Carib Scope

标签： Dominican Republic

多米尼加共和国

  • Abinader attends Shield of the Americas meeting alongside regional leaders

    Abinader attends Shield of the Americas meeting alongside regional leaders

    NEW YORK — As Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader continues his diplomatic schedule on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, he took part in a high-level session Tuesday focused on the Shield of the Americas, a regional security initiative spearheaded by U.S. President Donald Trump that brings together leaders and diplomatic representatives from across the Western Hemisphere.

    Before the formal meeting kicked off, Abinader held informal discussions with a group of regional political leaders, including Chilean President José Antonio Kast, Paraguayan President Santiago Peña, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, Argentine President Javier Milei, Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz, and prominent Peruvian opposition leader Keiko Fujimori. The gathering gave leaders a chance to exchange informal greetings and pose for photographs ahead of the structured working session.

    The Shield of the Americas initiative was created to address a growing shared challenge across the Americas: the rise of drug trafficking, violent cartel activity, and transnational organized crime. It aims to deepen cross-border coordination and cooperative action to disrupt these criminal networks. The Dominican Republic was an early participant in the initiative, joining the first summit held in Miami this past March, where Abinader added his signature to a proclamation formally establishing a regional coalition dedicated to countering the influence and power of drug cartels.

    Accompanying Abinader on his New York trip is Víctor “Ito” Bisonó, the Dominican Republic’s Foreign Minister. The Shield of the Americas meeting is just one stop on a packed international agenda that also includes a series of bilateral meetings focused on expanding cooperation, boosting bilateral trade, attracting new foreign investment, and advancing sustainable development priorities for the Caribbean nation.

    Looking ahead to Wednesday, Abinader is scheduled to deliver his address to the full 81st UN General Assembly, one of the most anticipated moments of his New York visit. Later that same day, per an announcement from the Dominican Presidency, he is set to receive the Gold Insigne of the Americas Society, marking the first time a sitting Dominican head of state has been honored with this prestigious distinction from the inter-American organization.

  • SDQ MICE 2026 brings 50 international buyers to explore Dominican tourism

    SDQ MICE 2026 brings 50 international buyers to explore Dominican tourism

    The Dominican Republic’s capital, Santo Domingo, has opened the sixth iteration of its flagship MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events) industry gathering SDQ MICE 2026, an initiative designed to cement the nation’s standing as a top global MICE destination through targeted business networking, hands-on destination exploration, and industry capacity building.

    Organized by the Santo Domingo Hotel Association (AHSD), the 2026 edition brings together 50 vetted international buyers from 11 key global markets—including the United States, United Kingdom, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Panama, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Ecuador, and Puerto Rico—alongside more than 50 Dominican tourism operators representing leading destinations across the country: Santo Domingo, Santiago, Juan Dolio, Puerto Plata, and the renowned beach resort hub Punta Cana. Over the course of the event, the two groups are scheduled to hold more than 1,000 one-on-one business-to-business meetings, laying the groundwork for new partnerships and future event bookings.

    In her opening remarks, AHSD President Gina Eli emphasized that the core mission of the event is to let international decision-makers experience firsthand the diverse tourism infrastructure and hospitality offerings that make Santo Domingo an attractive MICE host, rather than just marketing the destination from afar. By facilitating direct engagement, the association aims to shift international perceptions and strengthen the capital’s reputation as a competitive, accessible MICE location.

    The multi-faceted event agenda blends structured deal-making, professional development, and immersive cultural experiences. Beyond the core B2B meeting schedule, participants can access academic training sessions, industry networking opportunities, and guided visits to top local attractions, including the UNESCO-listed Colonial City, Santo Domingo Bay, and the coastal Boca Chica region. To showcase the Dominican Republic’s ability to host multi-city MICE itineraries, the event will wrap up with an official post-event tour of Punta Cana, highlighting the nation’s range of offerings from cultural city breaks to tropical beach getaways.

