- The tourism entrepreneur made the suggestion when participating as a guest speaker at the business lunch “Building the Future from the Business Vision”, organized by Capex
Tourism entrepreneur Frank Rainieri proposed turning the Cibao region into the cigar capital of the world, highlighting the leadership of the area in the production and international marketing of high-quality cigars.
During his participation as a guest speaker at the business lunch “Building the Future from the Business Vision”, organized by Capex, Rainieri suggested developing a strategy that combines the tobacco industry with tourism and the international promotion of the city.
He stressed that Santiago and Cibao are the largest exporters of cigars in the world and that they produce many of the best cigars in the international market.
“We have to sell the Cibao destination as the cigar capital of the world.” Frank Rainieri. Tourism businessman.
- He proposed creating tourist routes linked to plantations, factories, and production facilities.
Photo: Businessman Frank Rainieri, guest speaker at the business luncheon “Building the Future from the Business Vision”, organized by Capex.
Santiago’s wide-ranging potential
In his speech, the businessman also highlighted the potential of Santiago in areas such as free zones, pharmaceuticals, health tourism, among others.
He highlighted the city’s business tradition and recalled the legacy of a generation of businessmen who promoted important institutions for the development of the country, including the Pontifical Catholic University Madre y Maestra (PUCMM), the Association for Development, the Higher Institute of Agriculture, the Banco Popular Dominicano and the Santiago Free Trade Zone Corporation.
He affirmed that this entrepreneurial spirit is still in force and called on current generations to avail of the new economic opportunities stemming from geopolitical changes and the need of the United States and Europe to bring their production chains closer together.
Regional integration and infrastructure development
On the other hand, the founder of Grupo Puntacana advocated for greater regional integration while suggesting the construction of a four-lane highway from Santiago to Montecristi, in line with the Amber Highway project to link with Puerto Plata.
“That integration has to come in the next 20 years,” he said, considering that the northern region must be consolidated as an economic and logistical axis.
Beginnings in the development of Punta Cana
Frank Rainieri told the Santiago business community about the difficulties he faced when developing the Punta Cana tourism project initially, when the area was an isolated region, with no roads, electricity or infrastructure.
He recalled that when he arrived in the east of the country, the journey from Higüey to Punta Cana took between five and six hours on sand and beach roads.
He explained that the project operated at a loss for years while dealing with property encroachments, lack of financing, and no state support.
The businessman recalled that he had to first build small facilities to demonstrate the tourist potential of the area and later fight for the construction of the highway and the Punta Cana International Airport.
Rainieri said that his success was not down to luck, but to perseverance, vision and confidence in the country.
He also highlighted the importance of family unity in business development. He said that the support of his wife and children was essential to sustain the project during the most difficult times.
He indicated that, from the onset, he tried to integrate his family into the business ideal and encourage values of commitment, work, and a sense of belonging.
The event was attended by the Vice President of the Republic, Raquel Peña; Aníbal de Castro, president of the Diario Libre Group; as well as civil authorities from the province and representatives of the business sector.
Funcapex Chairman of the board of directors, Miguel Lama, gave the opening speech.
The event was held at the Uesa Dominican Convention and Culture Center, located in the Monumental area.
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