Welcome to the Dominican Republic! At Holaqueya, your local agency in the Dominican Republic, we love sharing the beauty of our island with you. We want this paradise to remain a living, authentic place for future generations, so we are committed to sustainable tourism. Please join our efforts by following these simple but effective principles during your trip to the Dominican Republic.
1. Respect for nature and the environment
- Say goodbye to single-use plastic: please use reusable aluminum water bottles. Our team will tell you where to refill them safely with drinking water.
- “Pack in, pack out” rule: whatever you bring into a natural area (beaches, forests, waterfalls) must leave with you. Never leave any waste behind.
- Save resources: help us by turning off the lights and air conditioning and closing the taps when you leave your hotel room or villa.
2. Animal welfare and wildlife
- Ethical wildlife watching: enjoy wildlife in its natural habitat and keep a reasonable distance, for example when whale watching in Samaná.
- No to captivity for entertainment: Holaqueya does not promote or support activities that use captive wild animals for photos or shows. Please do not pay to be photographed with exotic animals that are tied up or caged, in the street or on beaches.
- Starfish and coral: never take starfish out of the water for a photo, as they die within seconds. Avoid walking on coral reefs when snorkeling.
3. Culture and the local economy
- Support local: we encourage you to eat in local restaurants, use services offered by local communities and buy crafts made by Dominicans. Spending directly with locals is the best way to support our community’s development.
- Take photos respectfully: before taking close-up photos of local people, especially in rural areas, always ask for permission, with a smile.
- Fair bargaining: bargaining is part of the culture in some markets. Please do it respectfully, and keep in mind that a small price difference can mean a lot to the local seller.
4. Be careful with souvenirs
- Protect our biodiversity: it is illegal to buy, sell or export items made from endangered species. Never buy souvenirs made from sea turtle shell, real coral, starfish or large dried seashells.
- Historical heritage: buying original archaeological objects (such as Taíno artifacts) without legal certification is prohibited.
5. Child protection (zero tolerance)
- At Holaqueya, we apply a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of commercial, sexual or labor exploitation of children and adolescents.
- If you notice a suspicious situation involving the abuse or exploitation of minors during your trip, whether in hotels, on excursions or in the street, please report it immediately to our team or to the local authorities. We fully support Dominican and international laws that severely punish these crimes.
Thank you for traveling with us.
Each of these gestures is simple, but together they make all the difference for the island, its people and its nature. By adopting them during your stay, you help keep the Dominican Republic as beautiful and welcoming for those who come after you. Our local team is here to answer any questions before or during your trip: write to us at contact@holaqueya.com. Thank you for traveling with respect, and have a wonderful trip to the Dominican Republic!