    A key strategic component of this year’s SDQ MICE is a new partnership with global industry firm MICE Consulting, focused on refining the destination’s long-term MICE strategy, boosting its international brand visibility, and unlocking new global business opportunities. The academic track features a keynote address from Martin Boyle, CEO of the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO), who will break down emerging global industry standards and the evolving factors that influence event organizers’ destination selection decisions.

    Beyond business development, SDQ MICE 2026 places significant focus on two critical priorities for the global tourism sector: sustainability and emerging talent development. For sustainability, AHSD highlighted the ongoing impact of its Ruta PET initiative, a recycling program operated across 16 local hotels that has already trained more than 350 hospitality employees in sustainable waste management and recovered 7.25 tons (over 14,500 pounds) of recyclable PET plastic. The event also showcases the Future Leaders program, which creates pathways for local university students to enter the MICE industry by connecting them with seasoned professionals through educational workshops and networking engagements.

    To give international buyers a deeper look at the Colonial City’s unique appeal, organizers have planned a special Experiential Rally that lets participants explore the district’s centuries of history, cultural heritage, diverse local gastronomy, vibrant visual and performing arts, traditional music, and renowned Dominican hospitality firsthand.

    SDQ MICE 2026 counts the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) as its main sponsor and strategic ally, with additional support from a coalition of leading tourism industry bodies including the Santo Domingo Tourism Cluster, Turenlaces, OPETUR MICE, Adompretur, and Turio, among other local and national sector partners. Ultimately, the event aims to turn new business connections and first-hand impressions into tangible long-term opportunities, not just for Santo Domingo, but for the entire Dominican Republic’s MICE sector as it competes for a larger share of the global events market.

  • Abinader says Meta RD 2036 is advancing toward goal of doubling economy by 2036

    Abinader says Meta RD 2036 is advancing toward goal of doubling economy by 2036

    NEW YORK — Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader announced Tuesday that the country’s landmark public-private development partnership, Meta RD 2036, is hitting key milestones as the nation works toward its ambitious goal of doubling the national economy by 2036. Speaking to members of the press following the close of the International Forum Meta RD 2036 for Full Development, Abinader outlined how the cross-sector initiative has evolved into a recurring coordination mechanism, bringing public and private stakeholders together each month to assess progress, unmet needs, and policy adjustments required to keep the 15-year development strategy on track.

    In highlighting the initiative’s early successes, Abinader pointed to notable reductions in national poverty levels. Official data shows the country’s poverty rate dropped sharply from 25.9% in 2019 to 17% as of last year, with continued downward projections for 2024. Beyond domestic economic and social progress, the president also shared a major international recognition for the Dominican Republic’s food security gains: the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) will formally honor the country for meeting the UN’s Zero Hunger target.

    The official award ceremony and certificate presentation will take place on October 10 in Rome, Italy. FAO has already verified that the Dominican Republic has cut the population share experiencing undernourishment to below the global threshold that the UN body uses to define widespread hunger, marking a critical win for the country’s public health and social development efforts. This dual progress on economic expansion and food security positions the Dominican Republic as a case study in aligned long-term planning and inclusive development.

  • Cap Cana brings together sport and luxury at Imperial Polo Cup

    Cap Cana brings together sport and luxury at Imperial Polo Cup

    CAP CANA – The sun-drenched polo fields of Cap Cana drew the curtain on the 2024 summer equestrian season on a high note, as the annual Imperial Polo Cup brought together top-ranked players, distinguished guests and passionate equestrian sports fans for an afternoon that blended elite athletic competition, luxury hospitality and world-class leisure experiences. What began as a routine seasonal finale quickly transformed into a memorable showcase of Cap Cana’s growing reputation as a premium destination for high-end lifestyle and sporting events, with every element of the day tailored to combine competitive edge with relaxed, elegant social connection.

