Transat A.T. Inc. announced today it is teaming up with La Altagracia Tourism Cluster (Clúster Turístico La Altagracia) to help implement a program promoting the Cultural Route in La Altagracia, a province on the east coast of the Dominican Republic best known for its beaches. This is the 15th project backed by Transat as part of its program to support sustainable tourism initiatives.

“We are encouraging an initiative taken by the Dominican tourism industry and conducted in collaboration with hoteliers in the region,” said Jean-Marc Eustache, President and Chief Executive Officer of Transat. “Travellers will be invited to visit local communities and discover the province’s cultural wealth.”

The Cultural Route is a tourism circuit for exploring the backcountry of Punta Cana and Bávaro, a top Transat sun destination that receives about two million tourists annually. The project aims to showcase the built heritage, in particular the modern Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia Basilica as well as two 16th-century buildings, the Casa Museo Juan Ponce de León historical museum and the Santuario San Dionisio church. The project also aims to train tourism guides, enhance the know-how of craftsmen and help visitors discover local cuisine.

Since 2007, Transat has backed 15 projects in 10 countries as part of its sustainable tourism support program, with financial commitments totalling nearly $550,000 (€400,000). Earlier this year, Transat announced its support for two sustainable tourism projects, in Canada and Cambodia respectively.

Non-profit organizations and communities can submit projects to Transat at any time by filling out the form available at www.resp.transat.com. Descriptions of all projects being supported are available at www.resp.transat.com.

The Clúster Turístico La Altagracia is a non-profit organization working to develop a diversified and responsible tourism offering in La Altagracia province in the Dominican Republic, in collaboration with all stakeholders.

Transat A.T. Inc. is an integrated international tour operator with more than 60 destination countries and that distributes products in over 50 countries. A holiday travel specialist, Transat operates mainly in Canada and Europe, as well as in the Caribbean, Mexico and the Mediterranean Basin. Montreal-based Transat is also active in air transportation, accommodation, destination services and distribution. (TSX: TRZ.B, TRZ.A)