Frank Rainieri, president of the Punta Cana Group, the pioneer of Punta Cana-Bavaro tourism development, in a luncheon conference at the American Chamber of Commerce, highlighted what he feels should be the industry’s priorities. In his speech he also stressed the importance of the industry for the Dominican economy. He mentioned that today the DR is the No. 1 tourism destination in the Caribbean in number of air arrivals, and second in dollar receipts. He said that in the Americas, it is ranked seventh in number of air arrivals and dollar revenues generated. Among the priorities listed by Rainieri are the construction of four major expressways to facilitate the transport of products to be consumed by the industry and of tourists. These are: Santo Domingo-Samana (via Monte Plata) Santo Domingo-Macao-Punta Cana (passing through Ramon Santana and the center of the eastern region) Santo Domingo-Monte Cristi-Puerto Plata (extending the Navarette highway) Santo Domingo-San Juan and Pedernales (expanding the San Cristobal Highway). Rainieri stressed that all regions have infrastructure priorities, but tourism regions should get priority when making infrastructure allotments taking into account their capacity for generating hard currency, employment and social welfare within the region and beyond. He called for reaching an agreement among the leading political parties so there is a consensus on the priority investments in highways, sewage and potable water, health and education facilities. He also expressed his concern that the government has restored monopoly privileges to Dominicana Airlines at a time when free markets and aviation deregulation are the norm. He urged that the government give due attention to eliminating the Category III rating that impedes local companies from flying to the US. (24 February 2000)
