President Luis Abinader led the inaugural ceremony on Sunday, 8 February 2026 for the Holiday Inn Puerto Plata in the Cofresí Bay Area, a US$26 million investment that marks a significant milestone in the revitalization of the Dominican Republic’s northern coast. This is the residential and tourism area best known for the Ocean World Adventure Park.
He was accompanied by Minister of Tourism David Collado and Minister of Environment Paino Henriquez. Also present for the inauguration were José Ignacio Paliza, Minister of the Presidency, who is a former senator for Puerto Plata and by the current senator for Puerto Plata, Ginette Bournigal.
The new 115-room facility is expected to generate over 100 direct and indirect jobs, reinforcing private sector confidence in the region. During the event, President Abinader characterized investment in Dominican tourism as a “safe bet,” praising the return of international hotel brands to Puerto Plata after years of regional stagnation.
The President emphasized that the presence of the IHG brand is a decisive step in repositioning Puerto Plata within global markets, tapping into millions of loyal international customers.
“The return of international brands is vital. Their previous absence contributed to the region’s decline, but today we are seeing a decisive move to reclaim our position in the Caribbean,” Abinader stated.
The President also provided updates on several key infrastructure projects designed to integrate the northern region:
Amber Highway: Recently awarded, this project aims to reduce travel time between Santiago and Puerto Plata to just 30 minutes. The new highway will connect Puerto Plata with the Santiago international airport that has secured more flight frequencies than the Puerto Plata International Airport.
Sosúa Beach Restoration: Scheduled for completion in March or April 2026, the project focuses on eliminating pollution and overcrowding.
Tourism Minister David Collado credited the project to the administration’s “vision and leadership,” noting that the government coordinated the acquisition of key lands and invested approximately RD$1.6 billion pesos to spur diverse tourism projects in the northern province.
Ricardo Felip, Vice President of CHC HOTELS, the firm tasked with operating the facility, described the hotel as a “clear signal of confidence” in the North’s growth potential. He noted that the Holiday Inn standards would elevate the local hospitality offering to meet premium international expectations.
Silvia Vila Mantilla, president of the Board of Atlambar Management, S.A.S., highlighted the strategic location in Cofresí. She noted that its proximity to historic sites like Isabel de Torres and the nightlife of Cabarete makes it a competitive hub for both commercial and cultural tourism.
The ceremony was attended by a high-level delegation, including:
The opening of the Holiday Inn Puerto Plata in the Cofresí Bay Area reflects a unified effort between the state, the banking sector, and private families, including the Santana, Rodríguez, and Estrella families, to diversify Puerto Plata’s tourism portfolio.
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Presidency
10 February 2026