SANTO DOMINGO.- Banco Popular Dominicano was recognized with the "Transaction of the Year" award during the 2025 Tourism Investment Forum, granted by the Dominican Republic Hotel and Tourism Association (ASONAHORES) for structuring an operation in alliance with the Meliá Group to acquire a 25% stake in the companies that own the Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa and ZEL by Meliá hotels, located in the country.
Through this structuring carried out by the Investment Banking unit of Banco Popular, the Popular Closed Development Fund, managed by the Popular Investment Fund Administrator (AFI Popular), acquired said participation, which was subscribed by the fund managed by the Popular Pension Fund Administrator (AFP Popular), which demonstrates a strategic synergy between subsidiary companies of the Popular Group to boost Dominican tourism.
In addition to this operation, Banco Popular granted long-term financing of US$17 million to Inversiones Areíto, owned by Meliá Hotels International, intended for the remodeling and launch of the new Hotel ZEL Punta Cana, an exclusive all-inclusive resort with 190 rooms inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle, developed in collaboration with the legendary Spanish tennis player Rafa Nadal.
A milestone for Dominican tourism and investment banking
For these reasons, the transaction led by Banco Popular was highlighted as a firm commitment to premium and sustainable tourism, generating direct and indirect jobs, supporting local suppliers, and developing infrastructure that raises the standard of the Dominican Republic destination.
It was noted that the operation marks a turning point in the way tourism investments are conceived and executed in the country, consolidating the bank as a regional benchmark in financial structuring for the hotel sector.
The award was received by Mr. Juan Manuel Martín de Oliva, Vice President of Business Area and Eastern Zone, who expressed that this recognition "reflects the trust that the sector places in our institution and reaffirms our commitment of more than three decades supporting projects that raise the quality and sustainability of the national tourism offer.".
The transaction also demonstrates a responsible investment model with social, environmental and economic impact, aligned with the sustainability vision of the financial organization and the Meliá Group, strengthening the positioning of the Dominican Republic as a hub for responsible and resilient tourism investment.
Boosting sports and luxury tourism as drivers of diversification
The 2025 edition of this ASONAHORES event, which brought together industry leaders to analyze trends and strategic opportunities, focused on sports tourism, identified as an emerging frontier of economic growth. This tourism segment not only attracts high-profile visitors but also promotes quality jobs and drives the diversification of the country's tourism offerings.
As noted by the president of ASONAHORES, Mr. Juan Bancalari, the expansion of Dominican tourism requires diversification to continue strengthening and consolidating itself as one of the main drivers of the national economy.
