ESTRATEGIA DE DESARROLLO TURÍSTICO DE LA PROVINCIA DE PEDERNALES 01 | Context: The Province
MAY 17, 2019
CONTENTS
Executive Summary Pedernales Tourism Development Vision 2030
A future vision of how the Pedernales Tourism Development Strategy will be lived in the year 2030.
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Context: The Province
A brief history and culture of Pedernales; current government assessment of tourism and conservation; positioning the new Pedernales tourism philosophy; the 5 unique environments of the vision for Pedernales.
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Market Overview: Key Numbers
The state of the market in the Dominican Republic
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Market Trends
Current trends within the Pedernales target market (spanish version only)
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Traveler Profiles
The market opportunity, the aspirations and the needs of potential target audiences towards the destination.
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Values: Development Principles
A series of Development Principles and key talking points to be used in reference to the project when it is discussed or presented to stakeholders.
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Development Strategy
A development strategy including infrastructure investments and brands; key attractions, landmarks and experiences; accommodation typologies and products.
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Master Plan Implementation
The key development priorities for the province.
Appendix
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Pedernales Tourism Development Vision 2030
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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Pedernales Tourism Development Vision 2030
Pedernales: Paradise Protected Through this vision and development strategy, we are positioning Pedernales as a new standard of cooperative tourism and conservation in the Caribbean. The goal is to create an economic ecosystem whereby tourism investment and revenue flow directly toward supporting the conservation of the province’s protected areas and population, and in turn, Pedernales’s people and national parks provide the primary draw for tourism. Our approach to this goal is to raise the all-inclusive travel destination concept to a new level by redefining inclusivity to refer to the entire region – its landscapes, creatures, cultures, and habitats. Using the unique traits of Pedernales’s various landscapes as anchors for the overall experience, we use a combination of journey and destination – circuits and hubs – to make this all-inclusive province one best described in terms of immersion, adventure, and enlightenment.
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01 | Context: The Province
Positioning Pedernales is a world-class conservation tourism destination, visited by active, adventurous travelers from all walks of life, because it offers total immersion within some of the Caribbean’s most stunning and unspoiled natural landscapes, as well as authentic cultural experiences which people love because nowhere else offers so many options for discovery, adventure, relaxation and wellbeing in one accessible tropical location.
TOP TIPS _ After multiple visits to the region, meetings and workshops with DR ministers and major stakeholders, as well as taking into account previous studies conducted (see appendix), we’ve concluded that the first major steps that must be taken in order to make this vision a reality are the following: UPGRADE REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE + ACCESS TO & WITHIN PEDERNALES INVEST IN CLEANING UP, EDUCATING, AND INVOLVING LOCAL COMMUNITIES OPEN NATIONAL PARKS UP TO SENSITIVE DEVELOPMENT FOR VISITOR ENJOYMENT Please Refer to the full Pedernales Province Tourism Development Strategy document for the complete and annotated roadmap for creating this future.
Pedernales Tourism Development Vision 2030
Paradise, Protected
Cabo Rojo Eco-Village
It’s 2030, and spectacular places in nature unspoiled by man are nearing extinction. Development seems to have earmarked every inch of perfect coastline in the Caribbean for overdevelopment, save one. In Pedernales, the Dominican Republic’s south-westernmost province and coastline, some of the island’s most stunning eco-systems have been opened to a new kind of tourism that aims to preserve one of the world’s most beautiful places, by carefully and intelligently immersing visitors more completely in it.
An Oasis of Civilization within the Arid Coastal Landscape
Pedernales The Conscious Traveler’s el Dorado
The Cabo Rojo Eco-Village sits on the small, westernmost promontory of land between Cabo Falso and the town of Pedernales. The village is the heart and main hub of activity and lodging on the Pedernales coast, and a point of pride for locals from here and across the DR. Operating entirely on renewable energy and featuring the latest in waste and water management practices, the village offers sustainable lodging, event space, welcome center1, casual and fine dining options, boutiques, equipment rentals, and more.
As a designated UNESCO Biosphere site, virtually the entire province of Pedernales is declared national park land. Miraculously, the province has been able to give guests the most intimate connection to its marvelous nature in the most delicate and respectful manner. Three lush eco-hubs that connect and showcase Pedernales’s most fresh and fascinating facets have been carefully curated amid the province’s fascinating sierra mountain forests, within its magically luxurious lagoons, and where its pristine white-sand beaches meet a cave-studded coastline of wild wonders and wellbeing.
Composed of clusters of various-sized hut-style buildings built on stilts four feet off the ground and interconnected with wooden boardwalks, the village possesses a floating, oasislike appearance when it first appears on the horizon. Smaller satellite clusters of glamping and camping sites branch off from the village, allowing civilization to transition slowly back to more elemental living. Yet whether under-the-stars camper or luxury eco-lodge suite-dweller, the beach and hotel bars, restaurants, observatory, outdoor lounges and services of Cabo Village are there for all visitors to enjoy.
Whether taking the breathtakingly scenic route by land, approaching its snow-white coastline by sea, or gazing at its tapestry of landscapes by air, the journey to Pedernales is where the experience begins. For most, the first stop is the Eco-Village of Cabo Rojo.
Arrivals & Departures Sailboats and luxury catamarans dock at the Cabo Rojo marina, built around the original mining pier, and disembark for the day or a stay. The old pier has been transformed into a 500 metrelong seawalk, lined with tiny kiosks where local artisans sell
their work and refreshments. Road trippers arriving along the scenic route from Santo Domingo, Baharona or the Cabo Rojo airstrip, park at the village’s north side. Valets wait to greet, grab luggage and walk guests to the Welcome Center, and then escort them to their accommodations in one of the village’s electric Conservation Cars.
Activities, Events & Excursions The quantity of options for activities, excursions, exploration, learning, and entertainment in Pedernales is staggering, which is why a flop in one of the many scattered hammocks, mamajuana in-hand, is a must before contemplating next steps. After browsing the lunch menu featuring fish caught that morning, seasonal fruit, and grilled veggies, it’s time to peruse the menu of things to do.
Getting Around Once in Pedernales, your transportation options are guided by distance and terrain. You can bike almost anywhere a car can take you, and when on the coast, catch the Sea shuttle that runs between Pedernales city and Oviedo, stopping at Cabo Rojo Pier, Cabo Falso, and Isla Beata.
1At the Welcome Center, with its open-air reception lounge with views to the sea, guests are received with refreshing beverages of fresh-squeezed local produce, and depending on the time of day, a mamajuana spiced to taste. This is where guests can book boating excursions, rent equipment, inquire about diving expeditions or whether there’s live music at Cabo Bar tonight.
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Pedernales Tourism Development Vision 2030
Pedernales Immersive Nature Poles. Wilderness. Wonder. Wellbeing. Pedernales wears its UNESCO badge with pride, and places a high priority on educating visitors on the wonders of its wilderness, while ensconcing them in a constant state of wellbeing. Here, enlightenment takes the form of a journey, along a holistic circuit of immersive education, exciting discovery, and deep contemplation, across three distinct environments: the arid desert and coastal cliffs of the limestone plateau; the fragrant fresh air of the Bahoruco sierra mountain chain; and the lush, saline sanctuary of the Oviedo Lagoon.
Frequency-Free Zones Guests of Pedernales’s three immersive nature poles will look back and reflect on how well they slept during their stay. Though there will no doubt be many reasons to attribute their profound slumber to, one will certainly be the fact that these areas are designated wi-fi-free zones, shielding their nature, wildlife, and guests from the subtle yet real side-effects of constant exposure to wifi radiation.
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Pedernales Tourism Development Vision 2030
Pole One: Cabo Falso Cliffside Discovery Center A Cliff-Hanging Adventure Of Discovery & Enlightenment Located along the coastal bike path from Cabo Rojo to Cabo Falso, the Cliffside Discovery Center sits amid a cluster of casitas on the tip of Cabo Falso, where visitors have access to a reception lounge with seaview bar, a small B&B, and observatory. The Discovery Center is the starting point for the vast desert trail network that snakes its way through Jaragua National Park. Here, visitors can come upon cactus gardens where endangered endemic species are preserved and multiple interpretive rest areas that explain the astounding diversity lurking within this unassumingly dry, arid landscape. Below the Discovery Center, out of sight of land dwellers, is where the real adventure begins. A steep staircase etched into the cliffside works its way down to a suspended boardwalk that circumnavigates the vertical coastline, leading the curious along a seaside pathway that explores the network of natural caves puncturing the cliffs at random intervals. Some points descend close enough for a dip in the sea, where the snorkeling they say is to die for.
