BTN News: The tourism sector of Puerto Plata is buzzing with excitement as the Punta Bergantín project takes a pivotal step forward, promising to breathe new life into this cherished North Coast destination. With the recent groundbreaking of the first hotel in this ambitious development, the Hyatt Zilara, local business leaders and hoteliers are optimistic about the potential of this project to transform the area into a premier tourist hotspot. The launch, held on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, marks the beginning of a new era for Puerto Plata, one that many have eagerly anticipated for years. The project is set to significantly boost tourism, with six hotels planned for the area, making it a game-changer for the region’s economy.
Mileyka Brugal, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Production of Puerto Plata, expressed her enthusiasm about the initiative, highlighting the untapped potential of the area where President Luis Abinader inaugurated the hotel’s construction. Brugal emphasized that the local community has long advocated for the development of this land to benefit the tourism industry. She underscored the critical need for Puerto Plata, affectionately known as the “Bride of the Atlantic,” to rejuvenate its hotel infrastructure to stay competitive in the global tourism market.
Supporting Brugal’s sentiments, César José de los Santos, president of the Playa Dorada Hotel Association, pointed out that major tourist destinations worldwide continuously update their hotel infrastructures to attract visitors. De los Santos noted that the Punta Bergantín project would have a ripple effect, encouraging the renovation of other hotel complexes in Puerto Plata, further enhancing the destination’s appeal.
In addition to the development of new hotels, de los Santos stressed the importance of infrastructure improvements, particularly the construction of the Ámbar Highway. This new route would link Puerto Plata with Santiago and other provinces in the northern region, providing easier access for visitors arriving through the Cibao International Airport. De los Santos believes that this highway is vital not only for the Punta Bergantín project but also for increasing the overall number of tourists to the region.
De los Santos also called attention to the need for upgrading various roadways that connect the provincial capital with its surrounding municipalities. These improvements would open up additional opportunities for tourism development in areas like Luperón, La Isabela, and other nearby locations, each rich in historical and cultural significance. Among these, the Solar de Las Américas, the first European settlement in the New World, stands out as a particularly noteworthy site.
Moreover, the Playa Dorada Hotel Association president urged the authorities to strengthen land use planning and management in Puerto Plata. He stressed the importance of preventing urban sprawl and maintaining the area’s appeal as a top-tier tourist destination.
The Punta Bergantín project is poised to be a landmark development for Puerto Plata, with the Hyatt Zilara serving as the first of several luxury hotels slated for construction. This ambitious initiative involves collaborations with major hotel groups, including the Martinón Group, which began work on its Inclusive Collection hotel under the Hyatt brand. Other notable participants include Meliá, in a joint investment with Meliá International and Grupo Puntacana, as well as Hilton and Marriott.
This development represents a significant leap forward in the region’s tourism offerings, promising to elevate Puerto Plata to new heights and secure its place as a leading destination on the Dominican Republic’s northern coast. The revitalization brought by Punta Bergantín is expected to usher in a new era of prosperity, drawing more visitors, generating jobs, and fostering sustainable growth in the region.
