Rainieri pushes plan to raise tourist spending in Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- Frank Rainieri, chairman of the Puntacana Group, has launched an initiative to boost tourist spending in the Dominican Republic from an average of US$172 to US$300 per night within five years. He argues that such an increase would not only benefit hotels but also have a ripple effect on the broader economy, generating more income for restaurants, artisans, and local businesses. With over 10 million tourists annually, the impact could be transformative for multiple sectors.

To achieve this, both the government and private sector are implementing measures such as attracting North American hotel chains, improving road safety to encourage car rentals, and promoting gastronomic, sports, and cultural tourism. Efforts also include motivating visitors to purchase Dominican handicrafts and souvenirs, directly supporting local entrepreneurs.

Tourism Minister David Collado emphasized that this initiative results from collaboration with more than 30 industry leaders, including Asonahores. By aligning investment and innovation, the Dominican Republic aims to position itself as a high-value destination, strengthen local businesses, and create more jobs while ensuring sustainable economic growth.