    From the first throw-in to the final whistle, the atmosphere on and off the field crackled with energy. Two elite teams, sponsored by co-hosts The St. Regis Cap Cana and Ron Barceló’s Barceló Imperial, faced off in what would become one of the most tightly contested matches of the entire summer season. The St. Regis roster was anchored by captain Roberto García Bisonó, alongside teammates Pedro Castillo (Jr.), José Cedano and José Calazans, while Barceló Imperial countered with a lineup led by captain Robbie García, featuring Ricardo Tirado, Mauricio Bogaert and Rafa García. For nearly the entire match, neither side could gain a decisive upper hand; the score remained deadlocked through the final minutes of regulation, and when the final horn sounded, the two teams finished all square at eight goals apiece.

    Off the pitch, the event offered far more than just athletic competition, leaning into polo’s longstanding reputation as a hub for luxury social gathering. Guests spread out along the edge of the field, soaking in the warm coastal breeze while admiring the power of competing horses and the precise skill of the professional players. Complementing the on-field action was a curated lineup of culinary and hospitality experiences, highlighted by a standout ceremonial moment that became the talking point of the afternoon: a traditional Perrier-Jouët champagne sabrage demonstration performed by The St. Regis Cap Cana’s team of hospitality experts. The centuries-old bottle-opening technique, which uses a saber to cleanly sever the neck of a champagne bottle, added a dramatic, elegant flourish to the celebration, fitting seamlessly into the festive, refined tone of the day. Guests mingled between chukkers, sampling champagne, catching up with friends and enjoying the world-class hospitality that Cap Cana has become known for.

    Organized by event producer Pedro Castillo Jiménez and co-sponsored by Ron Barceló and The St. Regis Cap Cana, the 2024 Imperial Polo Cup officially closed out the destination’s summer polo calendar. Beyond the match itself, the event solidified polo’s central role in Cap Cana’s lineup of recreational, social and lifestyle experiences, reinforcing the region’s standing as a leading destination for elite equestrian sports and luxury leisure for visitors from around the globe.

  • Wingo and Flair Airlines add new international routes from Puerto Plata

    Wingo and Flair Airlines add new international routes from Puerto Plata

    The Dominican Republic’s Gregorio Luperón International Airport, located in Puerto Plata, is set to boost its global flight network with two new sets of direct international services launching in the 2026-2027 winter travel season, according to official confirmation from Aerodom, the airport’s managing operator that falls under the global Vinci Airports group.

    Colombian low-cost carrier Wingo will pioneer the first of the new connections, launching a weekly twice direct flight between Puerto Plata and Colombia’s capital Bogotá starting October 6, 2026. This scheduled service will run continuously through January 25, 2027, and is projected to offer a total of roughly 8,900 passenger seats throughout the winter season, matching the peak period of travel demand to the Caribbean region.

    A second new entrant to the airport’s route network is Canadian low-cost airline Flair Airlines, which will add Puerto Plata as a destination for the first time in its operating history. Flair’s first route, connecting Montreal and Puerto Plata, will commence operations on December 18, running twice per week. Just one day later, on December 19, the carrier will launch a second weekly twice service linking Toronto Pearson International Airport directly to Gregorio Luperón International Airport.

    Industry stakeholders project that these new route additions will deliver widespread benefits across the northern Dominican Republic. Beyond strengthening direct air links between Puerto Plata and two high-priority international travel markets, the new services will open up far more convenient travel options for local residents across Puerto Plata, the North region, Santiago and the broader Cibao valley. For the Dominican tourism sector, the links are also expected to drive a steady increase in the arrival of international visitors to Puerto Plata and other popular tourist destinations along the country’s scenic northern coastline.

    Aerodom publicly acknowledged the collective work of multiple cross-sector partners that made the new route expansion possible, naming the Dominican Civil Aviation Board (JAC), the country’s Ministry of Tourism, Wingo, Flair Airlines, Colombian tourism promotion authority ProColombia, and local Dominican tourism industry organizations for their collaborative partnership in advancing the new connections.

    This expansion of route connectivity forms part of Aerodom and Vinci Airports’ long-term, ongoing strategic initiative to grow the overall flight network of Gregorio Luperón International Airport. The overarching goal of the work is to deepen Puerto Plata’s tourism and commercial integration with key international markets, supporting sustained economic growth across the region.

