This edition incorporates new technological tools aimed at improving the experience of exhibitors and visitors, as well as reducing the environmental impact of the event
SANTO DOMINGO. The Dominican Republic Hotel and Tourism Association (Asonahores) inaugurated yesterday, Tuesday, at BlueMall Punta Cana, the XXXVIII Asonahores 2026 Trade Show, a space that is consolidating itself as one of the main business platforms between suppliers and companies linked to the tourism sector.
The event, which takes place from September 2nd to 4th, brings together representatives, businesspeople and executives from the hotel and tourism industry, with the participation of more than 300 national and international exhibitors.
Asonahores' executive vice president, Aguie Lendor, highlighted that the Trade Show is approaching four decades of promoting integration between tourism and national production.
He explained that the initiative arose from the vision of a group of hoteliers who understood that the growth of tourism should be accompanied by the development of the local industry and a greater incorporation of Dominican suppliers into the sector's value chain.
Tourism creates opportunities for Dominican companies
Lendor highlighted that, currently, the tourism industry acquires approximately US$3 billion annually in goods and services produced in the country, making the sector one of the main drivers of the national production chain.
“A hotel buys everything: food, industrial products, technology, services, and equipment. Every tourist who arrives in the country generates opportunities for thousands of Dominican companies and creates formal jobs in different communities,” he said.
David Collado highlights Frank Rainieri's legacy
During the opening, the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, highlighted the legacy of the businessman and founder of the Puntacana Group, Frank Rainieri, as well as the importance of this type of initiative for strengthening the Dominican tourism industry.
Collado maintained that the exhibition has become a national benchmark activity and highlighted Rainieri's vision and career as a fundamental part of the development of Punta Cana and the country's international projection.
“I believe in legacy, I believe in good men and women who rise up to see opportunities where others don't. A man with vision, with commitment, with love, with passion, with dedication, accompanied by his family, and he created a national brand that is recognized throughout the world,” he expressed.
Punta Cana strengthens its international presence
In his speech, the official stated that initiatives like this contribute to expanding the Dominican Republic's presence in international markets, especially due to the positioning achieved by Punta Cana as one of the main tourist destinations in the Caribbean.
He noted that the destination is recognized in important source markets, including France, Germany, England, Canada and the United States.
“People are talking about Punta Cana,” Collado said, highlighting the reach the destination has achieved among foreign visitors.
Innovation and digital tools
This edition incorporates new technological tools aimed at improving the experience of exhibitors and visitors, as well as reducing the environmental impact of the event.
The main new features include:
Digital accreditations: streamlined access and registration through the use of QR codes.
Interactive portal: a renewed digital platform that allows you to consult the layout plans and the exhibitor directory in real time.
Sustainability: significant reduction in the use of printed materials, replaced by digital solutions to decrease the environmental footprint of the fair.
Spaces for business and training
The event also includes areas designed to facilitate business exchange and professional development for participants.
Renovated business lounge: an exclusive space optimized for strategic meetings and closing business deals.
Business meetings: scheduled meetings between buyers in the hotel sector and local suppliers.
Specialized conferences: panels and talks on sustainability, technological innovation, legal regulations, culture and international tourism trends.
Promotion of Dominican talent and culture
As part of its commitment to local development, the fair maintains the Artisans' Pavilion, an initiative that for more than a decade has promoted the work of Dominican artisans.
This space allows the country's cultural expressions and artisanal production to connect with important operators and companies in the tourism industry, thus strengthening the presence of Dominican identity within one of the most relevant sectors of the national economy.
Foundation and trajectory
The Dominican Republic Hotel and Tourism Association (Asonahores) was founded on June 18, 1962, with the purpose of representing and strengthening the national tourism sector.
The organization was originally called the National Association of Hotels and Restaurants, a name it retained until 2010, when it adopted its current name to broaden its representation to include the various segments of the tourism industry. Despite the change, it kept the acronym Asonahores.
Among its main functions is to represent the interests of hotels, restaurants, tourism companies and related sectors before the Dominican Government and international organizations, promoting initiatives that contribute to the growth of tourism activity.
The association also plays a role in promoting sustainable development, competitiveness and collaboration between the public and private sectors, through proposals, meetings and activities aimed at strengthening the industry.
A platform for doing business
Among its main initiatives is the Asonahores Trade Show, one of the most important events for connecting suppliers and companies in the hotel and tourism sector. It also serves as a platform for generating business opportunities, fostering partnerships, and showcasing new industry trends.
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