Puerto Plata Signs Landmark Agreement to Become an Accessible Tourism Destination

Puerto Plata took a major step toward a more inclusive future today with the signing of the “Puerto Plata, Accessible Destination” agreement. The deal brings together the Tourist Cluster of the Destination Puerto Plata, TRAVEGALI, and the Ministry of Tourism, with support from the Municipality, in an event led by the Dominican Republic’s Minister of Tourism, David Collado. The goal: make Puerto Plata the second destination in the country to implement a comprehensive accessibility model — opening the door for more travelers than ever to experience everything the North Coast has to offer.

A Shared Vision for the Destination

Birgitt Heinsen, president of the Tourist Cluster of the Puerto Plata Destination, opened the event by underscoring how the agreement reflects a shared commitment among the region’s tourism players. She noted that this signing is only a first step, and that lasting impact will depend on more businesses across the tourism value chain — hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and beyond — joining the effort so that accessibility becomes part of Puerto Plata’s culture, not just a policy on paper.

César José de los Santos, speaking as host of the event, reaffirmed Playa Dorada’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, highlighting the complex’s continued investment in initiatives that make the destination more welcoming for all visitors.

What the Agreement Actually Covers

Rafael Blanco, president of TRAVEGALI, walked attendees through the roadmap behind the initiative. It begins with a full diagnostic of the destination’s current accessibility conditions, followed by a phased plan to upgrade tourism infrastructure and services over time.

Beyond physical infrastructure, the plan includes:

• Training programs for hospitality and tourism staff across the destination
• Improved digital communication, so travelers can find clear, reliable accessibility information before they even arrive
• An international promotion strategy targeting the fast-growing accessible tourism market

Implementation will roll out progressively across hotels, restaurants, tour operators, parks, shops, museums, beaches, transportation providers, the port, the airport, public institutions, and community organizations — meaning the entire destination, not just a handful of properties, is expected to raise the bar together.

Why It Matters for Visitors

At its core, the agreement is about dignity and independence. It creates a framework for Puerto Plata’s tourism businesses and public institutions to work together so that travelers with disabilities, older adults, and anyone with accessibility needs can explore the destination with greater safety, autonomy, and confidence.

Minister Collado closed the event by praising the initiative, emphasizing that strengthening accessibility also strengthens Puerto Plata’s overall competitiveness as a destination — helping more travelers, from more markets, fully enjoy what the Dominican Republic has to offer.

The event also drew Brigadier General Minoru Matsunaga, director of the Central Directorate of the Tourism Police (POLITUR); Diomedes Roque García, mayor of San Felipe de Puerto Plata; and representatives from the private sector, civil society, and local media.

Mayor Roquelito García Requests More Support from Minister David Collado to Transform Puerto Plata

In addition to the “Puerto Plata, Accessible Destination” agreement David Collado also launched the “Tourism Close to You” initiative. Mayor Roquelito García took the opportunity to requested financial support from the official to complete several projects, such as transforming Independence Square, building a park on the Malecón, and developing the Railroad Promenade.

The mayor reminded Collado that these improvements had been submitted to the Ministry of Tourism, but the city government has not received a response. “At City Hall, we have all the ideas and all the will in the world to transform Puerto Plata. What we lack are the resources to do it,” said Roquelito García.

He commented that those who have led municipal governments, as Collard did as a former Mayor of the National District, Santo Domingo, know the difficulties that municipalities face due to the resources they receive. He considered it essential to add the support of the central government and institutions such as the Ministry of Tourism to enable Puerto Plata to achieve its full potential.

With these agreements, Puerto Plata is positioning itself as a rising star for accessible tourism in the Dominican Republic and Caribbean — and an increasingly attractive choice for the millions of travelers worldwide who prioritize accessible travel options.

What This Means for Puerto Plata Businesses — And Why Now Is the Time to Claim Your Listing

For hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and attractions across the destination, this agreement isn’t just a policy milestone — it’s a business opportunity, and one with a clear first move: “claim, add and upgrade your free listing on GoPuertoPlata.com”.

Accessible tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments in global travel, and travelers in this segment do their research before they book. They’re actively searching for clear, specific accessibility information — and if your business isn’t listed, or your listing is thin on detail, you’re invisible to exactly the travelers this destination-wide initiative is about to attract. A well-detailed listing puts your business directly in front of them at the moment they’re deciding where to stay, eat, visit, and book excursions.

An updated listing does double duty: it showcases your accessibility features and promotes your services or products to every visitor browsing the site — not just those with accessibility needs. A few ways to make yours work harder:

• Hotels and resorts can highlight step-free access, accessible rooms and bathrooms, pool lifts, and trained staff — often the deciding factor for travelers with mobility needs — while also showcasing rooms, amenities, and packages to every guest browsing.
• Restaurants and beach clubs can note wheelchair-accessible entrances, seating, and restrooms alongside their menu highlights and signature dishes, giving guests every reason to choose them before they even arrive.
• Tour operators and excursion providers can specify which tours are adapted for limited mobility or sensory needs, opening their experiences to a wider audience while promoting what makes each excursion worth booking.
• Museums, parks, and attractions can list accessible pathways, ramps, and on-site assistive services right alongside what makes a visit worthwhile.
  Transportation providers, including airport transfers and taxis, can advertise accessible vehicles and trained drivers as a standout service that sets them apart from the competition.

Puerto Plata’s accessibility roadmap is rolling out now, and the businesses that have fully up to date listings will be the ones this new wave of travelers finds first. Claim or add your listing in GoPuertoPlata.com today to add your accessibility features, promote your services, and make sure your business is ready for the visitors this initiative is bringing to the destination.

Businesses can also connect with the Tourist Cluster of the Destination Puerto Plata or TRAVEGALI to learn more about getting involved in the wider accessibility push.