The Dominican Republic’s Hotel and Tourism Association, known as Asonahores, has wrapped up the XXXVI edition of its Trade Show. The event was attended by a crowd of 7,500, aimed at fostering the growth of the production line and boosting the business connections of all sectors within the tourism industry.
Asonahores’ president, David Llibre, voiced that this platform has grown to become the biggest indoor trade fair within the country and the Caribbean area. It is a means of facilitating the sustainable expansion of the industry.
Llibre stated, “The steady progression of tourism is not just made possible by the hotel service, but also by other factors such as comfortable beds, magnificent structures and designs, delicious fruits and agricultural goods, Dominican Rum, tobacco, restaurants, excursions, and innumerable other products and services. All these complete the pleasurable experiences of our tourists.”
Asonahores’ executive vice president, Aguie Lendor, indicated that during the Trade Show’s 3-day period, 166 companies exhibited their range of essential products and services. These offerings are crucial for initiating and developing tourism and gastronomic ventures nationwide.
Lendor elaborated, “This event has been the most significant business platform for suppliers in the industry. There were around 316 stands, and new companies made up 20% of the participants. They seized this opportunity to showcase their products and services to the tourism sector.”
He mentioned that 80% of the companies that took part in 2023 were also present in 2024. This demonstrates the relevance of this platform to the tourism sector’s production line.
The information shared noted that during the event, an opportunity to participate was given to women-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (MiPyMesdeMujeres). Through the “Superate” program, these artisans and plastic artists were able to sell their products. Workshops were also organized, supported by specialized consultants focusing on tourism operations with management aimed at compliance, quality, sustainable management, and risk mitigation.
The Ministry of Tourism gave their support to the Asonahores Trade Show, along with various other renowned organizations. These include Punta Cana – Macao Energy Consortium, CEPM; Dominican Popular Bank; INTESOL CORPORATION; Banreservas; INDUBAN; Dominican course; Therrestra; Novotecnic Dominicana; BHD Bank; SGC, Services, Guarantee and Quality; Blue Planet; Banco López de Haro and Constructora del País, CODELPA.
In addition, there were several other supporters, such as Dominican Importer of Wood, IMDOMACA; Finishes and Paints, Sherwin-Williams Paints; Viega; Vertex; Aquasport; Reid & Company; Trucks; BM Cargo; NTD Ingredients; Oldach Trading; INTELCA; Induveca; Puntacana Group; Nestlé Dominicana; TCO Networks; Equimax; National Institute of Vocational Technical Training, INFOTEP; Dominican IMCA; Bii Dominicana; Servex Dominicana; McCain Foods Limited; DMK Lawyers; QA Legal and Michel Abreú Abogados.