Sandals is exploring the possibility of expanding to the Dominican Republic.
A team led by Executive Chairman Adam Stewart and CEO Gebhard Rainer, toured the Dominican Republic, meeting with government officials including being received by Dominican Republic President Luis Rodolfo Abinader Corona.
The trip came about after an invitation by Angie Shakira Martínez Tejera, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic in Jamaica, with the goal of showcasing destinations and exploring tourism investment opportunities.
During the two-day visit, the SRI team visited various areas of the island including Punta Cana, Miches and Las Terrenas, among others. Although Stewart and other SRI executives had been to the Dominican Republic previously, this marked the first official visit by the Jamaica-based luxury all-inclusive resort company to the destination.
"We thoroughly enjoyed our brief but fruitful time in the Dominican Republic and wish to thank our hosts, especially President Abinader. When leadership at the highest levels makes time to discuss the power of tourism and investment opportunities that expand its reach, we know we've found a like-minded partner," said Stewart.
According to Ambassador Martínez, plans for the visit had been underway for some time, and were of great importance to the Dominican Republic.
"Like Jamaica, where Sandals hails from, the Dominican Republic is a revered Caribbean tourism destination and the [tourism] industry is critically important to our economy. It is a dream of ours to have the very prestigious Sandals brand present here. We are honoured by the visit and excited by the possibility of our island nation becoming the first Spanish Caribbean territory to welcome the Sandals organization," said Ambassador Martínez.
Sandals is in the midst of a multi-year expansion and innovation plan. Earlier this year, SRI reopened Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau, Bahamas, and will soon unveil its first property in Curaçao on June 1st.
Three new resorts are planned for Jamaica, and, in 2023, SRI will unveil a new resort under their Beaches Resorts brand in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
While not committing to an expansion into the DR, Stewart sounded positive about the possibility.
"This was an excellent visit at a time when we are pursuing expansion goals aggressively. We look forward to the possibility of what's to come," said Stewart.
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