The Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) has formally established the Management Committee for the Sosúa Beach Vendors Plaza, a new governance body responsible for overseeing the administration, maintenance, and long-term sustainability of one of the Dominican Republic’s most significant recent tourism infrastructure projects.
The committee was created under Decree No. 187-26 as part of the government’s broader strategy to ensure the efficient operation of the new commercial plaza. The project was designed to improve working conditions for beach vendors, enhance organization along Sosúa Beach, and provide a better experience for the thousands of Dominican and international visitors who travel to the popular destination each year.
A Community-Based Management Model
The committee was officially launched during a ceremony led by Patricia Mejía, Vice Minister of Destination Management at MITUR, together with ministry officials. The event was also attended by Ginette Bournigal, senator for Puerto Plata Province, along with representatives from local community and civic organizations involved in the area’s tourism development.
The new governing body includes representatives from the Catholic Church, the Evangelical Church, the Sosúa Municipal Government, the Magua Foundation, the Sosúa Development Association, and the Sosúa Beach Vendors Association. Together, these organizations will oversee the proper operation, preservation, and management of the plaza through a participatory and transparent governance model.
Officials said the structure is intended to strengthen cooperation between government institutions and the local community while ensuring the facility continues to operate under high standards of quality, organization, and efficiency for the benefit of vendors, residents, and visitors.
Part of Sosúa’s Tourism Transformation
The creation of the committee marks another milestone in the ongoing revitalization of Sosúa Beach, one of the Dominican Republic’s best-known destinations on the country’s northern coast. The broader redevelopment project seeks to transform the beach into a model for sustainable and well-organized tourism while preserving its appeal for both local and international travelers.
President Luis Abinader recently inaugurated the new commercial plaza, which was built with an investment of nearly US$10 million. The project aims to reorganize commercial activity along the beach, improve the destination’s appearance, and provide modern facilities for vendors.
The new complex includes 79 commercial units, public restrooms, recreational and community spaces, security systems, and dedicated facilities for beach vendors. Authorities expect the investment to strengthen the local economy while enhancing the overall visitor experience in Sosúa.
Supporting Sustainable Tourism
Through the creation of the management committee, MITUR reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that public investments in tourism infrastructure continue delivering long-term economic and social benefits. Officials said community participation and responsible management will be essential to maintaining the plaza as a sustainable asset for residents, local businesses, and visitors alike.
For international travelers, the initiative reflects the Dominican Republic’s continued efforts to modernize its tourism destinations while balancing economic development with improved public spaces and community involvement.