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Pedernales Tourism Development Vision 2030
Pole Two: Hoyo de Pelempito Wellness Refuge A High Altitude Retreat within the Fragrant Fresh Air Of The Bahoruco Sierras Hoyo de Pelempito has become a world-class destination for conscious travelers seeking equal parts challenge and rejuvenation. The point of departure for miles and miles of walking, hiking, and biking trails of varying intensity, guests are given countless opportunities to commune with these healing hills by immersing themselves deep within its forested slopes and valleys. When they return, spa treatments, therapies, organic local food and special libations are waiting to help soothe sore muscles and restore the body and soul to peak condition for the next day’s adventures.
Road Bike Challenge The Lake Enriquillo road bike challenge is an intense, 200km circuit that taking riders through three provinces - Pedernales, Baharona, and Indepencia - and the incredible variety of landscapes and terrain within each. The circuit features a grueling climb to 2000 metres, a steep descent toward Lake Enriquillo, a significant stretch of Baharona’s panoramic coastal road, Jaragua’s otherworldly desert plateau, and Pedernales’s rich farmlands. Maps are designed to allow bikers to break up the challenge into sections and take on as much as they feel able to on any given day.
Each year, Pedernales hosts the Tour Dominicana, a professional bicycle race that attracts participants from around the world, as well as the Pedernales Triathlon that includes a swim to isla Beata and raises money for conservation efforts in the province.
Destination Hiking Every Hoyo de Pelempito hiking trail features landmarks, destinations and a few surprises to keep guests motivated to make it around the next bend or over the next hump. These might be birdwatching pods in key avian migratory areas; an “orchid forest park” where the province and country’s 300 species grow along intuitive footpaths; and where other wild gardens attract certain species of butterfly. In a clearing, hikers might come upon a sculpture garden of indigenous materials where local artists interpreted characters from Pedernales folklore, brought to life by the eerie sound of bamboo and seashell wind chimes swaying in the breeze. The trek to Puerto Escondido rewards hikers with spectacular views over Lake Enriquillo, from a rest area with a landmark monument to the Taíno people. Destinations also include physical challenges, like the valley floor rope course, the natural rock climbing wall, or natural attractions, like the cave circuit or waterfall walk, where hikers are reminded to bring their bathing suits and indulge in a cooling freshwater bath.
FUTURE MEMORY _ “This was our third visit to Pedernales, because we never seem to have enough time to see and do everything. Our first visit was our honeymoon at Amanales in the mountains. The next year we stayed at Oviedo Lagoon, but this year we brought the kids and opted for glamping at Cabo Rojo Village. Each time we come there seems to be more to do, and no one was disappointed with our choice. The kids got to experience both the mountains and lagoon, and spent at least two days exploring the cliffs around the Cabo Falso Discovery Center. By the time we left my daughter was an expert on tropical birds, and decided that instead of becoming a veterinarian, she wants to be a park ranger.” - Emily Watson (43), Virtual Media Director, Miami
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Pedernales Tourism Development Vision 2030
Buenaventura Bodega & Spa Buenaventura Boutique Eco-Spa, the Hoyo’s singular spa-cumboutique-hotel, wears the name of Oviedo’s last living Chaman, the centenarian Snr. Buenaventura (“Snr. Buena” to locals). Operators worked closely with this medicine man to devise the spa’s menu of treatments and therapies, as well as the Bodega’s list of fresh organic meals, curative teas, cocktails and libations. All menus are created on-site by locally sourced endemic and indigenous produce, herbs and plants. Guests are even invited to gather their own ingredients along the mountain paths to create balms and body oils tailored to their tastes and conditions, and to watch and learn while an appointed apothecary creates the final product.
High-Altitude Architecture With average temperatures hovering around 19C, hotel rooms and common areas at Hoyo de Pelempito are sustainably designed to keep warm air in. Wood is the main material, and energy is sourced from nearby wind farms. Hotel rooms are tiny treehouses dispersed throughout the forest to minimize impact, at a slightly higher altitude than the larger common areas. Dotted here and there at ground level are rock pools, natural hot tubs and a few fire pits for evening gatherings and storytelling by raconteurs invited from Pedernales and other parts of the DR.
Pole Three: Oviedo Lagoon Interpretive Center & Eco-Lodge A Saline Animal Sanctuary Where Serenity Reigns Oviedo Lagoon is the most serene of the Pedernales poles. Visitors are welcomed into the lagoon’s interpretive center where they can take their time investigating the various species of birds, reptiles, fish and amphibians that each tour is centered around before deciding which one to take. Lodge guests arrive by car at the main reception and are taken to their water cabins by boat. Each cabin comes with a courtesy canoe so guests can explore the lagoon at their leisure. Located along the edge of the lagoon and the small strip of sand between it and the sea, guests enjoy the best of both water worlds throughout their stay.
Birds in Paradise A well-known stop along the Caribbean Birding Trail, your stay at Oviedo Lagoon is defined by the soundtrack. Hispaniola Parakeets convening outside your cabin on a typical bright morning. The hilarious honking of a flock of flamingos frightened by a new guest arrival. The welcome, high-pitched squeaks of West Indian whistling ducks, the most endangered duck in North America, who made it back for another season. From pelicans to terns, white-necked crows to Palm Warblers, after five days in this paradise, you’re able to discern at least a dozen from among the hundreds.
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Pedernales Tourism Development Vision 2030
Habitat Pods Eco-Lodge guests gain privileged access to the Lagoon’s Habitat Pods. These giant cocoon-shaped enclosures are located in strategic areas for spotting birds, iguanas, and in the unique glass-bottomed pods, sea turtles and the various fish species inhabiting the lagoon as well.
Bahia De Las Aguilas: Among T+L’s Best Beaches on Earth 2030 That one of the most beautiful beaches on earth is located in the Caribbean, in the Dominican Republic, is not in itself surprising. However, what allowed Bahia de las Aguilas to earn its spot on Travel + Leisure Magazine’s most coveted list is the incredible efforts put in place to keep it even more pristine than it was 30 years ago. When the DR’s southwestern province of Pedernales began developing its conservation tourism masterplan in 2020, the bay, which is already part of the Jaragua National Park coastline, was earmarked as a national treasure and denied to would-be developers (sustainable or otherwise). Today, with thousands of eco-adventure tourists flocking to the Pedernales each year, the province imposed strict access guidelines and limits to the number of day-trippers allowed per day. Excursions to Bahia de Las Aguilas, while not costly, are now something you want to book well in advance, but don’t worry – that just means there will be opportunities to enjoy this perfect piece of Caribbean coastline for generations to come.
FUTURE MEMORY _ “I read about the Bahoruco biking trails in Bicycling Magazine and my biking buddies were game, so we came last year for the Tour Dominicana. We had such an amazing time we came back this year with our girlfriends. They’re pretty happy to do their thing at Buenaventura and take day-trips to the beach, while we basically ride all around this incredible province. It’s the first time I’ve biked from mountain, to desert, to beach and back… Pedernales is definitely one of my new favourite biking destinations.” - Geoff Duyker (36), UX Designer, London
Final Note: Though this vision is fictional, the above-mentioned places, experiences, and initiatives emerged as very real possibilities during our visits and workshops in Pedernales. We hope these inspire concrete action, and we remain available to assist in bringing any of the above to life in Pedernales.
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Pedernales Tourism Development Vision 2030
Pedernales Pride The people of Pedernales are extremely proud of their province, and rightfully so. Tourism in the area has grown organically and equitably, their national parks and beaches have retained their integrity, and tourismrelated employment has provided thousands of jobs. The uptick in quality of living experienced within the main city of Pedernales and provincial villages can be seen and felt in the clean streets, freshly painted buildings, and bustling small businesses at recreation sites and along the main roads. Today, when someone asks for the best spot in the Caribbean for beach, nature, and wellbeing, the answer is simple... Pedernales; “ça va sans dire!”