  • Interactive flight simulators to debut at Santo Domingo International Book Fair 2026

    Interactive flight simulators to debut at Santo Domingo International Book Fair 2026

    This fall, book lovers and aviation enthusiasts alike will get a one-of-a-kind hands-on experience when the 28th Santo Domingo International Book Fair opens its doors, blending the world of literature with the excitement of commercial flight. Running from September 24 to October 4 at Santo Domingo’s iconic Plaza de la Cultura, this year’s event adds an unexpected interactive attraction courtesy of the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC): a custom-built public pavilion featuring two fully functional flight simulators that let visitors step into the pilot’s seat for a simulated flying experience.

    Organized by the Dominican Ministry of Culture, the 2025 book fair carries a special thematic focus, honoring celebrated Dominican poet and essayist José Mármol, with Panama tapped as the event’s guest country of honor. Preceding the public opening, an official inauguration ceremony will be held at the National Theater on September 23, with public access kicking off the next day— which falls this year on a national public holiday, expected to draw a large first-day crowd.

    The aviation exhibit at the Santo Domingo fair builds on the overwhelming success of a similar activation at the Northern Region Book Fair held in Santiago this past April. Organizers of that regional event reported that more than 10,000 attendees stopped by the aviation display, proving strong public interest in the interactive fusion of culture and industry outreach.

    Beyond the thrill of flying the simulators, the pavilion also serves an educational purpose. Staff from IDAC and the Higher Academy of Aeronautical Sciences (ASCA), a regional aviation training institution formally recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), will be on-site throughout the fair to offer personalized career guidance for attendees interested in joining the aviation workforce. Counselors will share detailed information about specialized technical degree programs in high-demand fields including air traffic control and aeronautical management.

    The outreach initiative aligns with the rapid growth of the Dominican Republic’s civil aviation sector. Official data shows the country’s aviation market handled more than 20 million total passengers across 217,620 commercial and general aviation flight operations in 2025, creating a expanding need for new skilled workers across all segments of the industry. Event organizers say the exhibit is designed not just to entertain fair attendees, but also to shine a spotlight on the diverse, growing career opportunities available for local workers in this dynamic sector.

  • Dominican and Chinese tobacco industries begin commercial dialogue in Tamboril

    Dominican and Chinese tobacco industries begin commercial dialogue in Tamboril

    In a major milestone for cross-border tobacco industry collaboration, the Dominican Republic’s tobacco sector kicked off a new partnership initiative this Tuesday, hosting a 20-plus member delegation of Chinese business leaders in Tamboril. The gathering, centered on opening formal commercial dialog between local leading tobacco producer Tabacalera El Artista and China Tobacco International (Hong Kong) Company Limited (CTI Hong Kong), was held at the Tamboril Municipal Library, drawing a wide range of attendees including industry representatives, senior local government officials, and leaders of agricultural development and financing institutions.

    Tabacalera El Artista President Radhamés Rodríguez framed the visiting delegation’s trip as the official starting point for bilateral discussions focused on unlocking mutually beneficial business and collaboration opportunities between the Dominican and Chinese tobacco sectors. During the event, Radhamés Rodríguez Jr., a member of the company’s leadership, walked attendees through the firm’s 65-year legacy of premium tobacco production, before detailing its strategic roadmap to upgrade production workflows through advanced technological integration and rigorous global quality standards.

    At the core of this new partnership is a formal memorandum of understanding that outlines a comprehensive framework for collaboration spanning multiple key areas: bilateral commercial and technical exchanges, raw material development, joint research and development, new product innovation, and coordinated international marketing expansion.

    Under the terms of the agreement, the partnership unlocks unique mutual advantages for both parties. CTI Hong Kong gains the right to produce cigars carrying the well-established El Artista brand for targeted international markets, while Tabacalera El Artista can leverage proven production models and operational frameworks from its Chinese partner to refine its own product lines.

