Is there a place for culture in tourism

The Dominican national newspaper, “Diario Libre” ran an interesting article last Wednesday looking at how the Dominican Republic is marketed internationally.
The Dominican tourism board spends a lot of money abroad, particularly showcasing areas such as the fantastic Punta Cana beaches. Worldwide, the media often focus on the less desirable aspects of the country, the barrios, the poverty, and the drug trafficking.
But what about the in-between? What do foreigners think? How much do they know about the Dominican Republic?
Diario Libre spoke to a tourist from Miami who was staying in a new five star hotel in Bavaro and asked him what he thought of the capital, Santo Domingo and the overall image of the DR. Did he know that the Alcázar de Colon (a palace built in 1514 in Santo Domingo), is one of the oldest constructions in the new world, and was the residing place of Christopher Columbus’ brother, Bartolomé Colón and his son?
Did he know that Santo Domingo had the first Cathedral in the Americas and the first University?
Did he know that there are scores of interesting museums, art galleries, archaeological sites and caves to visit?
Did he know about the National Theatre, the three symphony orchestras, the recent International Book Fair, and the Dominican Republic’s participation in the show business circuit?
The tourist, Luis Mustelier, said he could not believe it. He didn’t understand why he hadn’t heard about these things.
Many tourists who visit a foreign country are keen to know more about the country and its’ culture. Vacationing inside an all-inclusive hotel doesn’t give tourists a true reflection of the country. Whereas many hotels provide entertainment such as musical shows and singing, they rarely use local musicians allowing them the opportunity to perform live music.

The large hotel resorts also don’t do the country any favours. Promoting the myth that the DR is dangerous, and tourists should not venture out into the town by themselves, doesn’t help the country. All countries are dangerous and most people who live here will say they felt more threatened by crime in many of the large cities back in their homeland.

The Dominican Republic is not all about beaches and all-inclusive hotels – not that there is anything wrong with these aspects – but there is more, much more to the country for tourists to appreciate. Until the tourist board starts selling these other aspects, the tourism industry and the many other industries which tag along with it will be stifled, with most of the tourist money going into the few pockets of the large international resort chains.
Dominican’s are generally proud of their culture. By not promoting the culture, and the non-glossy parts of the country, the Dominican Tourism board is selling the country short.