The Luxe Family Escape at Royalton Punta Cana

The Luxe Family Escape at Royalton Punta Cana

CARIBPR WIRE, PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, Feb. 25, 2025: — Blue Diamond Resorts introduces “The Luxe Family Escape”, an extraordinary five-night escape at the newly reopened and fully renewed Royalton Punta Cana, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino. Following a comprehensive renovation, the resort now offers a fully refreshed take on luxury family getaways, redefining all-inclusive vacations in the Caribbean with newly redesigned, modern accommodations and personalized service.

This exclusive package celebrates the resort’s transformation with an indulgent escape designed for families seeking the ultimate all-inclusive adventure. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with private transportation and fast-track service at the airport before settling into the completely reimagined Luxury Chairman Two-Bedroom Suite with Diamond Club™ privileges, where a dedicated butler ensures every detail is seamlessly curated. Little guests receive the same level of pampering with a Personalized Children’s Butler, a one-of-a-kind service exclusive to this package.

Every morning, the family can gather for a private in-suite breakfast with unlimited waffles for children and endless mimosas for parents, recreating the warmth of a festive holiday gathering every morning. As the sun sets, families will enjoy an exclusive private beachfront dinner, a gourmet dining experience under the stars, complete with live music and an authentic Dominican performance.

Families will have exclusive access to the resort’s best amenities, including a one-hour private takeover of the Water Park at the neighboring Royalton Splash Punta Cana, transforming it into their own aquatic playground. The adventure continues with a hands-on Chef’s Table private cooking session at the renovated C/X Culinary Experience Restaurant, where the family will prepare a local dinner alongside the Executive Chef, and a private parent-child fitness class designed as a fun scavenger hunt around the renewed resort. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy ultimate relaxation with an all-access spa pass at The Royal Spa, indulging in unlimited rejuvenating treatments, followed by an expert-led Dominican rum tasting experience that introduces them to the rich flavors of the island.

Beyond the resort, once-in-a-lifetime destination experiences elevate this exclusive package. A private helicopter tour offers breathtaking aerial views of Punta Cana’s coastline before returning guests to the resort in VIP fashion. A private catamaran to Saona Island brings the family to one of the Caribbean’s most picturesque destinations, where a personal chef serves a lobster feast with fine champagne, complemented by curated charcuterie and fresh seafood. On land, a private jungle buggy and horseback riding excursion provides an exhilarating way to explore the Dominican countryside.

With starting rates of $35,000 USD for a five-night stay, accommodating up to two adults and three children, this exclusive package is available for booking from February 25 – March 18, 2025, with travel dates extending through December 23, 2025. This exclusive offering reflects Blue Diamond Resorts’ commitment to luxury, inviting families to experience the newly renewed and reopened Royalton Punta Cana in a way that is truly unforgettable.

“Ultimate Dominican Escape: The Luxe Family Escape”

• Booking Window: February 25 – March 18, 2025*
• Travel Dates: February 25 – December 23, 2025
• Starting Rate: $35,000 USD**
• Minimum Stay: 5 nights for 2 adults and 3 children

*The package and all included experiences are subject to availability. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply. Product Exclusively available on demand by booking through media@bluediamondresorts.com
**Prices are based on per-night rates in USD and are subject to change without prior notice. This offer cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts.

About Blue Diamond Resorts

Blue Diamond Resorts encompasses over 80 properties, exceeding 20,000 rooms in eight countries located in the most popular holiday destinations in the Caribbean. Its nine leading hotel brands include the Award-winning, All-In Luxury^® Royalton Luxury Resorts, where Everyone is Family. Whether guests come as friends, parents, kids, couples, weddings, corporate or incentive retreats, or solo travelers everyone is family in these properties that feature personalized services and signature amenities including All-In Connectivity™, DreamBed™, and the Sports Event Guarantee™. To refocus on valued relationships and friendships, Hideaway at Royalton offers an adults-only experience with exclusive dining and preferred accommodations to enhance Togetherness among their guests. Party Your Way at Royalton CHIC Resorts, an adults-only vibrant and effervescent all-inclusive brand to revel in the unexpected. Mystique by Royalton is Miles from Ordinary, offering their visitors the chance to connect with their surroundings in a boutique-style resort collection full of endless beauty and hip vibes. In Jamaica, Grand Lido Negril offers guests over the age of 21, a unique and all-inclusive Au Naturel vacation along with a secluded shore for the utmost privacy. Memories Resorts & Spa offers a vacation designed whether you´re planning a family vacation, reuniting with friends, or just have a relaxing moment with your significant other, while Starfish Resorts provides amazing value, breathtaking surroundings, and rich culture and heritage. Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts invites guests to Vacation Like A Star™ with an engaging and interactive experience, plus famous pop culture items from iconic movies, music, and sports while you will Dodge the Paparazzi at Planet Hollywood Adult Scene where your adults-only vacation will be the center of fascination and attention with glam and exclusivity.