FUTURE MEMORY _ “One morning we headed quietly out at 5am in our canoe to catch some early birds, and came across a Lagoon Ranger patrolling the western border. She was happy to chat with us and tell us about some of the dangers rangers look for – poachers of endangered bird eggs, mangrove tree cutting and black-pigeon hunting are the top three. Every day after that my son and I made regular patrols of our own, doing what we could to help protect this incredible place that has come to be our most talked about family vacation.” - Dan Spencer (47), Financial Advisor, Washington DC
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01 | Context: The Province
01. context: The province This section is a summary of the current context of tourism development in Pedernales as provided by the DR government; our approach to its development; and an overview of the zones that will set the backdrop for the Pedernales experience.
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01 | Context: The Province
History & Culture The earliest traces of man in the Dominican Republic trace back to 2,590 BC, however the area we know as Pedernales was one of the least inhabited due to its arid landscape. The Taino people were the original inhabitants of the island. After their population was rendered all but extinct following the arrival of Columbus and Spain’s brutal colonization, the last remaining Taino were intermarried with Europeans and Africans, contributing to the rich cultural tapestry that can be seen today. Inextricably meshed with Haitian culture due to blurring of ownership lines over the centuries, Pedernales maintains undeniable ties with its Haitian neighbours and former inhabitants. Creole culture is intermingled with celebrations based in strong Catholic faith and traditions, ranging from the solemn to the most exuberant. Encouraging tourist participation in these events must include an educational component to guide foreigners in customary behaviour, and ensure a respectful appreciation of these meaningful cultural events.
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01 | Context: The Province
Tourism & Conservation in Pedernales The legacy of rapid tourism growth in the form of “all-inclusive” resorts has come to define the DR’s most popular beaches and ports of call. Pedernales is in many ways the DR’s last frontier – its Wild West. With over two-thirds of the province protected national park land within a designated UNESCO Biosphere reserve, tourism as the DR knows it cannot possibly co-exist here. Pedernales is a unique opportunity to diversify and create a different kind of Caribbean destination experience in harmony with its unique ecosystems. A new age of tourism and conservation is upon us, and the DR is readier than ever to spearhead it. In 2016 the government decided to drop mining industry activities in Pedernales in favour of tourism development. The DR government has already taken major steps towards articulating a sound approach to developing Pedernales and its neighbouring provinces sustainably and intelligently. Since then, the Minister of Tourism, in concert with the Ministers of Environment, Economics, Planning and Development, established development objectives considerate of the province’s economy, society, and delicate ecosystems, in a development strategy that spans 20 years and covers Barahona, Independencia, and Pedernales provinces. Pedernales currently is one of the least visited areas, but considered to have the highest potential. There are few tour operators that cover the province, its visitors to-date tend to
seek it out on their own. Finding it is part of the adventure, and those who do come, often from other parts of the island, come in groups of loved ones to share a very special, so far secret paradise. Once the word gets out, the likelihood of Pedernales blowing up the adventure-seeker radar is all but guaranteed. Our goal is to ensure that when the pleasure-seekers descend, Pedernales is prepared.
Pedernales: Paradise Protected Through our vision exercise and development strategy, we are positioning Pedernales as a new standard of tourism and conservation in the Caribbean. The goal is to create an economic ecosystem whereby tourism investment and revenue flow directly toward supporting the conservation of the province’s protected areas and population, and in turn, Pedernales’s people and national parks provide the primary draw for tourism. Our approach to this goal is to raise the all-inclusive travel destination concept to a new level by redefining inclusivity to refer to the entire region - its landscapes, creatures, cultures, and habitats. Using the unique traits of Pedernales’s various landscapes as anchors for the overall experience, we use a combination of journey and destination – circuits and hubs – to make this all-inclusive province one best described in terms of immersion, adventure, and enlightenment.
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01 | Context: The Province
5 Unique Environments Each of the region’s unique ecosystems found within its national parks offer a singular experience for visitors. We will allow the characteristics of each to dictate the type of lodging, activities, and transportation available within them.
Altimetría
Hoyo De Pelempito
1892 m 1500 m 1250 m 1000 m
Limítes de los Parques Nacionals P.N.S.B
750m
P.N.J.
Alto Velo
500 m
Isla Beata
Laguna de Oviedo
250 m 0m -245 m
Distancia
25 km
Lago Enriquilllo
Lago Enriquillo
50 km
Cadena de montañas y bosque de pinos
Cadena Montañosa y Bosque de Pinos
75 km
100 km
Meseta caliza árida
125 km
Mar
Lagunas y manglares Meseta Caliza árida Laguna y manglares
154 km
Mar
Mar
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01 | Context: The Province
Zone 1 – Lago Enriquillo National Park Lago Enriquillo, though located between Bahoruco and Independencia provinces, is nonetheless part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and as such, the larger regional nature circuit that encompasses Pedernales. Ranked as the largest lake in the Caribbean, it is bordered by mountains and plains, and home to various species of crocodile, fish and birds. A view to this stunning natural realm can be had from the highest point in Pedernales, which will be a just reward for the adventurous hikers and bikers who make it to this summit.
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01 | Context: The Province
Zone 2 – Bahoruco Fragrant Forest Mountain Chain The Sierra de Bahoruco National Park is a mountain chain that straddles the provincial line between Bahoruco and Pedernales. Carpeted by fragrant forests of pine and hardwood, dotted with scads of wild orchids, and interspersed with palm trees, its heart is the giant crater known as Hoyo de Pelempito. This unique space, where the mountains part to reveal the valley floor below and offer peak-to-peak views, will be a major hub for wellness and adventure in Pedernales.
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01 | Context: The Province
Zone 3 – Arid Desert To Seaside Cliffs The arid limestone plateau that occupies close to half the province is a large part of the reason why Pedernales’s history belongs more to Mother Nature than Man. Herstory is one of flint stone, limestone and bauxite, the mineral responsible for the ruddy red earth and mining operations that left pre-carved terrain for future mountain bikers. Strewn with cacti and brittle brush, dotted with oasis-like cenotes, in places the desert landscape transitions to the striking contrast of crystal-clear water and white-sand beaches. In others, the landscape is suddenly truncated, revealing dramatic vertical cliffs that make it seem as though a chunk of the island was simply broken off and tossed to another corner of the earth.
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01 | Context: The Province
Zone 4 – Lush Sanctuaries Of Lagoons & Mangroves Miraculously bordering some of the driest areas of the province are great swaths of wetlands defined by greenish-blue lagoons and densely green mangroves. These stunning sanctuaries, the largest of which is the Laguna de Oviedo, are home to flocks of migratory flamingos, colonies of rhino iguanas, sea turtles, and countless species of fish and amphibians. Nature here is abundant, saline, and soothing.
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01 | Context: The Province
Zone 5 – White Sand Beaches Miles of white sand beaches are what Pedernales is reputed for, and the stretch between Pedernales town and the cuevas just past Cabo Rojo are within the allowable area for sustainable development. The coast here is known for its sensational snorkeling and reef diving, as are the islands of Beata and Alto Velo, located a short, scenic boat ride away. Meanwhile, on the other side of Cabo Rojo, the stunning Bahia de las Aguilas will remain untouched and undeveloped, preserving the pride of Pedernales in perpetuity.
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01 | Market 02 Context:Overview: The Province Key Stats
02. MARKET OVERVIEW: KEY STATS The current state of the tourism market in the Dominican Republic is impressive, and bodes well for a province that up to now has remained quietly off the radar.
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02 | Market Overview: Key Stats
The Caribbean Tourism traffic in the Caribbean continues to grow. Arrivals to the Caribbean are estimated to have increased by 3% with a total of 29.9 million visitors according to the UNWTO. In the Caribbean, results were rather mixed, with some destinations recording robust growth such as the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. The Dominican Republic is the region’s most visited destination.
The Dominican Republic: Top Caribbean Destination in 2018 The Dominican Republic announced a 6.2 percent increase in 2018 for overall tourism to the country, welcoming a total of 6.5 million tourists. This growth exceeds the world average growth of 6 percent and solidifies the Dominican Republic as the top destination in the Caribbean, representing 20 percent of all travel to the area in 2018.
Cruise Ships Bring Close To 1.4 Million Tourists to the Dr Throughout 2018, the Dominican Republic welcomed a total of 1,357,200 passengers via its four cruise ports, an increase of more than 157,000 compared to 2017. The Amber Cove cruise port in Puerto Plata continues to be the country’s main point of entry for cruise arrivals.
