The selection of the Group will pave the way for phase III of tourism development./External source.
SANTO DOMINGO.–The executive director of the Pro-Pedernales Trust, Sigmund Freund, explained that after an exhaustive technical and financial evaluation carried out by the Trust's Strategic Partner Selection Committee, Grupo Puntacana was selected as a minority and strategic partner of the Dominican State for the development, operation and maintenance of the new Cabo Rojo tourist destination in Pedernales.
The committee recommended awarding the contract to the consortium because it submitted the best proposal and met all the requirements established in the Reference Competitive Process No. FID-SE-0001.
"Following a rigorous national and international bidding process, the Pro-Pedernales Trust Administrative Committee approved the selection of the Cabo Rojo Consortium, headed by the Puntacana Group, as a minority and strategic partner of the Dominican State for the development, operation and maintenance of the new Cabo Rojo tourist destination in Pedernales," a press release states.
Freund highlighted the transparency of this competitive process, which offered opportunities for participation to both national and international investors, and in which three consortia or investment companies expressed interest.
He added that the entry of a strategic partner guarantees the continuity and sustainability of the project, but also its positive impact on the entire Southern region through the improvement of the population's quality of life, the creation of new businesses and direct and indirect jobs with the development of commerce and works that will be of great benefit to the communities near the project.
Extensive track record
The proposal from the Puntacana Group, leader of the winning consortium, was valued for its extensive experience in developing world-class tourist destinations and its technical expertise, which will allow the country's tourism offerings to be expanded and project the Southern region as an international quality destination, it highlights.
“The Cabo Rojo Consortium was awarded the contract for meeting the required selection criteria. The fundamental importance of this process lies in the multiple social and economic benefits that the development of Cabo Rojo will bring, located in the Pedernales tourist area. We expect the Cabo Rojo Consortium to contribute not only tangible benefits but also its experience and management expertise to the region,” Freund emphasized during the announcement of the award.
Authorizes phase III
With the approval of this award, the Pro-Pedernales Trust Administrative Committee also authorized the start of Phase III of the FID-SE-0001 process, which includes the negotiation and signing of contracts between the Dominican State, through the trust, and the Cabo Rojo Consortium.
He emphasized that this step constitutes a fundamental milestone in the consolidation of the Cabo Rojo tourist destination, a project that is expected to transform the entire Southern region, boost the regional economy and expand the national tourism offer with high standards of sustainability and inclusion.
It notes that the awarding of the minority and strategic partner marks the beginning of a new stage in the process of executing the Cabo Rojo-Pedernales destination, framed within a vision of inclusive, orderly development that respects the natural environment.
This partnership between the public and private sectors aims to boost the regional economy, attract investment, generate formal employment, and position Cabo Rojo as a leading tourist destination in the Caribbean.
Pioneer
The Punta Cana Group is a pioneer in responsible tourism practices in the Dominican Republic and its integration into the Cabo Rojo project represents a guarantee of quality, sustainability and international projection.
This meeting of the Pro-Pedernales Trust Administrative Committee was attended by the ministers José Ignacio Paliza, of the Presidency; Sigmund Freund, of Public Administration and executive director of the Pro-Pedernales Trust; Jochy Vicente, of Finance; Eduardo Estrella, of Public Works and Paíno Henríquez, of Environment.
Also present were Alexis Cruz Rodríguez, from the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development; Andrés Lugo Risk, Director of Public-Private Partnerships; and Andrés Vander Horst Álvarez, Trust Manager.