To learn more about Blue Diamond Resorts, please visit www.bluediamondresorts.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f9555307-b692-426f-a3c7-f28fd4602cd8

For more information or to book this extraordinary escape, contact media@bluediamondresorts.com.

BLUE DIAMOND RESORTS PRESENTA LA EXPERIENCIA DE LUJO MÁS EXCLUSIVA EN REPÚBLICA DOMINICANA: THE LUXE FAMILY ESCAPE

Experiencia de lujo en Royalton Punta Cana

Experiencia de lujo en Royalton Punta Cana

CARIBPR WIRE, PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, Feb. 25, 2025: Blue Diamond Resorts lanza “The Luxe Family Escape”, una extraordinaria escapada de cinco noches en el recién renovado y reabierto Royalton Punta Cana, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino. Tras una renovación completa, el resort ofrece una nueva visión del lujo para las vacaciones en familia, redefiniendo el concepto todo incluido en el Caribe con alojamientos completamente rediseñados y un servicio personalizado.

Este paquete exclusivo celebra la transformación del resort con una experiencia diseñada para familias que buscan una aventura todo incluido incomparable. Desde su llegada, los huéspedes disfrutan de transporte privado y servicio de acceso rápido en el aeropuerto antes de instalarse en la completamente renovada Luxury Chairman Two-Bedroom Suite con privilegios Diamond Club™, donde un mayordomo dedicado se encarga de cada detalle. Los más pequeños reciben la misma atención especial con un Butler Personalizado para Niños, un servicio único y exclusivo de este paquete.

Cada mañana, la familia podrá reunirse para un desayuno privado en la suite, con waffles ilimitados para los niños y mimosas sin fin para los padres, recreando la calidez de una celebración festiva cada día. Al caer la noche, disfrutarán de una cena privada en la playa, una experiencia gastronómica gourmet bajo las estrellas, con música en vivo y una presentación cultural dominicana.

Las familias disfrutarán de acceso exclusivo a las mejores amenidades del resort, incluyendo una experiencia privada de una hora en el parque acuático de Royalton Splash Punta Cana, convirtiéndolo en su propio parque de diversiones acuático. La aventura continúa con una clase privada de cocina en el restaurante C/X Culinary Experience, donde prepararán una cena típica junto al Chef Ejecutivo, y una clase de fitness en familia, diseñada como una divertida búsqueda del tesoro por el renovado resort. Mientras tanto, los padres podrán disfrutar de un merecido descanso con acceso ilimitado al spa en The Royal Spa, donde se consentirán con tratamientos rejuvenecedores ilimitados, seguido de una exclusiva cata de ron dominicano guiada por expertos para descubrir los sabores más auténticos de la isla.

Más allá del resort, esta experiencia exclusiva se eleva aún más con inolvidables aventuras en el destino. Un tour privado en helicóptero ofrece impresionantes vistas aéreas de la costa de Punta Cana antes de regresar al resort con estilo VIP. Una excursión privada en catamarán a Isla Saona llevará a la familia a uno de los destinos más espectaculares del Caribe, donde un chef privado servirá un festín de langosta y champagne, acompañado de una selección de charcutería gourmet y mariscos frescos. En tierra, una excursión privada en buggy por la selva y paseo a caballo brindará una emocionante forma de explorar el paisaje natural de República Dominicana.

Con tarifas desde $35,000 USD por una estancia de cinco noches para hasta dos adultos y tres niños, este exclusivo paquete estará disponible para reservas del 25 de febrero al 18 de marzo de 2025, con fechas de viaje hasta el 23 de diciembre de 2025. Esta experiencia refleja el compromiso de Blue Diamond Resorts con el lujo, invitando a las familias a descubrir el renovado y reabierto Royalton Punta Cana de una manera verdaderamente inolvidable.

