Dominican tourism entrepreneurs highlighted the need to increase hotel room availability, improve aviation connectivity, and continue developing new tourism hubs to achieve the goal of 15 million air travelers by 2030.
David Llibre, President of the Association of Hotels and Tourism (Asonahores), stated that both the public and private sectors must remain united in addressing challenges related to competitiveness, sustainable development, the ongoing initiatives to tackle sargassum, environmental sustainability, territorial planning, security, energy efficiency, and legal framework.
Additionally, to enhance both air and land connectivity, the training of human resources, and the broader inclusion of local communities in tourism regions are essential.
Llibre shared these details during the breakfast event celebrating the 62nd anniversary of Asonahores, which featured a panel discussion titled “Past, Present, and Future of Tourism in the Dominican Republic.”
He noted that among the new tourism hubs anticipated by the sector are the relaunch of Puerto Plata with the new Punta Bergantín project; the development of the south with the Cabo Rojo project in Pedernales; and the continued promotion of the Miches and Samaná destinations, which need to increase their number of rooms and improve some of their supporting infrastructure.
During the event, Banco Popular, Banreservas, and BHD recognized Minister of Tourism David Collado for his dedication and commitment, acknowledging him as a key figure in the sustainable recovery and international projection of Dominican tourism.
Enrique Porcella, founder of Asonahores and president of the organization from 1983, was also honored.
The event was led by President Luis Abinader and Minister of Tourism David Collado, who also emphasized the ability of various tourism destinations in the country to attract visitors, generate foreign exchange, and promote economic growth in provinces and regions.
Llibre mentioned that the tourism sector remains committed to developing the national production chain through various initiatives and collaboration with other business associations, aiming for more Dominicans to offer better goods and services.
“The tourism industry has had a multiplier effect on the local economy, creating new business and employment opportunities. In 2022 alone, the hotel sector accounted for a total of 139 billion pesos in purchases, including 6.7 billion in agriculture, 28.2 billion in industrial and construction sectors, and 104 billion in services, among others,” Llibre said.
The event featured a first panel with Frank Rainieri, Founder and Chairman of the Puntacana Group; Luis López, Executive President of Amhsa Marina Hotels & Resorts; and Rafael “Papo” Blanco, Executive VP of Viva Resorts by Wyndham. The panel was moderated by Enrique de Marchena, Managing Partner at DMK Abogados.
The second part included Ramón Rosselló, Executive Director of Inverotel; Rafael Blanco Tejera, President of ProInversion; and Javier Tejada, CEO and General Director of United Capital Puesto de Bolsa. This panel was moderated by Aguie Lendor, Executive Vice President of Asonahores.
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