SANTO DOMINGO – As the Dominican capital continues to see a surge in ongoing tourism-related development projects, a top industry executive is laying out a strategic roadmap to turn Santo Domingo into a leading regional destination for shopping tourism. Aguie Lendor, vice president of the Dominican Republic Hotel and Tourism Association (Asonahores), shared his vision in a recent statement, noting that the city has already built a solid foundation to compete in the fast-growing shopping tourism segment, but targeted policy advances and infrastructure upgrades are still needed to unlock its full potential.
One of the most critical priorities on Lendor’s agenda is the formal adoption of tax-free shopping policies for international tourists. He emphasized that gaining official approval from Dominican regulatory bodies is non-negotiable to make this visitor-friendly strategy viable. If implemented, Lendor argued, the tax-free framework would act as a powerful magnet for cross-border travelers, boosting retail spending and accelerating the city’s rise as a central shopping hub for the Caribbean and Latin American region.
Beyond the shopping tourism push, Lendor also offered praise for the current administration’s progress in expanding the country’s MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) tourism sector. He specifically commended President Luis Abinader and Tourism Minister David Collado for their sustained efforts to grow this high-value tourism segment, pointing to the nearly completed Santo Domingo Convention Center as a transformative infrastructure milestone.
While the convention center project is approaching final completion, Lendor stressed that maintaining strict quality and safety standards throughout the remaining construction work is essential. Even if finishing touches take additional time, he said, adhering to top-tier global standards will ensure the venue delivers long-term success and allows the Dominican Republic to compete effectively for major international events in the global MICE market.