The executive committee of Sandals Resorts International, SRI, toured the Dominican Republic, meeting with government officials and a reception for Luis Rodolfo Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic.
The exploratory visit was at the personal invitation of Angie Shakira Martinez Tejera, ambassador of the Dominican Republic to Jamaica, who, along with the Dominican Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in partnership with ProDominicana’s executive director, Biviana Riveiro, were instrumental in coordinating and designing the agenda to showcase the different destinations and discover tourism investment opportunities.
During the two-day visit, the SRI team visited several areas of the island, including Punta Cana, Miches and Las Terrenas, among others. Although Stewart and other SRI executives had been to the Dominican Republic before, this marked the Jamaica-based luxury all-inclusive resort company’s first official visit to the destination.
‘We thoroughly enjoyed our brief but fruitful time in the Dominican Republic and wish to thank our hosts, especially President Abinader. When leadership at the highest levels takes the time to discuss the power of tourism and the investment opportunities that broaden its reach, we know we have found a like-minded partner,’ Stewart said.
According to Ambassador Martinez, plans for the visit had been in the works for some time, and were of great importance to the Dominican Republic.
‘Like Jamaica, where Sandals hails from, the Dominican Republic is a revered Caribbean tourist destination and the [tourism] industry is of critical importance to our economy. It is a dream of ours to have the prestigious Sandals brand present here’.
We are honored by the visit and excited about the possibility of our island nation becoming the first Spanish Caribbean territory to host the Sandals organization,’ said Ambassador Martinez.
It is worth mentioning that Sandals Resorts International is in the midst of a multi-year expansion and innovation plan aimed at strengthening the return of tourism to the Caribbean region.
Earlier this year, SRI reopened Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau, Bahamas, and will soon unveil its first property in Curaçao on June 1.
Three new resorts are planned for Jamaica and, in 2023, SRI will unveil a new resort under its Beaches Resorts brand in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
