Journalist Camila García Durán presented details of the contracting by the two major advertising agencies for tourism promotion matters during the Medina administration on 14 December 2020 on “Esta Noche con Mariasela.” She mentioned that BVK based in Miami contracted for US$147 million and Made in Spain, the in-house agency, based in Madrid, Spain for US$99 million for the period 2014-2020
Tourism Minister David Collado was not available to answer questions by the journalist. But on the evening the Esta Noche con Mariasela show aired, the minister called in to say the United Nations is helping the Ministry with new tenders for the international promotion campaigns. The Ministry had previously made the same announcement. The present contracts expire in December 2020. Former Minister Francisco Javier García was not available for comment.
Collado said that all contracting at the Ministry of Tourism is now being handled in agreement with the private sector, represented by Paola Rainieri, president of Asonahores and Andres Marranzini, general manager. He also mentioned that experienced tourism entrepreneur Rafael (Papo) Blanco Canto is his advisor.
The Dominican Republic is the leading tourism destination in the Caribbean. Over the years, the Dominican tourism advertising campaign has been recognized as very successful. The “Has It All” campaign has won many international awards.
Procurement Agency director Carlos Pimentel said that the Abinader administration is working on regulating all advertising contracting in the Dominican Republic. He said the contracting at the Ministry of Tourism was outside of the Procurement Agency’s scope. He expects the new efforts will mean major savings for the Dominican government.
Follow the story in Spanish:
Esta Noche con Mariasela
Esta Noche con Mariasela
Esta Noche con Mariasela
15 December 2020