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Santo Domingo.- Frank Rainieri, founder of the Puntacana Group, and David Collado, Minister of Tourism of the Dominican Republic, have been named among the 500 most influential people in Latin America for 2024 by Bloomberg Línea.
Rainieri is recognized for transforming Punta Cana into a premier tourist destination in the Dominican Republic and Central America through his leadership of the Puntacana Group. He stepped down as president in 2021 and passed the role to his son, Frank Elías Rainieri. In early 2024, Rainieri was honored with the title of “Commendatore” of the Order of the Star of the Republic of Italy for his contributions to international relations. He remains at the helm of the Puntacana Group Foundation.
Collado, who has served as Minister of Tourism since 2020, is praised for his role in reviving the Dominican Republic’s tourism industry after COVID-19. Under his leadership, the country welcomed more than 10 million tourists in 2023, making it the second most visited destination in Latin America. Collado has a background in tourism and administration, with additional studies in public policy and digital marketing. He previously served in Congress, as president of the Tourism Commission, and as mayor of the National District. He now chairs the Acción, Emprende y Transforma Foundation and is involved in several business ventures.
Rainieri and Collado are joined on the list by other prominent Dominicans such as Felipe Vicini, Héctor José Rizek Llabaly, Ligia Bonetti Du-Breil, Manuel Alejandro Grullón Viñas and Stephanie Cabral. The list also includes influential figures from Colombia, Brazil, Mexico and Bolivia.