SANTO DOMINGO.– The Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic (Mitur), in collaboration with SITE Global (Society for Incentive Travel Excellence), celebrated the Industry Educational Day, a day dedicated to innovation, learning and connection among leaders of the MICE segment.
The meeting brought together leading international and local professionals from the incentive travel industry, including members of SITE's Global Board of Directors and its executive team, led by Annette Gregg, CEO of SITE, and Nitin Sachdeva, Managing Director of HelmsBriscoe and executive chairman of the meeting.
During the day, participants explored the most relevant topics that are transforming the incentive industry, through a comprehensive academic program that included sessions on the future of incentive travel, technology and artificial intelligence, sustainability and the findings of the Incentive Travel Index 2025.
The program also featured a panel of international buyers, moderated by Bonoit Sauvage, founder and president of Connect DMC, where experts from leading companies shared strategies on how the Dominican Republic can further consolidate its position as a preferred destination for meetings and incentive travel.
The meeting also brought together leading local professionals from the incentive tourism value chain , including renowned hotels, DMCs and specialized suppliers, who took advantage of the opportunity to update themselves on the main global trends, technological tools and sustainable practices that are transforming the industry.
This valuable interaction fostered a direct exchange between international leaders and the Dominican professional community, strengthening strategic alliances and reaffirming the country's commitment to excellence, innovation and sustainable development of the MICE segment, a press release highlights.
Among the participants were Kim Napolitano (Hilton), Benoit Sauvage (Connect DMC), Sidney Alonso (Avant Garde – The DMC Experts), Jennifer Attersall (Wynford), Marina Parra-Flechsig (Weichlein Meetings & Incentives), Rhonda Brewer, Karim El Minabawy (Emeco Travel), Mary Clare Darland (Brightspot) and Marissa Fernández (DMS Destination Marketing Services), among others. leaders of global tourism.
"This meeting represents a valuable opportunity to show the world the Dominican Republic's capacity to host high-level international events and its commitment to excellence, innovation and sustainability in incentive tourism," the document states.
The Industry Educational Day was part of the SITE Executive Summit 2025, a flagship event that since 2004 has toured destinations such as Turkey, Abu Dhabi, Zimbabwe and Oman, promoting the exchange of knowledge and best practices in incentive tourism.
With this edition held in Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic reaffirms its leadership in the Caribbean and its position as a regional benchmark in the MICE segment, offering a unique combination of connectivity, hospitality and authentic experiences that inspire travelers and strengthen the global meetings and incentives industry.
