Madrid, Spain — Punta Cana City Hall used the global stage of FITUR 2026 in Madrid to reinforce its commitment to showcasing Dominican talent beyond tourism, featuring the book “Before Saying Yes” by author and integrative coach Raquel Salas.
The presentation was held at the municipality’s institutional booth, drawing an international audience for an event that blended a book signing, open conversation with attendees, and a moderated discussion led by Amauris Martínez, Director of International Relations for Punta Cana City Hall.
During the activity, Salas expressed appreciation for the backing she received from local authorities, stressing that initiatives like this go further than promoting Punta Cana solely as a vacation destination.
“Punta Cana is more than beaches and hotels,” Salas said. “It also represents the written word, creative talent, and personal transformation. That diversity deserves international visibility.”
Challenging complacency through awareness
In her remarks, Salas explained that “Before Saying Yes” is rooted in both her personal journey and professional work, and was written to support women navigating self-discovery and empowerment.
“I write for women because I know that what I’ve lived and learned can serve others,” she noted. “Many of us were raised to please, to serve, and to place everyone else first—sometimes at our own expense.”
She added that this conditioning often leads women to feel guilt when setting boundaries or choosing to say “no,” a theme she addresses directly throughout the book.
As an integrative coach, Salas frames change as a process that must be both internal and actionable. For that reason, the book is structured as an introspective guide, incorporating reflection prompts and practical exercises.
“Each chapter includes key questions to help readers identify personal blocks and challenges,” she explained, adding that the book culminates in a 21-day journey focused on awareness and self-discovery.
Punta Cana’s message at FITUR: tourism with culture and purpose
The event concluded with a broader message about Punta Cana’s positioning on the international stage. Martínez emphasized that spotlighting content related to human development at FITUR helps present Punta Cana as a destination connected not only to tourism, but also to culture, critical thinking, and conscious leadership.
About Raquel Salas
Raquel Salas is an author, integrative coach, transformational speaker, and team trainer. She created the Luminea methodology, and is the CEO and founder of Positive Refocus. She also serves as Organizational Development and Culture Coordinator at Dirava Construcciones.
In addition, Salas contributes weekly to El Inmobiliario, where she writes about leadership and organizational culture, and hosts the podcast “Reenfoque Positivo,” focused on personal and professional growth.