“Ultimate Dominican Escape: The Luxe Family Escape”

• Para reservar entre 25 de febrero y 18 de marzo de 2025*
• Para viajar entre el 25 de febrero y 23 de diciembre de 2025
• Tarifa desde: $35,000 USD**
• Estancia mínima: 5 noches para 2 adultos y 3 niños

*El paquete y todas las experiencias incluidas están sujetos a disponibilidad. Pueden aplicar fechas restringidas y otras condiciones. Producto disponible exclusivamente bajo solicitud, reservando a través de media@bluediamondresorts.com.
**Los precios se basan en tarifas por noche en USD y están sujetos a cambios sin previo aviso. Esta oferta no se puede combinar con otras promociones o descuentos.

Acerca de Blue Diamond Resorts

Blue Diamond Resorts cuenta con un portafolio de más de 80 propiedades, que superan las 20,000 habitaciones en 8 países ubicados en los destinos vacacionales más populares del Caribe. Sus 9 marcas hoteleras líderes comprenden al galardonado All-In Luxury® Royalton Luxury Resorts, donde Todos son Familia. Sin importar si son vacaciones entre amigos, padres e hijos, parejas, bodas, retiros corporativos o de incentivos o viajeros solos, todos son familia en estas propiedades que ofrecen servicios personalizados y amenidades exclusivas, tales como All-In Connectivity™, DreamBed™ y Sports Event Guarantee™. Para reenfocarse en relaciones y amistades valiosas, Hideaway at Royalton ofrece una experiencia sólo para adultos que incluye una exclusiva gastronomía y alojamiento preferencial para reforzar estar unido bajo el concepto Togetherness entre sus huéspedes. Disfrute a su manera en Royalton CHIC Resorts, una marca todo incluido que bajo su concepto “Party Your Way” brinda una vibrante y efervescente experiencia sólo para adultos para deleitarse con lo inesperado. A Millas de lo Ordinario, Mystique by Royalton ofrece a los viajeros la oportunidad de conectarse con su entorno en una moderna colección de resorts estilo boutique que muestran una vibrante belleza infinita. En Jamaica, Grand Lido Negril promete a huéspedes mayores de 21 años, unas vacaciones únicas Completamente al Natural con todo incluido y acceso a una costa exclusiva para máxima privacidad. Memories Resorts & Spa diseña las mejores experiencias para vacaciones familiares, reunión de amigos o simplemente para relajarse en pareja, mientras que Starfish Resorts ofrece un valor increíble, un entorno impresionante y una rica cultura y herencia. Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts invita a los huéspedes a vacacionar como las estrellas con Vacation Like a Star™, una experiencia atractiva e interactiva con elementos famosos de la cultura pop de películas, música y deportes icónicos, mientras Escape de los Paparazzi en Planet Hollywood Adult Scene donde sus vacaciones sólo para adultos serán el centro de la fascinación y la atención con glamour y exclusividad.

Para más información acerca de Blue Diamond Resorts, visite www.bluediamondresorts.com

Una foto asociada con este comunicado de prensa está disponible en: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f9555307-b692-426f-a3c7-f28fd4602cd8/es

Para más información o reservas, escriba a media@bluediamondresorts.com.

]]> https://caribpr.com/blue-diamond-resorts-unveils-the-ultimate-dominican-experience-the-luxe-family-escape/feed/ 0 https://caribpr.com/ge-vernova-announces-the-first-caribbean-h-class-order/ https://caribpr.com/ge-vernova-announces-the-first-caribbean-h-class-order/#comments Tue, 17 Dec 2024 19:14:36 +0000 caribpr https://caribpr.com/?p=15913

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE: GEV) announced that it has secured an order to supply its Class H natural gas-fired combined cycle power generation equipment for Generadora San Felipe Limited’s (GSF) 470 megawatt (MW) power plant in Punta Caucedo, Boca Chica, Dominican Republic. This project is GE Vernova’s first H-Class gas turbine order in the Caribbean. It will contribute to implementation of the Dominican Republic’s climate ambitions and sustainable development goals by supporting the expansion of renewable energy through its dispatchable power profile.

In recent years this Caribbean country, one of the fastest growing economies in Latin America, has managed to replace most of its oil-based electricity generation capacity with natural gas. Natural gas accounts for almost half of all energy generated in the Dominican Republic and plays a crucial role in the country’s energy transition, supporting and complementing the expansion of renewable sources.

