Earlier this year, the Dominican Republic hosted its first ACTA Immersive Destination Fam, taking a group of nearly two dozen advisors to the destination, many of them for the first time. TravelPulse Canada asked Cosette Garcia, Director for Canada for the Dominican Republic Tourism Office, about the value of the visit.
What was the objective in partnering with ACTA on an immersive destination fam?
Garcia: For the Dominican Republic this has been the first collaboration of this type carried out with an ally as important as ACTA. Our Minister of Tourism David Collado understood that for the development of our tourism in Canada, it was necessary to deepen our activities with one of the most important market associations in Canada, Canada being the second most important market for our destination.
How was the group?
Garcia: This first experience was fantastic, we met a varied group of Travel Agents from across the country -- Western Canada, the Quebec Market and Atlantic Canada.
Was there a mix of first-timers and repeat visitors among the agents?
Garcia: Yes we had a lots of new travel agents, new professionals that changed their careers especially after the pandemic, but also very experienced travel agents as well. Many of them had not visited our destination, although they sell it a lot.
ACTA's Marco Pozzobon (left) and Air Canada's Jamie Fox (right) were onboard for the ACTA Immersive Destination Experience in the Dominican Republic. (Photo Credit: Elyssia Roseblade)
What were you most excited about showing the participants in the Dominican Republic?
Garcia: In addition to the hotel facilities that are always something that is not lacking in these visits, our objective was to show the travel agents all the complementary offers that exist in the destination of Punta Cana and its surroundings. We strongly insist that tourists should know more about the destination, this immersive experience served that purpose.
We had the opportunity to visit one of the theme parks in this area, the Bavaro Adventure Park, a place that allows us to get to know the flora and fauna and enjoy natural cenotes. Likewise, we visited the Punta Cana Group Foundation, a very interesting ecological visit, to learn about the preservation advances that are being made in this area, tourists can not only enjoy their vacations, they can also be part of the change.
We also visited the area of La Romana, in this way we can show that visitors can enjoy this destination on their vacation in the Dominican Republic, among other activities.
What kind of feedback did you get from trip participants?
Garcia: They all expressed that travelling and immersing themselves in the destination is what makes the difference.
A couple at Majestic Mirage Punta Cana (Photo Credit: Majestic Resorts)
What are your key messages for Canadian travel advisors about the D.R. as a destination choice for the coming winter?
Garcia: Travel agents are the key to our success, they are the savvy ones, those that motivate potential travellers with their experience, which is what is convenient for them, of course considering their tastes and interests. We thank them for their support.
Also, we would like to mention that we have launched the first global loyalty program for travel agents sending tourists to the Dominican Republic. DO Travel Rewards aims to build loyalty, inform, and strengthen the relationship with travel agents. Travel agents can register here. This is our way to give a big THANK YOU to the Canadian Travel Agent Community.
Would you partner again with ACTA on a destination fam?
Garcia: Absolutely, we are already planning our next experience.
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