The Dominican’s 80K Hotel Rooms Boast 77% Occupancy In 2018, Dominican Republic saw a 6 percent growth in hotel rooms. The country added 4,365 total hotel rooms throughout various regions of the country totaling 80,256 overall hotel rooms. In addition to the flourishing additions, Dominican Republic’s hotel occupancy rate was an impressive 77 percent, a .5 percent increase from 2017.
Punta Cana Airport Breaks Island’s Tourism Record at 3.9M Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) continues to be the main point of entry into Dominican Republic with a record-breaking 3,921,351 tourists received in 2018, an increase of more than 277,000 travelers compared to 2017. This growth is followed by Santo Domingo’s Las Americas Airport (SDQ) with 1,374,777; Santiago’s Cibao International Airport (STI) with 628,170 and Puerto Plata’s Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP) following closely with 429,029.
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03 01 | Market Context:Trends The Province
03. MARKET TRENDS The following are the most important tourism and travel trends to consider for the Pedernales target audience.
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03 | Market Trends
Tourism & Travel Trends Nuevas Fronteras Casi la mitad de los viajeros globales (45%) quieren ser más aventureros en su elección de destino en 2019. El 57% de los viajeros establecen “explorar un nuevo destino que nunca antes habían visto” como su objetivo de viaje más importante. Más de la mitad (51%) de los viajeros quieren visitar algún lugar donde ninguno de sus amigos haya estado. Los destinos emergentes se centran en atraer “viajeros de alto poder adquisitivo”.
Ecoturismo El 96% de los lectores de Condé Nast Traveler están de acuerdo en que los hoteles y resorts deben ser responsables de proteger el área en la que operan. En una encuesta reciente de Trip Advisor, el 71% dijo que planea tomar decisiones más ecológicas en los próximos 12 meses. De acuerdo con una encuesta de Booking.com, el 86% de los viajeros globales estarían dispuestos a participar con actividades que contrarrestan el impacto ambiental de su viaje.
Viaje Consciente La mitad de los viajeros dicen que las cuestiones sociales en los destinos de viaje son importantes a la hora de elegir dónde viajar. Más de la mitad eligen no ir a un destino si sienten que afectará negativamente a las personas que viven allí. Los viajes conscientes se refieren a comunidades sostenibles, y no solo a ecología.
Localismo Los viajeros están eligiendo sumergirse más en la cultura local cuando visitan un destino. Al 49% de los estadounidenses que viajan al extranjero les gusta la idea de viajar con una persona local. Los Millennials son los más aventureros, con un 75% que indica un deseo de “vivir como un local” mientras viaja. El 73% de los viajeros dijeron que estarían dispuestos a exceder su presupuesto para tener una experiencia local única cuando viajan.
Viaje en Solitario Aproximadamente una de cada cuatro personas dijo que viajaría solo en 2018, y eso está aumentando. La tecnología es una de las principales razones. El 52% de los viajeros solos dicen que estarían interesados en unas vacaciones acompañadas. Las búsquedas en internet de “viajes de mujeres solas” crecieron un 52% entre 2016 y 2017. El 40% de los Boomers a nivel mundial informan que tomaron un viaje en solitario en el último año. El 38% de los que han viajado en solitario volverán a hacerlo de nuevo.
Millennials El 10% de Millennials en los Estados Unidos planea viajar más en el futuro de lo que lo hace actualmente, el único grupo demográfico en aumento. Los millennials gastan la mayor parte de su dinero en experiencias más que en cosas materiales. 40% de los Millennials es probable que visite un balneario (40%). Los Millennials no están viajando más que los demás; el 44% de ellos viaja con niños. El 25% dice que les gusta viajar solo. La seguridad, el costo y la calidad del entorno natural son factores de decisión clave.
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03 | Market Trends
Baby Boomers Dos tercios de los jubilados de los Estados Unidos definen la jubilación como un tiempo para viajar y explorar nuevos lugares. El 50% de los Boomers dicen que viajan para relajarse y rejuvenecer cuando viajan. Los Baby Boomers esperan tomar cuatro o cinco viajes de placer el próximo año, gastando casi $6,400 en viajes. Muchos Boomers (38%) dicen que han creado una lista de viajes.
Viaje Multigeneracional Los viajes multigeneracionales (viajes que incluyen niños, padres y abuelos) han sido una fuerza dominante en la industria en los últimos años. El 40% de todos los viajeros han realizado al menos un viaje multigeneracional durante el último año. La generación Z es mucho más probable que viaje con los padres, con un 54% que dice que usualmente viaja con sus padres. La generación Z influye en $600 mil millones de gastos familiares.
#Viaje Compartir fotos en las redes sociales es la nueva postal, y está teniendo una gran influencia en la forma en que los consumidores planifican sus viajes – “instagramable shots.” Un tercio de los viajeros de los Estados Unidos recurren a las redes sociales para inspirarse cuando consideran un viaje. El 52% de los usuarios de Facebook dicen que las fotos de sus amigos inspiran sus planes de viaje. El 74% de los viajeros usan las redes sociales mientras están de vacaciones.
El Lujo de la Experiencia Para 2022, se pronostica que el segmento de este tipo de experiencia representará casi dos tercios del mercado de lujo total. Se espera que el número total de consumidores de lujo alcance los 480 millones en 2022, un aumento del 20% con respecto a 2015. El 90% busca regularmente u ocasionalmente aprender cosas nuevas en vacaciones, y el 51% quiere experiencias únicas en la vida.
Aventura Activa Según las proyecciones de ATTA, el mercado internacional de viajes de aventura se puede valorar de manera conservadora en $683 mil millones. Los destinos de aventura deben estar atentos a la hora de monitorear la calidad de la experiencia y el impacto ambiental del aumento del turismo.
Bienestar El Global Wellness Institute estima que el turismo de bienestar se convirtió en un mercado de $639 mil millones en 2017, creciendo más del doble de rápido que el turismo en general. Uno de cada diez viajeros de los Estados Unidos está altamente motivado para vacacionar específicamente para buscar el bienestar y la vida saludable. En promedio, los turistas de bienestar gastan más.
Viaje Transformativo Los viajeros de hoy se sienten cada vez más atraídos por los viajes como una forma de autorrealización y transformación y crecimiento personal. El cambio al viaje transformador se refleja en la programación, desde viajes de aventura y artesanos hasta alojamientos de lujo y hoteles tanto en entornos naturales como urbanos.
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04 01 | Traveler Context: Profiles The Province
04. TRAVELER PROFILES Traveler profiles are an illustration of target market groups we’ve identified based on Pedernales’s current market, travel trends, and market statistics for the Caribbean.
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04 | Traveler Profiles
Active. Affluent. Adventurous. With all there is to see, do, and experience in Pedernales, our target audience will be active and adventure-oriented, yet with an appreciation for wellbeing and well-earned relaxation. While many Pedernales experiences will be accessible to a broad range of budgets, the driving forces behind eco-tourism tend to be the more affluent. They will come from within the DR and beyond, European Caribbean lovers diverted from Punta Cana, and East Coast Americans feeling lucky to see a new direct flight to an undiscovered island destination right out of their hometown. The good news of Pedernales will radiate outward like a ripple in the lagoon, carried across social media in viral threads that will have heads turning from South Carolina to Singapore.
Wealthy Weekenders
Active Adventurers These could be groups of bicycle buddies who read about the Tour Dominicana in their fav magazine; divers desperate to tick Cayo Los Frailes off their bucket list; or families who see travel adventure as the best bonding experience. They love to try new things and will research their options carefully. They will come for the impressive array of adventures to be had, the immersive lodging options, and the prized pristine nature in which they will experience it all.
All-In Enthusiasts Curious, playful, and avid learners, these travelers have a taste for relaxed refinement and want to experience everything. They love to learn about new cultures, sample local flavours, and witness authentic cultural events and expression. They are more likely to take the kids and even grandparents along, and place a high priority on fun. In all likelihood, they will react to the possibilities at Pedernales like a kid in a candy store.
