Punta Cana.- A group of local and international experts gathered in this town to examine the main issues currently concerning the tourism industry. The focus was on the comparison between the traditional hotel model and the emerging vacation rental industry through digital platforms.
The professional group participated in the First “GC Tourism and Real Estate Round Table” in the Dominican Republic. It consisted of legal directors from important brands in the sector, executive directors of relevant associations, and UNWTO consultants.
The event, organized by Quiroz Advisors-QA Legal, a prominent law firm specialized in the country’s tourism and real estate sector, in association with The Legal 500, a renowned London publisher, holds these round tables in multiple countries.
Topics addressed included the evolution, challenges, and opportunities of the hotel and vacation rental industry. They also discussed the legal and regulatory framework for hotels and vacation rentals, competition, and challenges. Additionally, expectations and concerns regarding the Draft Regulation of the Territorial Planning Law were discussed.
They also explored topics related to special tax regimes, consumer protection and security, data protection, cybersecurity, technology and innovation’s impact, sustainability aspects, solid waste management, greenhouse gas emissions, and the sargassum phenomenon as a significant challenge for tourism.
The round table was moderated by José A. Quiroz, managing partner of QA Legal. Legal directors from companies like Grupo Punta Cana, Central Romana (Casa de Campo), Cap Cana, Grupo Piñero, Meliá Hotels International, Coral Hospitality Corporation, Hard Rock Hotels & Casino, Hotel Embajador – Royal Hideaway, Grupo Iberostar, and Playa Grande participated.
The event had the special participation of Dr. Julio Facal, consultant to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Of Counsel for International Tourism at QA Legal. The executive and legal directors of relevant associations in these sectors, including Andrés Marranzini and Alba Russo, also participated. They represented ASONAHORES.
Jorge Subero, president of the Dominican Association of Real Estate Tourism Companies (ADETI); Sarah Peña David, executive director of the Dominican Restaurant Association (ADERES); and Annerys Meléndez, president of the Association of Housing Builders and Developers (ACOPROVI), were also involved.
“This event undoubtedly marks a milestone for the tourism and real estate sector of the Dominican Republic,” highlighted Quiroz. The expert emphasized the need for consensus and collaboration to promote necessary actions, support competent authorities, unions, and businessmen in regulatory matters, and generate proposals for solutions to the current challenges of the tourism and real estate industry. This aims to preserve and sustainably grow the country’s crucial sector of the economy, which is Dominican Tourism.