FEDA and CEA launch heritage sugar tourism route in Hato Mayor

JSBy Joan SanzCurated by Joan Sanz. · July 16, 2026 · Follow on LinkedIn

Voice reading · ~2 min

The Special Fund for Agricultural Development (FEDA) and the State Sugar Council (CEA) have teamed up to launch a heritage tourism project in Hato Mayor. The initiative aims to preserve the legacy of the Dominican sugar industry and turn it into a tourist attraction, as reported by Dominican Today.

I think this is a smart move. We've been saying for years that Dominican Republic can't rely only on sun and beach, and here's a concrete answer. The old plantations and sugar mills have a story to tell, from colonial times to modernity. And it's not just about static museums: we're talking guided tours, rum and panela tastings, and the possibility of staying in restored haciendas.

What does tourism gain? A differentiated product for the cultural traveler, who spends more and seeks authentic experiences.
What does the sector gain? Real diversification of the offer, which also decentralizes visitor flow to the interior.

The FEDA and CEA project is a first step. Now MITUR and tour operators need to package it well and sell it. If they do, Hato Mayor could become a benchmark for rural tourism with a sugarcane flavor.

Quick questions

What is the sugar heritage tourism project?

It's a joint initiative by FEDA and CEA to preserve the Dominican sugar industry legacy through tourist routes, mill visits, and cultural experiences in Hato Mayor.

Where is this tourism project located?

In Hato Mayor province, an area in eastern Dominican Republic with a strong sugar tradition and potential for rural tourism.

What activities does the sugar route include?

It includes visits to historic sugar mills, tastings of sugarcane products like rum and panela, and accommodation in restored haciendas.

Why is it important for Dominican tourism?

Because it diversifies the offer beyond sun and beach, attracts higher-spending cultural travelers, and decentralizes tourism to the interior.

Who organizes it and how is it funded?

It's organized by the Special Fund for Agricultural Development (FEDA) and the State Sugar Council (CEA), with public funds and possible private collaboration.

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