The Santo Domingo Tourism Cluster (CTSD) has elected Juan Manuel Martín de Oliva, long-standing vice president for tourism businesses at the Banco Popular Dominicano, as its new president for the 2025-2027 term. The election took place during a recent assembly on 18 July 2025.
Martín de Oliva, a seasoned professional with 27 years dedicated to the tourism sector within Banco Popular, expressed his profound commitment to his new role. “From Banco Popular, I have passionately and committedly supported the growth of tourism for 27 years, and I will do the same from the Cluster,” he stated. “For me, tourism is not just an industry; it is a tool for development, inclusion, and national pride. As a professional and a citizen, I have always felt like an ambassador for Dominican tourism.”
Martín de Oliva outlined three key priorities for his tenure:
• Transforming Santo Domingo into the Caribbean’s Gastronomic Capital: This initiative aims to elevate the city’s culinary scene and establish it as a premier destination for food enthusiasts.
• Realizing the Convention Center: Bringing the long-awaited Convention Center to fruition is a crucial step in boosting Santo Domingo’s appeal as a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination.
• Projecting the capital city as a Leading Tourist Destination: This involves a comprehensive marketing and branding strategy to showcase Santo Domingo’s unique cultural, historical, and natural attractions.
To achieve these ambitious goals, Martín de Oliva announced the formation of strategic committees that will include representatives from all key stakeholders, such as hotels, investors, government, community, legal, bars and restaurants, infrastructure, marketing, health, tour operators, travel agencies, and communication.
Martín de Oliva replaces Mónika Infante of Aerodom/Vinci Airports. During her final address as president, Infante summarized the achievements of her administration, highlighting initiatives such as the introduction of electric cars, the “Turizoneando” program, the “GoSantoDomingo” seal, and a model for strengthening MSMEs. These efforts not only revitalized the local economy but also created opportunities for hundreds of entrepreneurs.
Read more in Spanish:
Ministry of Tourism
22 July 2025