“Our new plant, powered by GE Vernova’s highly efficient H-Class technology, will support our efforts to provide less carbon-intensive and more reliable electricity, which is critical for the country’s productivity growth and people’s well-being,” said Antonio Ramírez, General Manager of Generadora San Felipe. “We rely on the strong reputation of HA technology and turned to GE Vernova, a leader in innovation on the path to decarbonisation, based on a long-standing collaboration between our two companies.”

The new San Felipe power plant has a multi-shaft generator block, equipped with a GE Vernova 7HA.02 gas turbine coupled to an H65 generator, an STF-A650 steam turbine coupled to an H35 generator, a triple-pressure heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) with superheat and a condenser.

“The San Felipe power plant development is a very ambitious project, and we are proud to support it,” said Dave Ross, President of GE Vernova’s Gas Power business in the Americas region. “Once completed, the plant is expected to be one of the most efficient in the Caribbean and can be configured with post-combustion carbon capture systems to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions.”

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2582439/picture_generadora_san_felipe.jpg

]]> https://caribpr.com/ge-vernova-announces-the-first-caribbean-h-class-order/feed/ 0 https://caribpr.com/archipelago-international-and-noval-properties-sign-six-management-agreements-in-the-dominican-republic/ https://caribpr.com/archipelago-international-and-noval-properties-sign-six-management-agreements-in-the-dominican-republic/#comments Thu, 01 Aug 2024 03:57:51 +0000 caribpr http://caribpr.com/?p=15689

PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, July 31, 2024 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In an unprecedented move, Archipelago International, the largest privately-owned hotel management group in Southeast Asia, has joined forces with Noval Properties, a premier real estate developer in the Dominican Republic. This strategic alliance, formed in November 2023, is proud to announce the signing of six comprehensive management agreements that will see the introduction of Archipelago International’s esteemed brands and innovative property management solutions to the Dominican Republic’s flourishing hospitality and real estate markets.

This collaboration is set to revolutionize the hospitality landscape in Punta Cana, featuring projects that include in Bavaro: Reserva Real by Harper, with 187 units. In Cap Cana Marina, Harbor Bay by Aston with 186 units and Juanillo Hills by Aston near Juanillo Beach with 60 units. In Cana Bay, Poseidonia by Aston with 1,319 units, Coral Cove by Aston with 72 units, and Riviera Bay by Aston with 110 units.

“As Southeast Asia’s largest privately owned hotel management group we have vast experience of branding, operating and commercializing projects like the ones signed today. In addition, by using our proprietary operating systems and technology, we ensure that the customer journey is seamless from booking to checkout and that all of our properties benefit from our global distribution, connectivity and revenue management capabilities.” said José Luis Leonardo, Vice President Americas, Archipelago International.

Commenting further Gerard Byrne, Managing Director, Archipelago International said, “We are honored to be partnering with the fantastic team at Noval Properties on such unparalleled and ambitious projects. This partnership is a testament to the synergy between our companies and the shared vision we hold for redefining hospitality standards. Noval Properties, with its impressive track record, quickly grasped the benefits of partnering with us, highlighting the strength of collaborative innovation. Archipelago International is experiencing rapid growth in the Americas region, especially in the Dominican Republic and Mexico, driven by our unique approach to providing owners, developers and investors with proven innovative branding and operational solutions for their hospitality assets. Our renowned Asian hospitality standards, leading technology solutions and flexibility as an independent company distinguish us in the marketplace and sets us apart from the competition.”

Cesar Latrilla, CEO of Noval Properties, reflects on the company’s 20-year legacy in the Dominican Republic, noting its significant impact on the economic, touristic, and social well-being of the region. Noval Properties is renowned for delivering memorable experiences and contributing to the Dominican Republic’s development as a prime tourism and real estate destination.

About Archipelago International

Archipelago International is the largest privately-owned hotel management group in Southeast Asia, with a portfolio exceeding 45,000 rooms across 200+ locations worldwide. With a burgeoning presence in the Americas, the group offers advanced hospitality and technology solutions across its 11 award-winning brands, catering to a range of market segments.

About Noval Properties

Noval Properties stands out as a leading real estate developer in the Dominican Republic, renowned for its excellence in the design, development, and management of premier residential, commercial, and hospitality assets. Strategic locations in top destinations have established it as a key player in the Caribbean real estate market.