    Rodríguez emphasized that this combination of complementary strengths creates a powerful foundation for joint growth. The Dominican Republic brings decades of world-renowned expertise in crafting premium cigars, while China contributes advanced industrial infrastructure, cutting-edge technological capabilities, and extensive global commercial networks. Together, the partners are positioned to expand their collective footprint and gain broader access to high-demand markets across the globe.

    The Chinese delegation was formally welcomed by a cross-section of senior Dominican officials, including Santiago Mayor Ulises Rodríguez, Tamboril Mayor Anyolino Germosén, Executive Director of the Dominican Tobacco Institute (INTABACO) Iván Hernández, and Agricultural Bank representative Gissel Quezada, alongside dozens of other industry and public sector stakeholders.

    With more than six and a half decades of experience shaping the Dominican premium tobacco industry, Tabacalera El Artista views this strategic partnership as a key lever to expand its global market presence, while forging deeper, more productive commercial and technical ties between the broader Dominican tobacco sector and the world’s largest consumer market, China.

  • Three suspects in custody over attack that killed Julián Oro Duro’s wife

    Three suspects in custody over attack that killed Julián Oro Duro’s wife

    On a violent early morning in the eastern Dominican Republic’s capital metro area, a prominent merengue performer has survived a deadly home invasion that claimed the life of his spouse, with law enforcement announcing this week that three people are now in custody connected to the attack.

    The victimized artist, Gilberto Julián Sarante Perdomo — known professionally by his stage name Julián Oro Duro — was assaulted alongside his 60-year-old wife Zeneida Socorro Castillo at their private residence in Santo Domingo Este’s Brisa Oriental VI neighborhood. The attack unfolded shortly after 1 a.m. local time on Monday, September 21, with a 911 emergency call placed at 1:05 a.m. alerting first responders to the incident. Police and emergency medical teams were dispatched to the scene immediately after the alert.

    Authorities confirmed that Castillo suffered fatal injuries in the assault and was pronounced dead, while Julián Oro Duro sustained severe blunt trauma and was rushed to a local medical facility for urgent treatment.

    As of Wednesday, the National Police confirmed that three people have been taken into custody as part of the active investigation. The only publicly identified suspect is Kevin Daniel Germán Troncoso, who goes by the alias “Yandel.” Law enforcement had issued an active arrest warrant for Germán Troncoso after naming him as a suspected participant in the attack, and he turned himself in at approximately 3 a.m. Wednesday at the Los Mina police station in Santo Domingo Este. Two additional people were already in custody when he surrendered, bringing the total number of detainees to three.

    National Police spokesperson Colonel Diego Pesqueira explained that the identities of the two other detainees are being withheld at this stage of the investigation. The case is being carried out in close coordination with the Public Prosecutor’s Office, and investigators have not yet publicly confirmed all details of how the two attackers gained entry to the residence, nor the full chronological sequence of the attack.

    Investigative teams are currently working to map out the specific alleged role of each detainee, clarify the motive behind the assault, and formalize legal responsibilities for any parties found responsible. All allegations against the three detained individuals remain unproven in court, and the investigation is still ongoing.

  • Abinader highlights poverty reduction and record exports in UN address

    Abinader highlights poverty reduction and record exports in UN address

    NEW YORK – Speaking on the floor of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly Wednesday, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader laid out the significant social and economic gains his nation has achieved over recent years, while pressing for urgent global collective action to address shared cross-border challenges ranging from climate vulnerability to systemic global inequality.

    Leading with domestic achievements, Abinader outlined dramatic progress in advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger. The country cut monetary poverty nearly in half, dropping from 25.8% in 2019 to just 14.6% in the first half of 2026. Even more notably, the Dominican Republic met its Zero Hunger target two full years ahead of its 2028 deadline, and was removed from the international list of countries grappling with the most severe hunger levels. The Food and Agriculture Organization will formally recognize the nation for this milestone at an October 10 ceremony in Rome, as confirmed by the Dominican government.

