SANTO DOMINGO.–President Luis Abinader reaffirmed yesterday, Friday, that now is the best time to continue investing in the Dominican Republic, because the country has institutions that provide confidence and security.
The president also initiated the construction of the first Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy in America.
While attending the inauguration of the new ZEL Punta Cana hotel in partnership with legendary Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal and Meliá Hotels International, the president stressed that this commitment to continued investment by the Meliá group and Nadal should remain an example for many Spanish and other investors.
“Today is still the best time to continue investing in our country. It’s an excellent time to explore the opportunities available. Our country has much stronger institutions; it has a bright economic future, with significant international recognition in terms of quality of life indicators for Dominicans and tourists,” the president stated, recalling what he said during the COVID-19 pandemic, that it was the best time to invest in the country.
President Abinader also indicated that the development of tourism in the country will continue and improve, so that the Dominican Republic becomes a beacon of investment, growth, and development every day.
More than 200,000 Spanish tourists visit the country each year
For his part, the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, highlighted the great relationship between the Dominican Republic and Spain, where investors from the European nation own more than 48,000 hotel rooms and more than 200,000 Spanish tourists visit the country each year.
Collado highlighted that the inauguration of the facility is a double joy, because he followed the career of tennis player Rafa Nadal for more than 13 years , and witnessed the fruits of his professional career.
The CEO of the Meliá Group, Gabriel Escarrer, noted that the company has invested around $150 million in the country over the last four years.
President Luis Abinader presided over the event. (EXTERNAL SOURCE).
Also, legendary tennis player Rafael Nadal and co-founder of ZEL Punta Cana, thanked President Abinader for attending the inauguration of the new facility, despite his busy schedule.
Likewise, the CEO of Banco Popular Dominicano, Christopher Paniagua, highlighted the work being done by President Abinader and David Collado, who he considers fundamental pillars for the nation's tourism development.
First ZEL Hotel
This is the first ZEL built in the Caribbean and features 190 nature-inspired rooms, including suites with direct access to the pool and spacious terraces designed for relaxation and well-being.
This project is part of ZEL's ambitious vision , which plans to open more than 20 hotels in strategic destinations across Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Asia over the next five years . With this opening, the Dominican Republic becomes a key point in the expansion of a brand that seeks to offer unique hotel experiences , combining Mediterranean hospitality with a focus on wellness and sports.
Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy
Previously, President Abinader initiated the construction of the Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy in Punta Cana, which enhances the country's luxury and sports tourism offerings
President Abinader expressed that his government is honored and proud to have Rafa Nadal in the country and investing in tourism and sports. "Congratulations, this is not only a milestone for tourism but also for Dominican sports," the president stated.
Rafael Nadal is considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time and the best ever on clay courts. With 22 Grand Slam singles titles, he is the second male tennis player with the most wins in this prestigious tournament, surpassed only by Novak Djokovic, who has 24.
Nadal also holds the title of being the youngest male tennis player to achieve a Golden Slam in his career. He currently ranks fifth on the list of players with the most ATP titles, with 92, behind Jimmy Connors (109), Roger Federer (103), Novak Djokovic (99), and Ivan Lendl (94).
Those attending the event included the Minister of Sports, Kelvin Cruz; the Spanish Ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Antonio Pérez-Hernández; Congressman Aníbal Díaz ; and the President of Centro Caribe Sports, Luisín Mejía.
