend future steps and priorities

It is estimated that the initial step of this project will provide research and the necessary background knowledge to successfully implement future phases. The PM-DOT will recommend future priorities and stages in order to prepare the region for tourism and economic growth, including:

6.1. Develop routes and thematic tours

6.1.1. Review the elements, products, services and opportunities of communities.

6.1.2. Make local inventories and valuations.

6.1.3. Identify the ownership and municipal restrictions of attractive sites.

6.1.4. Shape possible activities including logical ones that could be developed with minimum effort.

6.1.5. Identify the characteristics at the annual stations and logical limits of the site by the annual station.

6.1.6. Register, tabulate, including maps based on the GPS system, of all local and regional attractions.

6.1.7. Provide the basic report about the physical condition of the existing infrastructure and changes or the necessary arrangements to be used by visitors. (Parkings, ramps, walks, gardening and landscaping, vehicular access, availability of recreational vehicles, beasts of burden, universal signals, empowerment for  disables, etc.).

6.1.8. Create the maps of sites or places on recommended routes and circuits, including attractive sites, visitors’ centers with general direction for access and services, using GPS guidance, regarding the seasons, recreation, culture, guidance on issues, and so on.

6.2. Development of interpretative maps

6.2.1. Develop an interpretative map for every tourist route, linking communities and emphasizing natural resources, cultural and historical sites in the region.

6.2.2. Prepare the text for maps and guides.

6.2.3. Recommend similar styles and ways to deliver messages and guidance on issues in order to instill a sense of comfort and familiarity in unknown environments.

6.2.4. Provide utilization plans for marking sites and places of attractions and visitor centers.

6.3. Prioritize infrastructure improvements.

6.3.1. Identify and describe necessary or obvious improvements to infrastructure and potential sources of funding for the implementation of projects.

6.3.2. Assess the impact on natural resources using standard methodology of the government and industry.

6.3.3. Identify levels and maintenance requirements of infrastructure and the environment.

6.4. Develop training programs for the human resource

6.4.1. Develop and compile a guide for the production of brochures and design of marketing communications, including key criteria, what to do and what not to do, and so on.

6.4.2. Develop training programs, seminars and group workshops on the practical aspects of marketing communications, design and production for companies in the tourism sector.

6.4.3. Develop training manuals as well as seminars and group workshops on marketing guides, security, communication, and other skills.

6.4.4. Develop training programs on business management for sustainable tourism as well as hotel staff and personnel needed in related activities.

7. Facilitation of research and professional advice to others

During the design and development of PM-DOT, the ETDO may, under the authorization of CONDESPI, develop research and professional advice required by third parties, to be simultaneously conducted as an intrinsic part of this PM-DOT. The cost of these services to third parties should be entirely covered by the interested person, which will serve as part of the economic support necessary for the design and development of PM-DOT.  In the event that the research and professional advice to others provide information and data for public and general usage, this can be delivered to any person or publicly exposed.

Types / Classification / Variants of Tourism and Description




Congress and Conventions
















Adventure tourism offer.

Scientific and investigation tourism offer.

Shopping tourism offer.

Meeting, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibition tourism offer.

Hunting tourism offer.

Cultural patrimony tourism offer.

Business tourism offer.

Health and wellness tourism offer.

Sports tourism offer.

Flora and fauna tourism offer.

Student, education tourism offer.

Local culinary culture tourism offer.

Sport fishing tourism offer.

Exchange tourism offer.

Religious peregrination tourism offer.

Rural culture tourism offer.

Social integration and Incentive tourism offer.

Specific themes tourism offer.

Marina tourism offer.


Considerations for the design of a Sustainable Tourism Master Plan

1. Executive summary

2. Background

3. Society and Economy:

  • 3.1. Ubicación y Geografía
  • 3.2. General Characteristics
  • 3.3. Characteristics of the economic active population
  • 3.4. Actividades económicas:
  • a) Farming
  • b) Mining
  • c) Agro-industry and industry
  • d) Services
  • e) Others
  • 3.5. Infrastructure: offer and access to basic services:
  • a) Transport and communication
  • b) Homes situation
  • c) Electricity and water
  • d) Education services
  • 3.6. Environmental aspects
  • 3.7. Institutional aspects:
  • a) Governmental Institutions
  • b) Non Governmental Organizations
  • 3.8. Cultural aspects

4. Regional tourism situation:

  • a) Principals tourism attractions: natural, cultural, farming (Agro-tourism), etc. Maps localization.
  • b) Hotel Industry (maps).

5. Tourism market:

  • a) Tourism characteristics: Tourism establishment requierements.
  • b) Potential tourism market for the country and region: characteristics of the country tourist, and tourism international market.

6. Tourism development proposal:

  • 6.1. Master plan development:
  • 6.1.1. Territorial/land order plan (mapping)
  • 6.1.2. Local plans (mapping)
  • 6.1.3. Specific plans (mapping)
  • 6.1.4. Identification of tourism routes and circuits (mapping)
  • 6.2. Base line of action:
  • 6.2.1. Promotion strategy development
  • 6.2.2. Required infrastructure construction
  • 6.2.3. Accommodation and services offer
  • 6.2.4. Conditioning of beaches and rivers recreation sites
  • 6.2.5. Qualification of human resources for tourism and services to tourism
  • 6.2.6. Institutional aspects
  • 6.3. Feasibility of the proposal:
  • 6.3.1. Legal factors
  • 6.3.2. Institutional factors
  • 6.3.3. Resources availability


Contact Information

This proposal has been prepared by the ETDO, under the designation NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (CONDESPI). All communications regarding this proposal should be directed to the coordinator of it.

Update: With the constitution of the Dominican Organization of Sustainable Tourism, ODTS, dated 28.08.2007, the PM-DOT was taken over by it.