They’ve been coming to Pedernales since they were kids, an air conditioned drive from Santo Domingo. To these private schooled Gen Xers and Boomers, many with kids still in the home, Pedernales has always been their prized secret getaway. They already love this place, and they will be our first ambassadors and champions. They will also be the first to purchase real estate here once the master plan is made public. A second home in Pedernales will quickly become both a pioneering investment, and shiny new rung on the social ladder.
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04 | Traveler Profiles
Avid Explorers These visitors are also adventurous, but far more jazzed about the eco-science-knowledge component than your average rock climber. Amateur or professional: biologists, eco-system specialists, divers, archeologists, historians, cavers, and all those fascinated by the underwater world. Explorers include active tourists in search of experiences who will roam the surface and the waters of the island, making a lengthy stop at Oviedo’s Interpretive Center. Explorers are also the “boat people” – yachters and sailors on the lookout for new destinations.
Destination Rejuvenators These are visitors looking for a physical and spiritual renaissance on the island, and will be drawn to the wellness story. They’re of all ages, and include eco-conscious urbanites and young professionals from the city looking to escape on the weekend. They could be part of the Miami jet set coming to party or chill. They might be a new class of medical tourists who’ve come for a state-of-the-art treatment combined with some folk plant treatments from Snr. Buena. Or they might be a small group of work colleagues or spa-goers seeking peace in paradise.
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01 | Values: 05 Context:Development The ProvincePrinciples
05. VALUES: DEVELOPMENT PRINCIPLES The Principles that will guide the development of the Pedernales master plan center around four main concerns: Environmental Preservation, Access, Immersion, and Pride.
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05 | Values: Development Principles
1. Be Leaders in Conservation Tourism
2. Make the Journey the Destination
That three quarters of Pedernales belongs to a UNESCO Biosphere reserve is what has saved it from possible damage by human intrusion. In order for this earthly paradise to open its gates to responsible development and maintain its integrity and status, tourism and conservation must go hand-in-hand every step of the way. Tourism must operate in partnership with conservation, ensuring that every participant - from tourist, to tour operator, to hotel operator treads softly and respectfully on this land. In return, unspoiled nature (an increasing rarity in today’s world) will be the luxury visitors flock here to experience.
The furthest, hardest to reach region of the Dominican Republic is also the one most worth visiting, and so we will feature the journey to Pedernales. Roads connecting Lake Enriquillo to Baharona, to Cabo Rojo and Pedernales, as well as the coastal road to Santo Domingo will need to be upgraded smooth at every turn. The Cabo Rojo pier readied to receive velero cruise ships from around the island and across the Caribbean, eager for a new port to explore. The tiny Cabo Rojo airport must be expanded just enough to permit short and medium haul aircraft of up to 70 passengers, adding an aura of exclusivity upon arrival.
Upholding the social, cultural, and economic principles of ecotourism is also part and parcel of this approach. Tourism in Pedernales must be a vehicle to raise up the region’s communities. Investment money must also be set aside to clean house, giving the city of Pedernales a makeover both cosmetic and in its infrastructure. For both Mankind and Mother Nature, this must be a win-win.
Lastly, yet most critically, internal roadways within the province, connecting National Parks to civilization hubs and each other will have to be paved or upgraded. Within the parks themselves, ancient trail networks must be carefully retrod, new ones drawn and in parts widened for bikes, allowing for the softest entry into a world best left undisturbed.
2Example: Xanterra is an American resort lodging operator within 9 national parks, as well as an upscale biking, bike and barge, walking, railway, cruising, sailing, touring, and hotel company with itineraries on six continents.
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05 | Values: Development Principles
3. Create an Experience of Immersion The experience of Pedernales will be inextricably linked to the diversity of its natural environment and how we connect people to it. When in the mountains, guests will eat, sleep and breathe the mountain, from treetop lodges and spas without walls. The desert landscape, captivating in its relentless heat will culminate in cliffside perches, overlooking the release of sea and white sand beaches. Among the mangroves and lagoons all will be forgotten, as the sounds of endangered bird species fill the air. The flora and fauna unique to each landscape will play as important a role as the food and lodging. Observing, learning, and understanding it will nourish the soul, creating deeper attachments to the earth and its abundance. This will come in the form of curated gardens for the over 1,400 species of plants, cacti, and flowers like orchids, of which half the world’s varieties can be found in the Dominican Republic (10% of which are endemic); bird sanctuaries in the lagoon, where 30 of the 32 endemic species can be found, along with 24 species of reptiles, land mammals and so much more. This environment also encompasses a people and its culture, as well as the tracks of ancient peoples who lived in harmony with this land for over a millennia before the very idea of tourism existed. Guests will talk, taste, feel and be inspired by Pedernales through its local storytellers and artists, in traditional gastronomy, at carnival parades and seasonal festivals. The culture will imprint itself on their souls, just as the sun traces tan lines across their skin.
TIP _ Work with Haitian ministers and international cooperation agencies to ensure the protection of trans border regions that share natural resources with Pedernales such as rivers, forests and watersheds, including major reforestation and eco agroculture operations.
TIP _ Create and implement Environmental Education Programs in schools at the provincial and national levels to ensure the next generation of eco-guardianship.
TIP _ Support local environmental watchdog societies to educate locals on recognizing crimes against the environment and empower them to report them safely (with no consequence to their person or families).
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05 | Values: Development Principles
4. Be a Model for the World The people of Pedernales live in one of the last virgin bio-reserves in the Caribbean, yet wealth and the pride that comes with it has yet to reach them. Part of the master plan for Pedernales involves sharing the wonderful details of what makes this land and the creatures who crawl, swim, and fly around it so special and unique. Points of education and interpretive centers affiliated with recognized global conservation organizations will be built, where visitors will gain knowledge and newfound respect for this land and its people. Links from these centers to universities will be made, where the biodiversity of Pedernales will be studied and its conservation tourism tactics made a model for the world to follow. When all is said and built, the people of Pedernales will have ample reason to stand tall and beam with pride when saying the words, “Welcome to Pedernales.�
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06 Strategy 01 | Development Context: The Province
06. DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
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06 | Development Strategy
A Regional Wellness Circuit – All-Inclusive 2.0 Our development strategy for Pedernales is about breaking open the all-inclusive resort package concept offered across the Caribbean, and redefining it as a regional experiential package. “All-Inclusive 2.0” is our idea for a circuit-based visitor experience of the entire Pedernales province. To us, inclusivity means building bridges to the outside world; linking the major hospitality hubs; connecting civilization to the wilderness of its national parks; creating centers and forging trails within these to give visitors the most immersive experience of all Pedernales has to offer. Rather than focus on all that is included within their lodging hub, we’re busting the doors wide open, embracing what lies beyond.
Conservation Tourism The last 50 years have seen many shifts in the tourism industry. Trends like “Slow Tourism” have come to counter the all-inclusive sameification of places, putting people more in touch with lands and their culture, while “Equitable Tourism” aims to counter the often exploitative nature of tourism. Our approach to Pedernales can best be described as “Conservation Tourism”, also known as ecotourism, it’s characterized by low-density, high-quality travel practices that yield a higher spend per visitor, minimize environmental waste, encourage conservation, and educate travelers about the needs of the environment. We’ve listed a few examples of countries who have been successfully practicing this approach before it even had a name.
Inspiration & Examples The following case studies offer concrete examples of successful conservation tourism in three vastly different countries and cultures. They were chosen based on their similarities with the Pedernales tourism development strategy, and are worth regarding as models to learn from and emulate.
CANADIAN ROCKY MOUNTAIN PARKS, CANADA
Canada’s national parks are protected areas established under federal legislation to preserve Canada’s natural heritage. Four of the Canadian national parks in the Rockies —Banff, Jasper, Yoho, and Kootenay—are recognized by UNESCO as part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site, for the benefit and enjoyment of all nations. They are administered by Parks Canada, a government agency that evolved from the world’s first national parks service, the Dominion Parks Branch, established in 1911.
Preserve And Foster For Public Enjoyment And Awareness The goal of Canada’s national parks system, in addition to representing and protecting examples of the country’s geographic heritage, is to preserve its natural heritage for future generations by encouraging public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of nature. Visitor and educational opportunities include hands-on experiences in the national parks, educational programs in schools and homes, and research programs.
