WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC’S INCREDIBLE SUCCESS IN TOURISM?
The Caribbean has much to learn from the Dominican Republic’s incredible success in tourism. That’s according to CHTA Director General and CEO Frank Comito, who recently accepted an invitation from tourism icon Frank Rainieri to address a group of local stakeholders on the topic ‘Dominican Tourism in the Caribbean and Global Context’.
The CHTA chief states that the DR is one of the world’s great tourism success stories, due in large measure to the sound foundation and management of the destination. This can be attributed to huge investments in public-private sector collaboration.
Comito delivered the keynote address for the inauguration of the Tourism Chair, or more accurately, the Catedra Magistral de Turismo, established in Rainieri’s name for the DR’s prestigious Universidad Central del Este, which is also instituting a new campus in Punta Cana.
Comito highlighted the unique leadership and holistic development focus which Rainieri brought to the table back in the late 1960s. “As we look at the incredible accomplishments of The Puntacana Group – from the airport to hotels, from infrastructure to the environment, Mr. Rainieri was – and remains today – ahead of his time,” Comito commented.
Below please find Comito’s Domican Tourism in the Caribbean and Global Context presentation.
Image from right to left: Frank Comito, CHTA; Haydee Rainieri, Senior Vice President of Hospitality, Grupo Puntacana; Frank Rainieri, President and CEO, Grupo Puntacana; Jose Hazim Torres, Rector, Universidad Central del Este (UCE); Jacqueline Malagon, Executive Adviser to UCE and Former Minister of Education, Dr. José A. Hazim Frappier, Chairman, UCE, and Senator for the Province of San Pedro de Macorís; and Mgr. Reverend Santiago Rodríguez, Bishop.