SANTO DOMINGO.- Iberostar and Inclusive Collection Part of World of Hyatt are the two hotel chains that yesterday launched the network of hotels that will be built within the Cabo Rojo-Pedernales Tourism Development project, where the construction of 4,700 rooms is projected in the first phase, out of the 12,000 that the plan contemplates in a period of 10 years.
President Luis Abinader inaugurated the works, whose construction contract is being awarded to the Therrestra-Estel and Cocaro Development consortium, contemplating an investment of US$240 million, under the supervision of the Pro-Pedernales Trust and the General Directorate of Public-Private Partnerships (DGAPP), currently headed by Sigmund Freund.
In total, the project contemplates an investment of US$2.245 billion over the next 10 years, which includes nine hotels, an international airport, a shopping center, an aqueduct, a wastewater treatment plant and an electrical transmission system; water and sanitation works, roads such as the Enriquillo-Pedernales highway, and internal roads in Cabo Rojo.
During the opening ceremony, President Abinader explained that both complexes will add up to 1,100 rooms, which will represent more jobs, more growth, and better opportunities for the country and for Dominicans, the president stated.
Abinader called on all sectors to join in the development of Pedernales, dismissing criticism and emphasizing that this development will benefit families, regardless of whether it was his government that initiated it.
“For a serious and honest leader, the promise made to his people to bring about real and tangible change, with concrete projects and fulfilled promises, is undoubtedly the reason that motivates me and my government in the task of managing this country day by day,” the president stated.
Project with studies
Abinader highlighted that Cabo Rojo-Pedernales is the only tourism development plan with a Tourist Carrying Capacity Study and a Manual of Socio-environmental Management Guidelines for construction works and an environmental management guide for construction companies.
“Since the beginning of the project planning, the guidelines and directives indicated for the rational use of natural resources have been followed, especially considering the importance of preserving the ecological balance of the wetlands present in the area,” said the president.
He added: “Our tourism is diverse, and our possibilities are almost endless. As you know, we have been recognized worldwide by the World Tourism Organization for our management of the sector during very challenging years. But I am certain that what comes next will not only receive recognition from the UNWTO, but will also be unanimously recognized by investors, visitors, and the entire Dominican people.”.
Trust and stability
The Minister of the Presidency, Joel Santos Echavarría, highlighted the climate of trust and stability existing in the country. “These two internationally renowned hotel chains, driven by the trust and stability guaranteed by the government of President Luis Abinader, are pioneers, initiating the definitive tourism development of a beautiful province, a paradisiacal coast, full of attractions, with kind and hardworking people, as is the case in Pedernales,” he said.
“You can count on the full support of the Ministry of the Presidency and the agencies linked to this organization, which work hand in hand with you in the actions carried out here, under strict legal order, respect and harmony with the environment, above all, integrating the community.”.
For his part, the director of DGAPP, Sigmund Freund, assured that the Plan will transform the territories of the Southern region and the entire country, boosting productivity through tourism, industry and commerce, as well as the demand for academic and specialized training, agricultural production, entrepreneurship and the work of MSMEs, local and interprovincial transport and the presence of the banking and financial sector.
“There is no doubt that this is the great commitment of the Government of change, supported by the private sector represented here with businessmen, hoteliers, developers and national and international investors to offer the true protagonists of this new story, the inhabitants of the South, the opportunities they have waited for so long.
Regarding the progress of other works, such as the water and sanitation infrastructure, Freund explained that the designs for the wastewater treatment plant were finalized in December and are currently under construction. Meanwhile, the designs for the electrical substation and the transmission line systems that will serve the project are in their final review.
“Preliminary work is also underway in the area, including topographic surveys and soil studies. The electrical designs for the equipment to be used have been submitted and approved, and we are in communication with the electrical equipment manufacturers for its assembly and shipment,” he stated.
About the hotels
Freund noted that the geotechnical soil studies for the first four hotels of Phase I have been completed and that work continues with up to four simultaneous brigades on the other five hotels, so earthmoving has begun in the physical space of the first four hotels that will be built in the project.
Domestic flights
“Another great achievement was the start of domestic flights from La Isabela International Airport (El Higüero) to the Cabo Rojo airfield, news that was received with great joy by all Pedernal residents, both inside and outside the country, and by all those born in nearby communities. It is the only regular domestic flight in the Dominican Republic,” he stated.
He stated that in just over two months, hundreds of people have traveled by plane to the area, including tourists, businesspeople, but above all, Pedernalenses who are away and want to experience viewing the region from the high sky, from where the unique beauty of the area is best appreciated.
