Punta Cana.
Frank Elías Rainieri, president of the Puntacana Group, reaffirmed that delivering an exceptional passenger experience has been a cornerstone in the ongoing development of Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), emphasizing that “the first and last impression of any trip happens at the airport.”
During recent remarks, Rainieri underscored the organization’s commitment to providing travelers with a “unique and authentic” experience from arrival to departure. While acknowledging that occasional minor issues may occur, he pointed to consistently positive evaluations from international auditing firms as evidence of the airport’s high standards.
“Every operation has its challenges, but when we review assessments from foreign companies, we feel a deep sense of pride as Dominicans to offer such a welcoming and comfortable airport,” Rainieri stated.
Modern Infrastructure Built for Comfort and Efficiency
The business leader highlighted ongoing efforts to maintain a modern, clean, attractive, and functional terminal designed to meet the needs of both leisure and business travelers. He shared feedback from Dominican passengers who recently traveled to the 2026 International Tourism Fair (FITUR) in Spain, many of whom expressed admiration and pride after experiencing the quality of the Punta Cana terminal.
“They told us: ‘How clean, how beautiful, how well-decorated! Everything is clearly marked and works seamlessly. We need more infrastructure like this,'” Rainieri recounted.
Strategic Collaboration with Government Agencies
Rainieri emphasized the critical role of public-private collaboration in ensuring the airport’s smooth operation. He specifically recognized the contributions of the General Directorate of Customs (DGA), the General Directorate of Migration (DGM), and CESAC (Center for Airport Security and Control), describing them as “three fundamental pillars” that support passenger safety, immigration control, and cargo oversight.
These agencies enable the deployment of cutting-edge security and control technologies. As an example, Rainieri cited a baggage screening system developed in partnership with CESAC, which uses advanced algorithms—created with support from Israeli technology firms—to automatically detect explosives, narcotics, and large amounts of cash. This innovation reduces the need for manual inspections and ensures that luggage is handled safely and efficiently.
In collaboration with the General Directorate of Migration, the airport has also introduced a modern biometric entry system that allows travelers from 22 nationalities to enter the Dominican Republic using passport scanning and facial recognition technology. The system is not yet available to Dominican citizens, as the country is still in the process of rolling out biometric passports.
Technology and Vision: Keys to Sustainable Growth
Rainieri stressed that the integration of advanced technology and strong government partnerships has been essential to the efficient and sustainable operation of Punta Cana International Airport.
“The key to success in tourism—and by extension, in airport management—is straightforward: unity between the private and public sectors,” he said.
He noted that the progress achieved reflects a national policy that values the business community and prioritizes the construction of world-class infrastructure. One example is the tourist boulevard that connects the airport directly to the hotel zone, ensuring smooth and secure transportation for visitors.
Rainieri’s remarks reinforce Punta Cana’s reputation not only as a premier Caribbean destination but also as a model of how strategic investment, innovation, and collaboration can elevate the traveler experience and strengthen the region’s competitive edge in global tourism.
