SANTO DOMINGO. -The Dominican Republic Hotel and Tourism Association (ASONAHORES), the Dominican Restaurant Association (ADERES), and Diageo signed a collaboration agreement to boost the competitiveness and sustainability of the country's tourism and gastronomy service sector through training programs, brand protection, and the promotion of responsible alcohol consumption.
The agreement aims to improve service quality and solidify the Dominican Republic's position as a leading international destination. It is structured around four strategic pillars that combine training, professional development, and institutional strengthening , with coordinated actions designed to directly impact industry growth.
During the signing, representatives from the three institutions agreed on the importance of joining forces to strengthen human talent development and raise service standards in the country. In this regard, Juan Bancalari, president of ASONAHORES, emphasized that: “The alliance with Diageo and ADERES demonstrates the private sector’s commitment to working together to raise the standards of the tourism and gastronomy industry. Together, we can offer better opportunities to young people and guarantee responsible services that strengthen the Dominican Republic’s international image.”.
For Diageo, this alliance represents a decisive boost for talent development and the competitiveness of the hospitality industry. “This agreement reflects our commitment to strengthening the country’s hotel and restaurant sectors, fostering the development of local talent, and promoting responsible service as an essential part of the tourist experience. At Diageo, we believe that the sector’s sustainable development depends on inclusion, professionalization, and the protection of our brands, to offer all consumers a safe and high-quality experience,” said Adriana Pocaterra, Country Manager.
Joint commitment
The agreement includes the integration of the global "Learning for Life" program, which Diageo has been running since 2009 to provide technical training in hospitality and beverage service to young adults who are neither studying nor working. Thanks to this partnership, program graduates will have access to internship opportunities in the extensive network of hotels and companies associated with ASONAHORES and the restaurants that are members of ADERES, significantly increasing their chances of finding employment.
In addition, quarterly sessions will be held for members of both entities on the illicit trade of alcoholic beverages, addressing types of illicit alcohol, associated risks, legal framework and prevention measures for the sector.
Regarding responsible service, the agreement includes in-person and virtual sessions covering cocktail making, bar management, professional development, and sustainability. It will also promote the exchange of experiences with international experts and will involve a study on the economic impact of the nightlife industry in Santo Domingo.
ADERES highlighted the value of this collaboration in strengthening culinary excellence and generating new professional development opportunities in the country. In this regard, Giancarlo Bonarelli, its president, stated: “This agreement allows us to continue promoting excellence in Dominican gastronomy, strengthening the skills of our staff and creating development opportunities for new talent. The collaboration with ASONAHORES and Diageo expands our impact and reaffirms the role of restaurants as key players in the country's tourism experience.”.
With this agreement, the three organizations solidify a strategic alliance that goes beyond training and becomes a genuine commitment to talent development, competitiveness, and the international projection of Dominican tourism and gastronomy. It's a joint commitment to a more professional, responsible, and sustainable sector, capable of generating world-class opportunities and experiences.
