President Luis Abinader announced the acquisition of prime land for a major new convention and exhibition center in Santo Domingo, a project that officials say will be a game-changer for the capital’s tourism industry. The new facility, to be built on the site of the former Hotel Santo Domingo, is expected to create new economic, commercial, and employment opportunities for Dominicans.
At the announcement event, President Abinader expressed confidence that the project would be a success, not just for Santo Domingo but for the entire country. “This success won’t just be for the city of Santo Domingo, where it will have immediate effects, but also for the entire country,” he said.
The President also praised Tourism Minister David Collado and the Santo Domingo Hotel Association for the efforts in pushing forward the project.
Tourism Minister David Collado hailed the new center as a “milestone” in the country’s tourism history. He highlighted the record-breaking growth in the industry, stating that the country’s brand is “shining around the world and is in style.” Collado attributed the success to collaboration and hard work, emphasizing that the new center will help continue this progress.
The project will be built in consultation with IFEMA Madrid, the Spanish consortium that organizes major international events, including the International Tourism Fair (Fitur).
The announcement was met with enthusiasm from tourism sector leaders. Juan “Papo” Bancalari, president of the National Association of Hotels and Restaurants (Asonahores), called the project a “long-held dream” for the industry. He congratulated the government, stating that the convention center would “change the country’s tourism model.”
Daniel Martínez, executive vice president of IFEMA, also voiced his support. He noted that the project would bring significant benefits in terms of jobs and economic growth, and expressed his satisfaction in being a part of it.
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Presidency
Listin Diario
9 September 2025