For more information, please visit [Noval Properties](https://novalproperties.com) / @novalpropertiesrd

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2472661/Harbor_Bay___Marina_View___Archipelago_International.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2310078/ARCHIPELAGO_Logo.jpg

PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, May 17, 2024 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, at an official launch event in Punta Cana, attended by the Vice Minister for Tourism and the Indonesian Ambassador, Archipelago International opened its first corporate office in the Dominican Republic and announced the signing of multiple management agreements in the Dominican Republic and Mexico.

Indonesian headquartered Archipelago International, the largest privately owned hotel management group in Southeast Asia, today announced details of its expansion in the region and the roll out of its brands, management services and hospitality technology development company, Sentinel Tech, at the opening of its new corporate office in the Dominican Republic. In addition to senior representatives of the Indonesian and Dominican Republic governments, the opening ceremony was attended by leading investors and developers from the travel and tourism sector.

Speaking on behalf of the Board of Archipelago International, Mr. Gerard Byrne, Managing Director, outlined the 27- year history of the company, from humble beginnings in Jakarta, Indonesia to a current position of managing over 270 operating hotels (45,000 rooms) and a pipeline of over 80 hotels (16,000 rooms) across 15 countries and 5 continents. He explained how a strong group wide ethos of ensuring a seamless customer experience from booking to review, high-level Asian service standards, Kaizen philosophy (continuous improvement) and long-term investment in technology solutions are major reasons for both its domestic success and international growth. In explaining the success story of Archipelago’s international expansion strategy, he said “We are providing owners, developers and investors with proven alternative branding and operational solutions for their hospitality assets at a price point that is well below other global brands. We have developed technology solutions which are made by hoteliers for hoteliers. Our renowned Asian service standards, leading technology solutions and flexibility as an independent company is setting us apart from the competition. In addition, we have changed the paradigm when it comes to the owner and operator relationship, by constructing new partnership operating models that reward the owner in a more equitable way than the traditional double digit fee structures of the past“.

Speaking after Mr. Byrne, Jose Luis Leonardo, Vice President – The Americas, outlined details of their existing operations in the Americas. “Since opening our first resort in the region in 2019, Grand Aston Cayo Las Brujas Beach Resort & Spa, Cuba, we have grown to having five hotels (3,242 rooms) in operation today, all of them achieving No.1 positioning in their respective destinations. In the next twelve months, we will open one hotel in Cuba, four hotels and condotels in the Dominican Republic and two in Mexico. These are Aston Panorama Hotel, Havana (320 rooms), Reserva Real by Harper, Punta Cana (187 rooms), Aston Rubí City Suites, Santo Domingo (179 rooms), Grand Aston Punta Cana Beach Resort & Spa (170 rooms), Aston Bocettos City Suites, Santo Domingo (126 rooms), Aston Puebla Hotel, Puebla (105 rooms) and IIk Tulum by Aston Tulum (104 rooms)“.

In terms of major new signings for the Dominican Republic Mr. Leonardo announced, Grand Aston Larimar City Golf Hotel & Residences, Punta Cana (228 rooms), Grand Aston Cáicu Coral Golf Hotel & Residences, Punta Cana (669 rooms), Riviera Bay by Aston, Cana Bay (110 rooms), Harbor Bay by Aston, Cap Cana (186 rooms), Juanillo Hills by Aston, Cap Cana (60 rooms), Aston Piantini Boutique Hotel, Santo Domingo (144 rooms), Aston Towers Larimar City, Punta Cana (432 rooms), Paradise Tower by Harper, Punta Cana (144 rooms), Harper Paradise Punta Cana (135 rooms), Aston Arts Hotel & Residences, Punta Cana (368 rooms) and The Alana Experience Punta Cana (530 rooms).

New signings in Mexico include Grand Aston Tulum (153 rooms), Aston Naomi Boutique Hotel & Residences, Playa Del Carmen (246 rooms), Zonna Beach Resort & Residences, Playa Del Carmen (257 rooms) and The Alana Hotel & Residences, Playa Del Carmen (376 rooms). He further commented “Aston hotels have long been referred to as ‘trusted’ hotels by our customers in Southeast Asia and we are delighted that owners, investors and developers in Latin America are not only excited about Aston coming to the Dominican Republic and Mexico but also that we are introducing new brands, technology and business model solutions for their hotels, resorts, condotels and branded residences in all segments. The government of the Dominican Republic has demonstrated commendable dedication to fostering a favorable business and economic climate that encourages growth in the travel and tourism sector. This commitment greatly influenced our decision to establish our second regional corporate office in Punta Cana. Furthermore, to enhance our operational capabilities, we are planning new corporate offices in Santo Domingo and Playa Del Carmen“.