Features & Similarities • UNESCO designated park reserves that stretch across 2 provinces • Yoho and Kootenay parks are similar in size to Jaragua and Sierra de Bahoruco • Vast wilderness with great diversity of endemic and indigenous flora and fauna • Feature public roads and trail networks, interpretation program, camping grounds, activities and equipment rentals • Offer lodging in the heart of the parks
Fees • Park entrance fee: 10$/adult 20$/ family • Campground fee: 15$ to 30$ / night • High season rate for lodging at Emerald Lake Lodge (up to 200 guests): 475$/night and up
QUICK FACTS _ Banff Location: Province of Alberta, Canada Area: 6 641 KM2 Visitors 2017/2018: 4 200 000
Jasper Location: Province of Alberta, Canada Area: 10 878 KM2 Visitors 2017/2018: 2 425 000
Yoho Location: Province of British Columbia, Canada Area: 1 313 KM2 Visitors 2017/2018: 712 000
Kootenay Location: Province of British Columbia, Canada Area: 1 406 KM2 Visitors 2017/2018: 531 000
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06 | Development Strategy
ARAKWAL, AUSTRALIA
Arakwal is a national park featuring 3km of beach bordered by unique coastal heaths, 2 km southeast of the township of Byron Bay in the far north coast of New South Wales, Australia. It is closely tied to the Cape Byron State Conservation Area, encompassing 298 hectares of coastal sea, dunes, wetlands and rainforest. Arakwal National Park focuses on a minimal intervention approach, while Cape Byron State Conservation Area offers complementary facilities and accommodations. Equitable and effective co-management structure Arakwal National Park and the Cape Byron State Conservation Area are co-managed by the Arakwal Aboriginal community and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. The first of its kind in Australia, it brings together the Arakwal People, NPWS and community council representatives to provide advice on the management of the reserves. This unique combination of conservancy and management practices earned Arakwal a spot on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Green List for Protected Areas.
Features & Similarities • Two contiguous parks with complementary vocation and designations • Win-win management structure for local aboriginal communities and the park itself (nature is the attraction, and tourist dollars are funnelled back into its conservation) • Strong ties with the local town (Byron Bay) • Secluded beach retreat and fragile coastal ecosystem • Haven for migratory birds and animals • Important presence of endemic species • Activities focus around immersive experiences in nature • Integrated educational component (museum) • Lodging in the heart of the park
QUICK FACTS _ Arakwal National Park Location: Byron Bay township, New South Wales, Australia Areas: 30 km of beaches and costal heaths Visitors 2017/2018 : 2 000 000 (Byron Bay) Fee: Free
Cape Byron State Conservation Area Location: Byron Bay Township, New South Wales, Australia Areas : 98.5 hectars Visitors 2017/2018 : 2 000 000 (Byron Bay) Fee: 4$ to 8$ per vehicule per hour/ Annual pass 22$
3 The IUCN is a membership union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations, and “provides public, private, and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together.” Sites on the IUCN Green List are certified as being effectively managed and fairly governed, with long-term positive impact on people and nature. Every 5 years they are evaluated against a set of criteria established by the IUCN. Through the Pedernales Conservation Tourism Master Plan, there is a real opportunity for the Dominican Republic to be the first Caribbean country on the Green List.
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SUNGEI BULOH, SINGAPORE
The Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is Singapore’s first ASEAN (Association for Southeast Asian Nations) Heritage Park, and a world-class eco-tourism experience. It earned its name from being an important cornerstone for multiple migratory birds. Sungei Buloh is 202 hectares of rich habitats for biodiversity such as wetlands, mangrove forests, mudflats, and ponds, and part of an island-wide trail network named Park Connector Network, which connects natural, cultural, historical and recreational sites within Singapore. An immersive and respectful experience for wildlife watching Sungei Buloh offers unique immersive experiences to discover and watch birds and animals in their natural habitats - from walking on mudflats, to crashing through the plants growing under the canopy of secondary forest. The reserve is responsible for many things, including the maintenance of the life-supporting ecosystems in the park, preserving genetic diversification, and ensuring public access and enjoyment of the park.
QUICK FACTS _ Location: Lim Chu Kang area, Singapore Area: 202 hectares Visitors: 100 000 / year Entrance fee: 3$/adult
Features & Similarities • A close link between preservation and education • Mangrove and wetland system that are habitats for multiple migratory birds and other species • A sensitive and immersive approach to conservation tourism • Information centres and thematic discovery centers
See Annex for more details of the above examples.
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Progression & Regulation In Waves First Wave - Linking Regions & Building Circuits 1.1 REGIONAL CIRCUITS
Pedernales is currently one of the most difficult places to get to, a situation which must quickly be remedied in order to tap into the over 6 million tourists per year currently descending on the DR. In order to start increasing tourist traffic, we must start with the main points of entry.
By Air Upgrades to the Cabo Rojo Airport to enable it to receive short and medium haul aircraft (ATR72, CRJ, Dash, Caravelle, etc.), with a capacity of up to 70 passengers will extend direct flight accessibility to key locations in the southern US (Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte, Washington DC), Central and South America, other major tourist poles within the DR and across the Caribbean. This upgrade will offer exclusive access to parties wishing to arrive by air, providing a compliment to the commercial airline capacity of Barahona international airport. Upgrades would include expanding the airstrip (1680m x 30m), adding a small terminal, fencing, and necessary equipment to service the aircraft.
By Sea Upgrades to the Cabo Rojo Pier (measuring 500m long by 100m wide) would enable it to receive cruise ships, sailboats, and luxury catamarans of up to 21 metres (for groups of 15 to 50 people) arriving from elsewhere in the DR (Santo Domingo,
Punta Cana, Puerto Plata) and the Caribbean, as well as specialized cruisers of up to 130 metres. Consider building a marina adjacent to the pier for docking a greater number of smaller vessels, which will allow Pedernales to earn its rightful place among the Caribbean’s most desirable ports of call. Creation of a Maritime Circuit for a Pedernales Sea Shuttle with permanent docking points in Pedernales city, Cabo Rojo pier, Cabo Falso, Isla Beata, and Oviedo
By Land Extensive road work needs to take place in order to safely and efficiently link the tourism circuit, as well as make it friendly for bicycle tourism. The land loop between Barahona and lake Enriquillo must be completed. The road between Baharona and Pedernales must be upgraded and dangerous areas repaired. For tourists arriving along the 120km road from Barahona, widening the road could reduce the current 2.5hr drive to under 2 hours. Upgrading the road from Barahona to Cabo Rojo is also likely to considerably reduce 5.5hr drive from Santo Domingo to Cabo Rojo. Making the already super scenic road to Pedernales that much smoother will add an enjoyable dimension to every visit. i. Consider partnering with an electric car manufacturer to supply a fleet of branded “Conservation Cars” for visitors to use within the Pedernales regional circuit.
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Distancias Maritimas y Terrestres
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1.2 INTERNAL CIRCUITS
Three Immersive Nature Poles poles will be created across the province, creating a visitor circuit that will take guests through the impressive array of environments and ecosystems in Pedernales and its hubs of civilization. The beach and desert landscape of Cabo Falso will connect to the mountains of the Sierras de Bahoruco, which will connect to the lagoons and mangroves of Oviedo. Major lodging hubs at Cabo Rojo and Pedernales city will feed into this circuit daily. Internal circuits also include hiking and biking trail systems within the national parks.
1.2.1. Lodging Hub Roads a. Any remaining gravel roads, like the one connecting Cabo Rojo to the caves, must be paved, painted with traffic lines and lit in order to take visitors between hubs quickly and safely.
1.2.2 National Park Roads, Pathways & Trail Networks a. Develop a mountain trail network for pedestrians and bikes that takes visitors down to points of interest along the Hoyo de Pelempito’s valley floor, as well as along the highest peaks until Puerto Escondido. b. Complete the trail from Puerto Escondido to Hoyo de Pelempito, and define the trail network in the Bahoruco mountains. c. Develop a desert-to-cliff trail for bikes and e-bikes within Jaragua National Park. d. Develop a coastal walking trail from Cabo Rojo to Cabo Falso. e. Explore the possibility of building a cliff-hugger trail along the vertical face near Cabo Falso f. Develop a raised walking trail around the Oviedo Lagoon and fauna observation huts g. Consider providing quiet, non-invasive water vessels exclusively for the use of lodging guests to explore Oviedo Lagoon, such as canoes and kayaks.