    Abinader also detailed robust economic momentum across key sectors. For four consecutive years, the country has attracted over $4 billion in annual foreign direct investment, with the 2025 total exceeding $5 billion – a clear signal of international market confidence in the Dominican economy. Exports hit an all-time high of nearly $16 billion, while the nation’s critical tourism sector continues to outpace pre-pandemic performance: visitor arrivals grew from 7.5 million in 2019 and are on track to cross the 12 million mark by the end of 2026, driving job creation and broad-based economic growth.

    Beyond reporting on domestic progress, Abinader called for a fundamental shift in how the global community measures national development and access to financing. He argued that relying solely on gross domestic product as the core metric for development is outdated, and that per-capita income alone should not determine whether a country qualifies for low-interest concessional financing. Instead, he urged global leaders to finalize the reform process initiated through the UN’s Pact for the Future, and adopt new common metrics that account for the multidimensional vulnerabilities facing many developing nations. He specifically called on major international financial institutions to integrate the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index into their funding decision-making.

    Turning to climate threats, Abinader underscored that climate change and accelerating sea-level rise are not distant future risks for small island developing states like the Dominican Republic, but a daily lived reality. He welcomed the recent UN adoption of a global declaration on sea-level rise, and highlighted the persistent regional challenge of invasive sargassum blooms, which disrupt coastal ecosystems, harm local communities, and threaten the Caribbean’s tourism-dependent economies. Abinader also noted that the Dominican Republic has taken proactive steps to protect global marine resources, having completed ratification of the High Seas Treaty, the landmark agreement governing marine biodiversity in areas outside national jurisdictions.

    On broader global conflicts and cooperation, Abinader called for unity, calm, and deliberate diplomacy to address the world’s most pressing crises. He noted that ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East have driven sharp increases in global food and energy prices, a shock that hits small import-dependent nations like the Dominican Republic disproportionately hard. He called for immediate de-escalation of tensions, respect for the principle of freedom of navigation, and a commitment to resolving all international disputes through diplomatic dialogue. Finally, Abinader reiterated his call for a reformed United Nations that is more representative of the global population, more efficient in its operations, and more responsive to the needs of developing nations. Emphasizing the accelerating pace of global change, he noted that “The future is no longer something that is perceived in the long term,” arguing that rapid shifts in technology, economics, and the climate demand urgent, coordinated action from global leaders in the present.

  • Dominican Republic and Greece sign MOU to expand economic cooperation

    Dominican Republic and Greece sign MOU to expand economic cooperation

    On the margins of the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Dominican Republic has advanced a slate of key diplomatic engagements, forging new economic partnerships and advancing collaborative education projects with global partners.

    In one of the most significant announcements, the Caribbean nation and Greece formalized a new bilateral agreement, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at deepening cross-border economic connections, boosting two-way trade and investment flows, and bolstering resilient shared supply chains. The document was officially signed by Dominican Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó and his Greek counterpart Giorgos Gerapetritis, establishing a formal structural foundation for future collaboration between the two governments. As part of the agreement, the two countries will launch a Joint Working Group tasked with identifying new mechanisms to expand economic links, streamline cross-sector information sharing, and exchange policy strategies and stakeholder perspectives across both public and private industries.

    Beyond the agreement with Greece, Minister Bisonó packed his New York diplomatic schedule with additional high-level bilateral talks. He held a productive meeting with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, where the pair covered a broad range of mutual priorities. These included support and policy coordination for the large Dominican diaspora community residing in Italy, alignment on regional and global energy policy agendas, expansion of bilateral tourism cooperation, and exploration of untapped opportunities to grow trade and economic ties between the two nations.

    Another key diplomatic engagement for the Dominican delegation centered on global education cooperation. Minister Bisonó joined Dominican President Luis Abinader for a high-level meeting with UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany. During the discussion, the two sides explored a forward-looking plan to launch a new specialized institute at the Dominican Republic’s Punta Bergantín Innovation Center, with a core mission of expanding access to and quality of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education across the country. If advanced, the proposed initiative will draw on the successful framework of an existing UNESCO model currently under development in Shanghai, China, adapting proven approaches to meet the Caribbean nation’s specific education and development goals.