Frank Rainieri, founder of the Punta Cana area, is calling for work to start towards a Strategic Development Plan for 2010-2020, to bring the city of Higuey into the 21st Century. The idea is to convert Higuey, at present a dormitory town for workers in the Punta Cana resorts into an attractive site in its own right. He is supporting the suggestion that the Bishop of Higuey, Nicanor Pena should take the leadership with the support of the La Altagracia Tourism Cluster. He wants the area to emulate the successes of Puerto Plata and Santiago in the development of their strategic plans. Rainieri says that the priority for the region should be to get organized and come up with a harmonized plan that commits all sectors that represent the collective aspirations of the region. He stressed that this could not be a government funded plan. “This will not be easy and will require lots of work and a great deal of commitment. He said that, “many may think that it is a dream, but they thought the same when 20 years ago it was predicted that the economy of Higuey province would grow to become the country’s third largest.” He called for the consolidation and participation of all stakeholders, big and small from the public and private sectors. “Tourism is a integrated concept that involves hotels, service and complementary companies, and the community,” he said. He stressed the importance of the community. “The tourists need a community so that they can get to know our culture, folklore, music, gastronomy and the warmth of our people”.