About Archipelago International

Archipelago International is Southeast Asia’s largest privately owned hotel management group, with over 45,000 rooms in 200+ locations across Southeast Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America. It has a rapidly expanding portfolio in the Americas region with 5 operating hotels and resorts (3,242 rooms) and a development pipeline of 9,500+ rooms across 30+ upcoming projects. The company provides hospitality and advanced technology solutions for hotels, resorts and branded residences through its 12 award winning brands, Aston, Aston Collection, Huxley, Alana, Avanika, favehotel, Harper, Quest, Hotel Neo, Kamuela, Nordic and Powered by Archipelago. These brands are positioned in different market segments, from budget to luxury hotels, resorts and branded residences.

Its consistent technology and systems focus, flexibility and agility as an independent company and variety of hotel brands have been key factors in its success and expansion in the hotel industry.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2415744/Dominican_Republic_Office.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2310078/4712548/ARCHIPELAGO_Logo.jpg

MIRAMAR, Fla., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Hundreds gathered in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic with one common goal: improve cruise tourism, especially the mutual benefits between destinations and cruise companies. That was again the main theme of another successful FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show, which celebrated its 28^th annual occasion and 50 years of operations for Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA).

“I want to applaud everyone throughout the Dominican Republic who coordinated this successful event and showcased the spectacular destination; it is clear that the country is committed to cruise tourism, which President Luis Abinader affirmed in his remarks and participation,” said Michele Paige, FCCA CEO. “It was also humbling to see the continued conviction in FCCA’s mission witnessed by all the attendees and cruise executives who joined to keep working together to build back better.”

Taking place October 11-14, the event featured its usual blend of workshops, meetings and networking functions for the over 500 attendees and 70 cruise executives, but with a new twist – or what Paige called a “new beginning” in her opening remarks – because of the enhanced communications and collaborations arising from the difficult pandemic.

That cooperation was evident throughout the entire agenda, with ways to seize the momentum being the talk of the event and including discussions of longer stays, overnights and homeporting, along with the importance of developing creative, customer-focused experiences to support the demand – and the direct ability for destination stakeholders to work with cruise lines on those goals available at the event.

Michael Bayley, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean International, echoed these sentiments in his opening remarks, noting the “better relationships” built by “work[ing] through a lot of issues and problems and challenges collectively as a team” – while showing the smoother seas ahead as evidenced by sailing above 100% occupancy and registering strong bookings and earnings.

How to capitalize on this for destinations – and the entire Caribbean and Latin American regions – was up front and center for 22 high-ranking government officials and a cruise executive panel including five Presidents and above from FCCA Member Lines, led by Josh Weinstein, President & CEO and Chief Climate Officer of Carnival Corporation & plc, who delivered remarks and comments at the Heads of Government Forum before steering the conversation to other potential mutual benefits, such as employment and purchasing opportunities.

Overall, partnership took the spotlight, and so did FCCA’s Strategic Partners, the Cayman Islands and the United States Virgin Islands (USVI). Kenneth Bryan, Minister of Tourism and Transport of the Cayman Islands, coordinated a dinner for the heads of government and shared the importance of working with FCCA to propel cruise tourism in this video, and the USVI delegation, led by Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte, was engaged and energetic as they interacted with Member Lines and other participants. Both also took part in the “Operating in a Post Pandemic World” workshop.

Headlining the workshop schedule was the “Presidential Panel,” which included Gus Antorcha, President, Holland America Line; Michael Bayley; Richard Sasso, Chairman, MSC Cruises USA; and Howard Sherman, President & CEO, Oceania Cruises.

FCCA is a not-for-profit trade organization that represents the mutual interests of destinations and stakeholders throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Mexico, along with Member Lines that operate over 90 percent of the global cruising capacity. For more information, visit F-CCA.com and @FCCAupdates on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. ]]> https://caribpr.com/cruise-lines-and-destinations-map-out-mutual-success-at-the-fcca-cruise-conference-trade-show-in-santo-domingo-dominican-republic/feed/ 0 https://caribpr.com/unionpay-acceptance-enabled-in-the-dominican-republic/ https://caribpr.com/unionpay-acceptance-enabled-in-the-dominican-republic/#comments Tue, 16 Aug 2022 13:05:52 +0000 caribpr http://caribpr.com/?p=14936

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, Aug. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — UnionPay International (UPI) today announced its partnership with Cardnet, the largest acquirer in the Dominican Republic, to enable UnionPay acceptance at all Cardnet merchants. This is the first time that UnionPay card services are made available in the country. The UnionPay acceptance network has thus extended to 181 countries and regions, covering more than 37 million merchants outside the Chinese mainland.

