Same.- President Luis Abinader presided over the inauguration of a new luxury hotel in Cayo Levantado, representing a 50 million euro investment in the province of Samaná. The hotel will create over 500 direct employment opportunities in the region.
President Abinader highlighted positive trends in foreign investments in the Dominican Republic during the inauguration event. Foreign investments are expected to reach $4.4 billion this year, up from $4.1 billion the previous year. This upward trajectory means economic growth and greater investor confidence in the country.
Abinader expressed gratitude to Grupo Piñero for its commitment to promoting tourism and providing employment opportunities to around 7,000 Dominicans. He mentioned that the tourism sector is expected to receive over $30 billion in investments next year.
David Collado, Minister of Tourism, revealed that investments totaling 1.7 billion pesos are currently being carried out in Samaná, expected to conclude in January and February 2024. He also predicted that 2023 will be a record year for tourism, with more than 10 million tourists expected to visit the country.
Collado praised the government’s responsible approach in reopening the country to tourism during the pandemic. He highlighted the international recognition the Dominican Republic has received for its notable rebound in the tourism industry.
The recently opened Cayo Levantado Resort has 218 rooms and represents a significant investment of over 50 million euros. It focuses on sustainability, well-being, promoting local culture, and preserving the natural environment. The resort offers unique amenities, including “Yubarta,” a space for personal development inspired by the local humpback whales of Samaná.
This resort has become a source of employment for the province and surrounding areas, generating approximately 500 direct jobs, mostly Dominican citizens, contributing to the economic and social growth of the region.
Cayo Levantado Resort’s emphasis on sustainability extends to environmental conservation efforts, including landscaping and revegetation work on the island, paperless check-in, elimination of single-use plastics, and use of clean energy sources such as photovoltaic panels and waste biodigestion system. The resort aims to increase environmental awareness among its guests through programs and activities organized by the Eco Bahía Foundation, fostering a deeper connection with the natural environment.
The opening ceremony was attended by various government authorities, including the Minister of the Environment, the governor, the senator, the mayor of Samaná, the commander of the Navy, the directors of Apordom and Politur, the ambassador of Spain in the Dominican Republic, and representatives of the tourism sector.