Santo Domingo Leads the Way in Heritage and Sustainable Tourism at UNESCO Summit

Published on December 12, 2025

In a significant move for heritage conservation and sustainable tourism, UNESCO recently held a regional summit in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, bringing together World Heritage site managers from across Latin America and the Caribbean. The summit, focused on strengthening capacities in visitor management and promoting sustainable development practices, provided a unique platform for sharing best practices, discussing challenges, and exploring innovative solutions for the future of tourism in the region.

The gathering in the Dominican Republic capital highlighted the vital intersection between cultural heritage preservation and sustainable tourism practices, with an emphasis on balancing the needs of both visitors and local communities. As tourism continues to grow globally, the region’s diverse World Heritage sites are increasingly at risk of over-tourism and environmental degradation. The UNESCO summit aimed to address these concerns while also providing opportunities for capacity-building among site managers to ensure the long-term protection and viability of these cultural treasures.

Focus on Sustainable Tourism in Latin America and the Caribbean

Santo Domingo, home to the first cathedral in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage site itself, was an ideal host for the event, with its rich cultural history serving as a backdrop to the discussions. The Dominican Republic, with its strong tourism industry, continues to emphasize sustainable development practices, making the city an apt location for a summit dedicated to balancing tourism growth with heritage conservation.

During the summit, participants focused on a range of topics that are essential to ensuring the longevity of World Heritage sites. Key discussions revolved around improving visitor management techniques, developing sustainable tourism policies, and enhancing local community engagement. This regional workshop aimed to foster collaboration between stakeholders, including national governments, international organizations, local communities, and private sector entities, to create a more sustainable tourism framework.

Santo Domingo’s hosting of this summit aligns with the city’s broader efforts to position itself as a model for sustainable tourism in the Caribbean and Latin America. The Dominican Republic continues to prioritize the sustainable development of its tourism sector, especially in areas that are home to UNESCO World Heritage sites. This includes not only protecting the natural environment but also promoting cultural heritage tourism that benefits both visitors and local communities.

The Importance of Visitor Management and Sustainable Practices

One of the core themes of the UNESCO summit was improving visitor management at heritage sites. As more travelers visit the region, World Heritage sites are facing unprecedented levels of foot traffic, which can lead to overcrowding, environmental damage, and a loss of cultural integrity. By implementing effective visitor management strategies, these sites can mitigate negative impacts while still allowing tourists to experience the cultural and natural beauty they have to offer.

Workshops focused on a variety of visitor management tools, including ticketing systems, capacity controls, and educational campaigns for visitors about respecting local cultures and environments. The goal is to ensure that tourism remains a force for good – providing economic opportunities for local communities, supporting the preservation of cultural landmarks, and fostering greater awareness about the importance of sustainability.

Alongside visitor management, the summit also underscored the importance of sustainable development practices in tourism. This includes integrating sustainable infrastructure, such as eco-friendly accommodations, responsible waste management, and energy-efficient transportation options, into tourism planning. Participants discussed how to reduce the carbon footprint of tourism operations while maximizing the positive impacts of cultural tourism on local economies.

Inclusive Tourism Development for Local Communities

Another important area of focus at the summit was the role of local communities in sustainable tourism development. UNESCO has long advocated for the inclusion of local populations in the tourism process to ensure that the benefits of tourism are distributed equitably. The summit’s discussions centered on how local communities can take part in managing and benefiting from tourism, whether through jobs, crafts, or cultural experiences.

By involving local communities in tourism planning and development, destinations can create a more inclusive and responsible tourism model. This approach not only strengthens the local economy but also fosters a deeper connection between visitors and the heritage sites they are exploring. Local guides, artisans, and cultural experts play a key role in enhancing the visitor experience while preserving traditional knowledge and practices.

In the case of the Dominican Republic, the country has made significant strides in integrating local communities into its tourism offerings, especially in rural and historically rich areas. Sustainable community-based tourism projects have been developed in various parts of the country, where tourists can experience authentic Dominican culture while supporting local artisans and businesses.

A Global Conversation on Cultural Heritage and Tourism

The UNESCO summit also emphasized the importance of collaboration between countries to protect the global cultural heritage. Sites such as Machu Picchu in Peru, the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador, and the Mayan ruins in Mexico, among others, face similar challenges related to tourism and preservation. By exchanging knowledge and strategies, Latin American and Caribbean countries can strengthen their collective efforts to protect these invaluable cultural treasures.

The summit served as an opportunity for participants to learn from one another, share successful case studies, and discuss challenges they have faced in managing World Heritage sites. The event fostered a sense of regional solidarity and collective responsibility for the protection of heritage sites in the face of rising global tourism demand.

The Future of Heritage and Sustainable Tourism in the Region

Looking forward, UNESCO’s ongoing efforts in Latin America and the Caribbean will continue to focus on enhancing capacity building, sustainable tourism policies, and international cooperation. The region’s rich history and diverse cultural landscape make it a prime destination for travelers from around the world, but it is crucial that sustainable practices are implemented to safeguard the future of these heritage sites.

The summit in Santo Domingo is just one step in a larger effort to ensure that tourism can coexist with heritage preservation, creating a model of tourism that benefits both travelers and local communities while protecting the cultural assets that make the region so unique.