The Dominican Association of Tourism Press (Adompretur) has officially opened submissions for the 22nd National Tourism Journalism Award Epifanio Lantigua (PEL) 2026, one of the Dominican Republic’s most prestigious distinctions for journalism covering the tourism industry. Journalists and communications professionals from across the country may submit eligible work published between October 2025 and August 2026.
This year’s edition is presented under the theme “Storytellers: Stories That Connect”, highlighting the role of journalists and content creators in showcasing the Dominican Republic’s natural landscapes, cultural heritage, gastronomy, and communities through quality storytelling. According to Adompretur, the initiative recognizes the contribution of journalism to strengthening the country’s international image while supporting the continued development of its tourism sector.
Applications Open Until August 31
Participants must complete the official registration form available through Adompretur and submit it along with links or digital copies of their entries, two high-resolution photographs, and the required documentation no later than August 31, 2026. Winners will be announced during an awards ceremony scheduled for November 4.
Adompretur said all competition rules, participation requirements, and registration materials are available through its official website and social media channels.
Updated Rules Focus on Transparency and Originality
The 2026 edition introduces revised competition guidelines and a newly appointed jury made up of academics and communications professionals, whose identities will be announced in the coming weeks.
Among the most significant changes are measures designed to strengthen the transparency of the judging process, simplify participation, and establish more rigorous evaluation standards. The updated rules also include criteria specifically addressing digital journalism and technical verification systems intended to protect originality, detect plagiarism, and encourage the responsible use of artificial intelligence while prioritizing original journalistic work.
Recognizing Excellence in Tourism Reporting
Sarah Hernández, president of Adompretur, described the Epifanio Lantigua Award as the country’s highest recognition for tourism journalism, emphasizing its role in celebrating reporters and communicators whose work helps promote one of the Dominican Republic’s most important economic sectors.
She said the award honors journalists whose reporting highlights the country’s natural, cultural, and historical attractions while encouraging responsible and sustainable tourism.
Millizen Uribe, vice president of Adompretur and director of the award program, encouraged communications professionals from both national and regional media outlets to participate, noting that the competition seeks to recognize high-quality reporting that informs audiences and contributes to the growth of Dominican tourism.
Ten Award Categories
The 2026 competition includes awards in ten categories:
Written Press, Audiovisual, Digital Media, Print and Digital Magazine, Arts and Culture, Photography, Gastronomy, Regional Tourism, Ecotourism, and Opinion Journalism.
Winners will receive cash prizes and the traditional trophy produced by the artisans of El Artístico in La Romana, eastern Dominican Republic.
Award With More Than Two Decades of History
Established in 2002 by Adompretur in collaboration with the former Occidental Hotels chain, the award was created to encourage high-quality reporting on the Dominican Republic’s tourism industry, a sector that plays a central role in the national economy.
It was later renamed in honor of Epifanio Lantigua, a veteran journalist from Puerto Plata recognized for his lifelong dedication to promoting Dominican tourism through responsible journalism. Since then, the award has expanded alongside the country’s evolving media landscape, incorporating digital journalism and audiovisual storytelling while maintaining its focus on professional excellence.