SANTO DOMINGO - An expert in real estate and tourism industry issues believes it is necessary to reach consensus and join efforts to promote the required actions and support the competent authorities, trade associations and business community in regulating this sector and generating proposals for solutions to its current challenges.
José A. Quiroz, managing partner of QA Legal, suggests that these actions be carried out seeking the preservation and sustainable growth of these important sectors of the Dominican economy.
The topic was part of the first “Tourism and Real Estate GC Roundtable” in the Dominican Republic, an event held in Punta Cana by Quiroz Advisors-QA Legal, a leading law firm specializing in the country's tourism and real estate sector, in association with The Legal 500, a London-based publisher in the international legal industry, which holds these roundtable discussions in multiple countries.
A press release indicates that the main issues currently concerning the tourism industry, focusing the analysis on the comparison between the traditional hotel model and the emerging vacation rental industry through digital platforms, were examined by a group of local and international experts, composed of the legal directors of the most important brands in the sector, executive directors of relevant associations for the sector and consultants from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
The document details that the topics discussed included the evolution of the hotel and vacation rental industry, its challenges and opportunities; the legal and regulatory framework for hotels and vacation rentals, as well as competition and challenges.
"Expectations and concerns regarding the draft regulations for the Territorial Planning Law, currently in the drafting phase, were also discussed," he explains.
It also noted that topics related to special tax regimes, consumer protection and safety, data protection, cybersecurity, the impact of technology and innovation, sustainability aspects, solid waste management, greenhouse gas emissions, and the sargassum phenomenon as a significant challenge for tourism were discussed.
The round table included the participation of legal directors from companies such as Grupo Punta Cana, Central Romana (Casa de Campo), Cap Cana, Grupo Piñero, Meliá Hotels International, Coral Hospitality Corporation, Hard Rock Hotels & Casino, Hotel Embajador – Royal Hideaway, Iberostar Group and Playa Grande.
The event also featured the participation of Dr. Julio Facal, consultant for the UNWTO and International Tourism Of Counsel for QA Legal. Also present were Andrés Marranzini and Alba Russo, executive vice president and legal director, respectively, of the Association of Hotels and Tourism (ASONAHORES); Jorge Subero, president of the Dominican Association of Tourism and Real Estate Companies (ADETI); Sarah Peña David, executive director of the Dominican Association of Restaurants (ADERES); and Annerys Meléndez, president of the Association of Housing Builders and Developers (ACOPROVI).
“This event undoubtedly marks a milestone for the tourism and real estate sector of the Dominican Republic,” Quiroz emphasized.
