By Escarlin Pozo
El Inmobiliario
SANTO DOMINGO – The Punta Bergantín project in the province of Puerto Plata has demonstrated that tourism can be an engine of transformation for a region. Through the implementation of public policies, the economy can be revitalized and new development opportunities generated.
This was announced by its executive director, Andrés Marranzini Grullón, who stated that this proposal is part of a comprehensive strategy that aims to continue promoting tourism, hotel and real estate development in the northern region of the country.
“Punta Bergantín represents a set of opportunities as a destination, unlike any other because it incorporates a traditionally tourist city like Puerto Plata, which allows for the efficient establishment of development strategies for the area based on a positioning program that covers different aspects that make it possible to implement tools that promote the progress of the community and the region,” he stated.
Andrés Marranzini Grullón, executive director of the project. (External source).
One of its key features is its innovative real estate offering, which stands out for its size and unique characteristics. The aim is to incorporate world-class accommodations to ensure a safe and enjoyable stay.
Andrés Marranzini explained that, with the integration of prestigious North American hotel brands, these spaces will be focused on attracting tourists from the East Coast of the United States.
He explained that Punta Bergantín is a megaproject that involved the creation of a relaunch committee by the government. This team designed the actions and the different phases in which the rooms will be built.
He also stated that the project's impact was studied at a general level, that is, how it will impact the Dominican Republic and key places such as Puerto Plata, Villa Montellano, Sosúa and Cabarete.
“This recovery also includes a stimulus strategy aimed at airlines, or airline seats, reinforced by the marketing positioning of the destination that generates demand for when the rooms are ready,” he explained in an interview with El Inmobiliario.
Based on this information, he indicated that the development contemplates an increase in the arrival of 300,000 passengers destined for this region.
Another important aspect that will be addressed is the transformation of the culture in the community of Villa Montellano, as it is considered one of its key areas.
He stated that, given the town's historical economic base in sugar production, the actions will focus on transforming its vocation towards tourism.
“Improvements have been planned to develop with the ecosystem of suppliers who will provide services to the different efforts that will be carried out within the property, who will have support from the point of view of their training, and identification of their strengths and capabilities,” Marranzini stated.
Sustainability
Speaking about sustainability, he explained that the creation of a nursery for native plants is planned with the mission of recovering any flora that may be affected during construction.
Regarding the mangrove wetlands and water features, he indicated that they will be incorporated into the design and, therefore, will be fully preserved. He also mentioned that a coral reef restoration program will be implemented off Punta Bergantín.
A regulated development
Andrés Marranzini announced that the new destination in the northern region is part of a plan approved by the Planning Directorate and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, and is classified as an urbanistically regulated development.
He specified that the project covers a plot of land of approximately 10 million square meters. It will feature six five-star hotels with a total of 4,500 rooms. It will also offer 1,500 vacation units and 2,500 mixed-use units, in addition to an innovation center designed to attract both digital nomads and local and international technology companies.
Additionally, he detailed that the renowned international firm One Race Films, led by actor and producer Vin Diesel, is carrying out the creation of a film studio within the complex.
Currently, the project is in its first phase of development, which includes 2,100 hotel rooms. Construction has already begun on the 800-room Hyatt Zilara, and the Hyatt Ziva will be added soon; both will be operated by the Martinón Group.
He specified that the construction of a Meliá hotel will also begin in the coming months, the result of a joint investment between Grupo Puntacana and the Escarrer family, operated by Meliá Group.
Marranzini also mentioned that the first phase includes the development of 300 lots, some with houses already built and others sold as lots, as well as 300 apartments overlooking the golf course and the sea.
This real estate development is part of a plan that should be completed between 2028 and 2029, generating around 11,000 direct jobs and up to 25,000 total jobs, which will boost the economy, tourism and sustainable development of the region.
Originally published in the 8th edition of El Inmobiliario print magazine.
