Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Tourism (Mitur), together with the Dominican Episcopal Conference, hosted the IV Latin American and Caribbean Congress of Tourism Pastoral Care, bringing together about 40 international delegates in the Dominican Republic for the first time.
Held under the theme “Towards an ordinary and organic tourism pastoral care,” the congress focused on strengthening the Catholic Church’s role in the tourism sector while promoting the country’s religious, historical and cultural heritage.
The event followed a traveling format, visiting the dioceses of Puerto Plata, La Vega, La Altagracia and Stella Maris, as well as the Archdiocese of Santo Domingo. Participants attended conferences and meetings to exchange experiences, discuss challenges and share initiatives related to religious tourism.
During the congress, José Armando Tavares, former rector and founder of the Technological Institute of the Americas (ITLA), addressed the impact of artificial intelligence on tourism and the ethical challenges associated with digital transformation. Tavares said AI can improve the tourism experience but stressed that technological innovation should not replace human attention or exclude travelers who face difficulties accessing digital tools. He called for sustainable, accessible and people-centered tourism guided by an ethical and humanistic approach.
The initiative also promotes Paths of Faith, a religious tourism program developed by Mitur in coordination with the Catholic Church and the Dominican Episcopal Conference.
The 4th Religious Tourism Meeting is scheduled for October 24 as part of the Caribbean Tourism Exchange, continuing efforts to strengthen cooperation between the tourism and religious sectors and diversify the Dominican Republic’s tourism offerings.