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Second Wave – Developing Destinations 2.1 MAJOR LODGING & ACTIVITY HUBS
There are two areas suitable for lodging and tourism development that will be able to accommodate the bulk of the new rooms needed to house tomorrow’s wave of Pedernales tourists: the city of Pedernales itself, Cabo Rojo, and the stretch of coast located between the protected areas of Bucan Ye and Bahia de las Aguilas. a. Pedernales City As the province’s capital city and primary lodging hub, Pedernales requires special attention and investment to make it alluring and a place tourists will want to be in and explore. This is where people will come for a larger selection of restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and cultural events. An infrastructural overhaul will be necessary, as well as some cosmetic touches, and a plan to ensure that the people of Pedernales are not only included in the tourism plan, but seen as major role players in its success.
b. The Village at Cabo Rojo As the area with the most developable land, the strategy is to anchor the Pedernales tourism experience with an eco-village in Cabo Rojo. Featuring sustainable, low-to-medium-density lodging ranging from glamping to luxury cabins and casitas, casual and fine dining options, a tourist information office, observatory, openair amphitheatre, plaza and gathering places, this new “eco-pueblo” will be the main hub and launch-point for tourist activities throughout the province.
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2.2 IMMERSIVE NATURE POLES
Three immersive nature poles offering an intimate connection to their distinct ecosystems, exclusive lodging, outdoor adventure, learning opportunities and boutique services will create an exciting triad of destinations that ensure the Pedernales experience resonates across the human triad of mind, body, and soul. Located within the national parks, these hubs will give guests direct access to the road circuits and trail networks that will reveal the natural wonders of Pedernales.4
Hoyo de Pelempito Wellness Refuge Nestled within Pedernales’ pine and palm forest sierras, Hoyo de Pelempito will be the ultimate destination for wellness seekers. Anchored by a self-sustaining (branded) eco-spa hotel, the Hoyo will feature lookouts, miles of mountain trails, an observatory, and multiple spaces for rejuvenating wellness practices and retreats.
Oviedo Lagoon As the smallest and most fragile pole in the triad, Oviedo Lagoon will offer exclusive, secluded, and low-density lodging along the small sliver of land between lagoon and sea. Raised rooms accessed by boardwalks hidden within the mangroves will give guests privileged proximity to the lagoon’s unique nature, without compromising the natural habitats of its native and migratory fauna. Oviedo Lagoon will also be home to Pedernales’s Biodiversity Interpretive Center. Part museum, part research center, part exhibition space, the center will be developed with major ties to universities in the DR, Caribbean and perhaps beyond, with a view to positioning Pedernales on the global map for sustainability, environmental and biodiversity studies.
Cabo Falso Cliffside Discovery Center Located along the coastal bike path from Cabo Rojo to Cabo Falso, the Cliffside Discovery Center will be the focal point of a low-density development on the tip of Cabo Falso. An oasis in the otherwise arid landscape, the discovery center will be a cool destination to stop at and discover the many secrets lurking in this improbable habitat. It will be the anchor for a small cluster of cliffside lodging, and the departure point for a breathtaking walking trail that scales the cliff walls down to the sea, linking caves and leading the bravest guests to the best secret snorkeling spots. National Parks As we open Pedernales’s national parks to visitors, care must be taken to clearly delineate protected areas from public access zones. a. Create specific landmark points of entry and access to each park, including a small welcome and orientation center with basic services (restrooms, rest area, café or snackbar) and an office for the park rangers. b. Erect a monument to honour the Taíno people at Puerto Escondido c. Investigate the options for the valley floor at Hoyo de Pelempito; the possibility of linking caves, natural waterfalls, and rivers; or creating man-made points of interest like a rope course, suspension bridges and boardwalks, bird-watching towers, and sculpture gardens. d. Explore potential for campgrounds within some or all parks. e. Designate a specific area of each park for recreational activities, discovery, and sports. These would be in the
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01 | Context: The Province
form of circuit-based touring on foot, bicycles or e-bikes interspersed with rest areas, lookouts, and interpretive signage. All areas outside the circuits will be zoned as protected land. f. Lodging within the national parks will be low-density lodges and hotels with the softest footprint, providing the most exclusive options where the land is the most sensitive. Other Attractions There are natural and man-made attractions scattered throughout Pedernales, beyond the triad of nature hubs, lodging centers and national parks. These will be a joy for tourists to go in search of and must be treated with the same regard and upkeep as the most protected areas. a. Upgrade signage and wayfinding throughout the destination, including secondary attractions b. Create a mountain bike trail park out of the Mercedes mining remnants (signage, on-site shelter with rest area, water fountains) c. Promote and highlight cultural events happening in the town of Pedernales (religious celebrations, such as fairs, festivals, etc. d. Work with locals to create new traditions that celebrate local culture such as food fairs, art crawls, music concerts, and more.
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Third Wave – Lure Niche Markets Due to its incredible biodiversity, eco-diversity and terrain, the Dominican Republic already attracts a number of sports and adrenaline-driven tourists. These adventurers will be among the first to add Pedernales to their top destination list once eco-lodging and infrastructure has been developed and promoted.
3.1 Adrenaline Sports Enthusiasts (mountain biking, extreme hiking, rock climbing, etc.) a. There are opportunities to create highly attractive circuits for serious amateur and professional cyclists across Pedernales’s varied terrain. With peaks of up to 2,000 metres, the regional 200km circuit could also host events like Ironman, major bicycle races, as well as marathons and triathlons. b. The numerous cliffs along the coast as well as in the sierras may offer excellent challenges for rock climbers and free climbers. These areas will be further explored and mapped according to difficulty.
3.2 Bird and Nature Lovers a. The region’s incredible avian bio-diversity is likely to attract serious bird-watchers from around the world. Ideal points for hidden bird lookouts and observation decks will also be mapped out in key points like the sierras and Oviedo Lagoon.
b. Interpretive signage should be created to identify endemic and endangered flora and fauna along relevant routes. c. In addition to the Biodiversity Interpretive Center proposed for Oviedo Lagoon, the possibility of creating smaller attractions like a butterfly sanctuary or a wild orchid or cactus garden within the triad should also be considered. d. Bahoruco Park’s incredibly abundant varieties of orchid - the most found in one place - is a point of pride worthy of a garden or sanctuary destination unto itself.
3.3 Water Lovers, Above & Below (snorkeling, diving, sail boating, paddle boarding, wind surfing, etc.) a. Pedernales features some of the best snorkeling and diving in the DR, with key sites located off Cabo Rojo, Bahia de Las Aguilas, around the islands Beata and Alto Velo, as well as the Los Frailes and Piedra Negra keys. b. Key points such as Cabo Rojo Village and Oviedo lagoon will provide equipment for non-motor water vessels for off-shore sailing and recreation. c. Investigate and establish guidelines for tourist traffic in sensitive areas like coral reefs to prevent damage caused by over-visitation.
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Fourth Wave – Partner With A Major Wellness Brand Pedernales has incredible potential as a wellness destination, with a host of natural settings from sea to summit. Therapeutic and medicinal indigenous and endemic plant life grow in abundance here, and the knowledge for their application has been safeguarded. Partnering with the right wellness brand will allow Pedernales to unlock its secrets and in sharing them, establish itself among the most sought-out wellness destinations in the Caribbean and beyond. The four key elements to creating a true wellness experience are:
4.1 Wellness Architecture Casitas and guest rooms at one with nature, that prioritize privacy and communion with exceptional, untouched natural locations.
4.2 Spa Experience
4.2 Spa Experience A state-of-the-art spa experience steeped in the healing traditions of the area, with treatments designed around indigenous and endemic medicinal and therapeutic herbs, flowers and plants to be used in both external (massage, reiki, etc.) and internal therapies (teas, aromatherapy).
4.3 Healing Gastronomy Menus built around local, seasonal produce are designed to restore and heal, and are based in the latest discoveries in food-as-medicine.
4.4 Outdoor Activity Activities are to be practiced outdoors (weather permitting) and range from the gentle (yoga, Tai-Chi and practices to get internal energy flowing), to the more rigorous (long walks, hiking, biking), to waterbased (kayaking, canoeing, water therapies).
A state-of-the-art spa experience steeped in the healing traditions of the area, with treatments designed around indigenous and endemic medicinal and therapeutic herbs, flowers and plants to be used in both external (massage, reiki, etc.) and internal therapies (teas, aromatherapy).
