Empowering youth entrepreneurship in the Dominican Republic

International

TUI Care Foundation supports new ecotourism experiences.

The TUI Care Foundation, in partnership with Plan International, has launched TUI Futureshapers Dominican Republic, an initiative to empower young entrepreneurs in the country’s southwest by developing sustainable tourism businesses.

Education and employment opportunities remain limited for many young people in the Dominican Republic, particularly women. The southwest region, despite its immense natural beauty and strong ecotourism potential, is especially affected by high youth unemployment. TUI Futureshapers addresses this challenge by supporting youth-led enterprises, called Eco Routes, which offer sustainable tourism experiences that contribute to a low-carbon, inclusive economy.

80 young entrepreneurs receive targeted support

The programme provides technical assistance to 80 young participants through workshops covering environmental education, life skills, female leadership, legal and financial advice. Additional training includes brand development, marketing strategies, negotiation, financial management, and decision-making. Gender equality is a central focus, aiming to break existing male-dominated biases in the tourism sector.

Building partnerships and opportunities

TUI Futureshapers also forges connections between young entrepreneurs and established hotels, while presenting their businesses to over 300 stakeholders including community leaders, local governments, and institutions. The initiative supports the creation of new Eco Routes, opening further employment and growth opportunities in a region where tourism infrastructure is already expanding.

The project forms part of the global TUI Futureshapers programme, which empowers people in holiday destinations worldwide to turn social challenges into entrepreneurial opportunities.