Salvador Batista. (Photo: OMPT)
Nariño, Colombia.- In a landmark moment for global media, Salvador Batista has become the first Dominican journalist to be inducted into the World Tourism Journalists Gallery of Honor, a distinction reserved for those who have left an indelible mark on the industry. The prestigious honor, presented at the Pasaporte Abierto awards in San Juan de Pasto, Colombia, solidifies Batista’s place as a titan of travel communication.
The induction is more than just an award; it’s an acknowledgment of a career built on passion, purpose, and a pioneering spirit. For over two decades, Batista has carved a unique path through his multimedia project, Recorriendo con Salvador (Traveling with Salvador), which includes a web portal, a television show, and columns in some of the Dominican Republic’s most prominent newspapers.
What sets Batista apart is his philosophy. In his acceptance speech, he emphasized that a tourism journalist’s role extends beyond simply showcasing a destination’s beauty. He argues that they must also act as a watchdog, a voice for change, and a problem-solver, using their platforms to expose issues and find solutions that foster sustainable growth.
Batista’s professional life is a testament to this belief. A true globetrotter, he has journeyed to more than 70 countries, exploring over 270 destinations, and is one of the few journalists to have visited all Seven Modern Wonders of the World. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including the top prize at the 2018 “Epifanio Lantigua” Tourism Journalism Awards in the Dominican Republic and recognition from Forbes magazine as one of the top 30 entrepreneurs in 2017.
His entry into the Gallery of Honor not only celebrates his personal achievements but also elevates the profile of Dominican journalism on the international stage. As the first from his country and only the second person ever to receive this honor, Salvador Batista’s legacy is now officially etched in the history of tourism journalism.
