Dominican Republic advances new laws for health and nautical tourism

The Dominican Republic is implementing several legislative and strategic initiatives to manage its growing tourism sector. The Senate has approved a health tourism law, which establishes the Health Tourism Advisory Council (Cotsa) to regulate medical-related travel and requires third-level clinics to meet specific Ministry of Public Health standards.

Additionally, the Senate is moving forward with a nautical tourism law following several fatal accidents involving boats and snorkelers in coastal areas. This legislation aims to strengthen surveillance, supervision, and emergency response protocols to protect lives and natural resources.

In Puerto Plata, Tourism Minister David Collado launched the ‘Turismo Cerca de Ti’ program, designed to integrate the entire tourism value chain to improve sustainability, security, and quality through community involvement. Simultaneously, a new agreement was signed to make Puerto Plata a more accessible destination for people with disabilities and seniors.

In La Altagracia, the ‘Strategic Plan La Altagracia 2030’ has been presented to address the pressures of rapid growth. The plan warns that unchecked expansion poses risks to water resources, infrastructure, and social stability, noting that economic growth has not always translated into improved living standards for local residents.