PUNTA CANA. At 9:30 AM, the voice of veteran broadcaster Nikauly de la Mota was heard in the Fillmore Room of the Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana, announcing that the time had come to start the X Latin American Congress CILA-AEI, which attracted more than 18 countries and around 400 real estate agents from the main Latin American and local brands.
“Good morning, on behalf of AEI and CILA, we extend a warm welcome to an event that will be a turning point. Here you will learn new things, we will discuss innovation, and how to handle potential closures. We have prepared this space for you to enjoy and learn about what's available in the market and what's coming. This real estate sector is changing,” said de la Mota, in his opening remarks.
Nikauly de la Mota, presenter of the CILA-AEI congress.
Alberto Bogaert, president of the Association of Real Estate Agents and Companies (AEI), took to the stage to welcome everyone as the host country. “Good morning, what a joy and an honor to have you in the Dominican Republic. The CILA and AEI congresses have always been spaces for learning, sharing, and growth, but above all, they are a reminder that together we are stronger,” he said.
He said that the real estate sector not only drives economies, but also creates opportunities for people.
Alberto Bagaert, president of AEI.
He was followed by Enrique José Morales, president of the Latin American Real Estate Confederation (CILA), who thanked the hosts for working to make the meeting a reality.
He highlighted the personalities who traveled to the country to participate in the activity such as Alejandro Escudero of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), Rafael Gangi, president of The International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI), as well as leaders from Costa Rica, Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, the United States, among others.
He said that the organization he represents was created to unite entities in Latin America and that it has worked to bring together 18 countries today with more than 221 associations and more than 700,000 real estate brokers throughout the region.
Enrique Morales, president CILA.
Exhibitors
At 9:48, after the broadcast of a video about the opportunities that the country offers for investment in corporate and commercial real estate, Indhira Desangles, a specialist in that area with more than 20 years in the market, advising national and foreign investors, began her presentation.
Indhira Desangles.
“Thank God for being here, I want to welcome you and tell you that when one thinks of the Dominican Republic, one thinks of beaches, sand, and coconut trees,” asking those who are dedicated to marketing real estate to raise their hands, after highlighting that the attractions that the country offers today transcend much more.
In this country, the epicenter of the Caribbean, he said, major business deals are being closed, noting that 20 years ago Punta Cana was just a dream and today it has become the flagship brand of real estate tourism in the country and the world.
Desangles showed those present the corporate and business attractions of the Dominican capital, emphasizing the great transformations that the plazas of Santo Domingo have undergone and the millions of square meters developed for the commercial area.
Vivian Macias, a Cuban born in Florida, was the next speaker. She talked about her career and four generations of agents in her family, highlighting the current state of the market in relation to technological innovation.
Marcos Lovera, from Argentina, continued to deliver powerful statements on stage: “Today we talk about communities. El inmobiliario is a people business, not a house business. We are emotional beings; when passion ignites, reason fades. Experiences must be shared. Your best ally is the one who, in addition to admiring what you do, pushes you to take on challenges. To innovate, you have to be collaborative,” Lovera emphasized.
At 11:46 Tonny Hanna arrived to talk about the Dynamic Properties project in Orlando, Florida.
The NAR presented an award to the AEI for its drive and for having turned Punta Cana into the real estate capital.
Eloy Bohua spoke about the Madrid Real Estate Show, highlighting that it is a comprehensive platform, where the Dominican Republic will be the guest country during 2026.
At 12 pm, a Latin American panel arrived with representatives from Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina to explain to the audience the reasons why it is worthwhile to invest in each of these countries.
After lunch, at 3:20, Nikauly de la Mota got everyone moving their hips to a Juan Luis Guerra merengue, showcasing the joy and rhythm that characterize Dominicans to the international audience. Then Pepe Gutiérrez, an Artificial Intelligence specialist, appeared on stage: “The important thing is to do something every day, even if it’s small, to help build a wonderful world.”.
For more than an hour, the expert introduced those present to the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence, describing the wonders of a tool that has become one of the world's new challenges.
José Cripriani continued the agenda by talking about the challenges for Latino investors in the times of Donald Trump, George Alexander Nader spoke about Miches as a destination, Ramón Luciano explained the essential steps for a safe purchase, while Carlos Rentalo closed the first day of the meeting by discussing the new real estate code, the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
The congress continues this Tuesday with a busy schedule of presentations and networking.
Photos: Fidel Pérez.
