Dominican Republic assumed the Pro Tempore Presidency of the Central American Tourism Council (CCT), consolidating its regional leadership by receiving the official handover from Panama during the International Tourism Fair (FITUR) 2026, held on January 22 in Madrid, Spain.
Taking on this position means that the Caribbean country will lead the Central American tourism agenda in the first half of this year, with the aim of strengthening integration and competitiveness in the region in accordance with the guidelines of the Regional Tourism Policy (PRETUR) 2025–2035 and the consensus reached by the member countries.
In this new stage, the design of a work plan that prioritizes the articulation of PRETUR with the partners of the Central American Integration System (SICA) and the formulation of a regional Action Plan stands out.
The Vice Minister of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic, Carlos Peguero, was in charge of representing the new presidency, while Gloria De León, general administrator of the Tourism Authority of Panama, attended as a representative of the outgoing mandate.
Within the commitments made, the Dominican Republic will focus efforts on extending the socialization of PRETUR and strengthening the Central American tourism system through strategic alliances, an action that will also include the updating of processes with the support of the
Central American Tourism Promotion Agency (CATA).
Among the immediate tasks are the
follow-up on regional sustainable tourism projects, the consolidation of the
SICCS quality seal, and the incorporation of Big Data tools in
the Regional Observatory of tourism statistics. In addition, sustainable community tourism will be promoted with the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (
JICA), as well as specialized training to strengthen technical capacities in the region.
During Panama’s management of the Council, progress was made, including the socialization of the PRETUR, the promotion of international cooperation initiatives, and the institutional strengthening of the Secretariat of Central American Tourist Integration (SITCA).
Notably, Panama promoted the Central American Integrated System of Quality and Tourism Sustainability (SICCS) and fostered the training of over 80 women in sustainable tourism and economic rights in SICA member countries, as detailed by EXPRESO.
The
SITCA, as a permanent office of the CCT, plays an essential role in regional tourism development, providing technical and strategic support to member countries, in addition to coordinating the execution of presidential mandates and agreements reached in tourism matters. Its function is framed in the promotion of regional integration based on parameters of sustainability, quality and institutional cooperation.
The handover of the CCT presidency was witnessed by Central American ministers and key sector representatives, underlining the
importance of regional coordination to advance a tourism agenda that focuses on sustainability and continuous improvement in the Central American region.
Source:
Infobae