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01 | Master Context:Plan The Implementation Province
07. MASTER PLAN IMPLEMENTATION The complete Pedernales Tourism Development Master Plan will be the next deliverable, where all of the content outlined in the previous pages will be presented in greater detail. Below we have outlined the action items that should be commenced immediately in order to lay the groundwork for the smoothest possible inception of this Master Plan.
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01 | Master Plan Implementation
The Next Immediate Steps For 2019-2020 Include Three Lines of Action: 1. Connect Pedernales to the DR & Beyond 2. Improve Local Living Conditions 3. Improve Existing Recreational Sites Within National Parks (see map)
1. Connect the DR & Beyond Immediate priority must be given to improve access to, and within Pedernales by air, sea, and land (refer to 05. Development Strategy, section 1.1 First Wave).
2. Improve Local Living Conditions Initiatives and investments at the local level will enable Pedernales to begin a veritable metamorphosis – from a dusty provincial township, to an exceptional model of sustainable living in the Caribbean. For this to occur, immediate attention must be focused on raising local environmental awareness, quality of life, and sense of pride. 1. Create an educational campaign around tourism and conservation model 2. Upgrade local waste management and sanitation services throughout the Pedernales area (roadsides, public parks, public natural attractions, etc.).
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01 | Master Plan Implementation Crecimiento poblacional de la provincia de Pedernales, 2002-2010 Provincia
3. Invest in a small, Coastal Cleanup & Recycling company to create jobs for the local youth. The initiative would focus mainly on plastic bottles, and innovative ways to recycle them. This initiative would be aimed primarily at Pedernales youth, who make up over half the population, the majority of whom live in the city center. a. Investigate sponsorship from a major private sector manufacturing company (ex. HP, Timberland, etc.) 4. Create intensive manual labour jobs with the watershed restoration program (reforestation project) for the Pedernales and Mulito River basins. (The continuity and expansion of the existing initiative by the Presidency and Environment Minister) a. Conduct a feasibility study on a large, binational carbon credit project with Haiti. 5. Connect the Pedernales province to the Los Cocos wind power station distribution network (ETED, in progress). 6. Build a public boardwalk and amphitheatre in Pedernales (about 1km long) in order to create a year-long, living, cultural, and recreational hub. 7. Work with the Instituto Nacional de Formacion Tecnico Profesional (INFOTEP) in Barahona to create a Conservation Tourism Hospitality Certificate and skillsbuilding program for local youth (Barahona, Pedernales, Independencia)
a. Conservation Tourism Hospitality Certificate This certificate program would ensure that Pedernales hospitality partners have a steady supply of local, trained, and qualified professionals to employ within their hotels, spas, restaurants, and bars. Students could start with internships that help secure employment upon graduation. 8. Model Pedernales Tourism Security after best examples in the DR a. Introduce new branch of Environment Security: this could be a community-wide program for all ages that empowers citizens of the province to take control of their environment. The Environment Corps would be a mixed brigade, composed of rangers and civil province-wide security, covering illegal immigration, forest fires, illegal cutting, tourist and roadside security. 9. Create or upgrade medical center and health services. 10. Conduct a sensitive remapping and upgrade of cellular and internet connection across the province and ensure strategic “no tower” zones for peace and wellness areas.
Pedernales
Años del Censo
Tasa de crecimiento media annual
2002
2010
2002-2010 (%)
21,207
31,587
6.118
Fuente: ONE/MEPyD, 2010a.
Población por grupos de edad de la provincia de Pedernales, 2010 Grupos de edad
Población
%
0-24
17,435
55.2%
25-64
12,703
40.2%
65+
1,449
4.6%
Total
31,587
100%
Fuente: Elaborado en base al Censo 2010, ONE/MEPyD.
Población por género de la provincia de Pedernales, 2010 Grupos de edad
Masculino
%
Femenino
%
0-24
8,959
51.4%
8,476
48.6%
25-64
7,099
55.9%
5,604
44.1%
65+
837
57.8%
612
42.2%
Total
16,895
53.5%
14,692
46.5%
Fuente: Elaborado en base al Censo 2010, ONE/MEPyD.
Población urbana y rural de la provincia de Pedernales, 2010 Provincia
Total
Urbano
Porcentaje población urbana
Porcentaje población rural
Pedernales
31,587
20,345
64%
36%
11242
Fuente: Elaborado en base al Censo 2010, ONE/MEPyD.
48
01 | Master Plan Implementation
3. Improve Existing Recreational Sites Within National Parks Upgrade existing site facilities and equipment: site entrances, picnic tables, garbage, toilets, trails and signage (refer to 05. Development Strategy, sections 2.3 and 2.4.). a. This can also be done with the help of the community (as part of after school group activities or clubs)
Additional Ideas to Consider Pedernales à Anse-à-Pitre Explore the possibility of a tourism corridor between Pedernales and Anse-à-Pitre, Haiti. Perhaps starting with a binational border market that showcases local art and food products. Something that builds on the complementary cultures, turning the border situation into a plus for both sides.
Voluntourism Open up reforestation and river and watershed restoration to “voluntourism” by those wishing to participate in the mission to restore this region to its original splendour.
Pedernales Park Ranger Program A Pedernales Park Ranger program would contribute to local employment and provide a necessary presence within
national parks to enforce conservancy protocol. It could offer incoming students a global education on the four main ecosystems in the province, and the opportunity to focus on one specialization for their certification. Eventually, PPR grads too may be in high demand in other areas of the Caribbean, Central and South America, where countries and islands are aiming to replicate the Pedernales model.
and comment their posts generate. They can then redeem their Jets at designated Pedernales retailers or partners. Local users can also trade their Jets for phone data top-ups, or gift Jets to friends and relatives.
Eco-guardian School Program
Through the Pedernales eco-tourism initiative, invite local farmers and fishermen to apply for licenses to help grow, raise, and catch the vast quantities of plants, herbs, fruit, vegetables, beef, pork, poultry, and seafood that will be needed to feed the growing influx of tourists. By keeping the productions small and personal, Pedernales will be able to provide an artisanal standard on all its menus, while ensuring that a significant portion of tourism revenue flows back into the local economy.
In order to ensure ongoing preservation of the Province’s natural treasures far into the future, the Pedernales school board could institute an eco-guardian program in all public schools. From keeping your schoolyard clean, to learning about how to care for the unique flora and habitats of Pedernales, to how the sun and wind create energy, are just a few topics this after-school program covers (likely to spawn a new generation of national park rangers and custodians). Students could participate in regular beach and park clean-ups, and earn a Pedernales Eco-Guardian badge for each type of environment they help clean (Lagoon, Forest, River, Beach, and Desert).
‘Pedernales Por Favor’ Regional App
The Pedernales Pact
Nurseries & Supply Farms
The Pedernales Tourism Office could partner with community app platform creator Jet8 to introduce an app that would help promote the province organically, while funnelling investment dollars directly back to the people and businesses spreading the word. The selfie-style app platform features custom stickers users can overlay onto their videos and pics (with tags like “I (heart) Pedernales ”, “Ohhh Oviedo”, “Beach Day”, and “I’m a Cliff Hanger!”), the app is backed by a crypto-currency that enables users to earn ‘Jets’ for every post, as well as every like, share,
Create an agreement all visitors must enter into as an acknowledgment that they are entering a UNESCO Biosphere and gaining access to protected lands. In signing the Pact guests agree to uphold the sustainability regulations put in place by the DR Minister of Tourism & Environment throughout their stay. The Pact must be signed by all visitors to Pedernales, regardless of the duration or type of stay.
49
01 | Context: The Province
APPENDIX A.
Bibliography
Reference documents
B.
Workshop
List of Attendees, Agenda, Presentation, Results
C.
The Province
Presentation: Lemay
D.
Pedernales in Numbers
Socio-demographic Profile
E.
Airport Study
Cabo Rojo Airport
50
APPENDIX 01 | Context: The Province
A. Bibliography
51
APPENDIX 01 | Context: The Province
B. WORKSHOP
52
APPENDIX 01 | Context: The Province
C. The Province
53
APPENDIX 01 | Context: The Province
D. Pedernales in numbers
54
APPENDIX 01 | Context: The Province
E. Airport study
55