In recent years, UPI has stepped up its effort in extending and enhancing its overseas acceptance network, and the offline card usage environment has continued to be optimized. In the first half of this year, more than 1.7 million merchants outside the Chinese mainland enabled UnionPay acceptance, significantly improving the user experience in Europe, North America, and other places, and the number of online UnionPay merchants increased to 22 million. Mobile payment services have been developing rapidly, with 13 million merchants in 95 countries and regions outside the Chinese mainland supporting UnionPay QR or mobile QuickPass. The latest survey by Juniper Research, a British consulting firm, shows that UPI has become one of the global leaders in QR payment.

The Dominican Republic is one of the largest economies in the Caribbean region. The partnership with Cardnet enables about 30,000 POS terminals to take UnionPay cards, boosting the local acceptance coverage to nearly 50% in a short period of time with a focus on optimizing cardholder experience in hotels, airports, retailers and F&B merchants. The collaboration will satisfy the demand of business travelers to the country for essential purchases and facilitate the people-to-people exchanges between China and the Dominican Republic.

With its strengths in the network, UPI is striving to serve more international cardholders and support China’s mutual exchanges with the rest of the world. Over 190 million UnionPay cards have been issued in more than 70 countries and regions around the world, of which 30 countries and regions have also rolled out 140 UnionPay-powered e-wallets, providing local residents with quality mobile payment services based on UnionPay cards.

MIRAMAR, Fla., June 22, 2022 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) is pleased to announce that the Dominican Republic will host the 2022 FCCA Cruise Conference, the only official cruise conference representing the Caribbean, Mexico and Central and South America. Taking place in Santo Domingo from October 11-14, the event will feature a series of meetings, workshops and networking opportunities with an expected 100 high-level executives from FCCA Member Lines, which represent more than 90 percent of global ocean cruising capacity. It will also allow the Dominican Republic to showcase its potential for increased benefits from cruise tourism and help the destination fulfill targeted objectives.

“I am thankful for the continued partnership with the Dominican Republic that paved the way to hosting the FCCA Cruise Conference,” said Micky Arison, Chairman of Carnival Corporation and FCCA. “This will be a crucial time and place for the industry gather to continue cruise tourism’s recovery, and it is a testament to the country’s commitment.”

All Conference participants will have access to workshops led by cruise executives and successful stakeholders, including ones focused on tour operators and increasing local employment and sourcing opportunities.

Participants will also have opportunities to interact with the expected 100 cruise executives during a series of meetings – including one-on-one meetings – and networking functions throughout the event, which will be celebrating FCCA’s 50^th anniversary.

Additionally, the Dominican Republic will showcase some of the best to see, eat and hear in the destination for cruise guests, along with what its opportunities for growth that hosting the event has historically driven.

Before, during and after the event, FCCA will work with the Dominican Republic toward its goals of developing a new cruise terminal in Samana and increasing demand for Sans Souci Terminal in Santo Domingo. FCCA is also partnering with the Dominican Republic on initiatives focused on cruise lines hiring citizens, cruise ships sourcing local goods, and increasing the already high percentage of cruisers that return as overnight guests.

More details about and registration for the event will be announced in the coming months and available at www.FCCAConference.com.

Created in 1972, FCCA is a not-for-profit trade organization representing mutual interests of the cruise industry and destinations’ private and public sectors. For more information, visit F-CCA.com and @FCCAupdates on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. ]]> https://caribpr.com/the-dominican-republic-fully-committed-to-hosting-the-2022-fcca-cruise-conference/feed/ 0 https://caribpr.com/archipelago-announces-appointment-of-dominican-to-its-global-executive-committee/ https://caribpr.com/archipelago-announces-appointment-of-dominican-to-its-global-executive-committee/#comments Fri, 29 Apr 2022 14:06:23 +0000 caribpr http://caribpr.com/?p=14850

JAKARTA, Indonesia, April 29, 2022 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Dominican, Jose Luis Leonardo, has been promoted to Vice President – The Americas by Southeast Asian international hotel management group, Archipelago. The internal promotion also sees him joining the Global Executive Committee of Archipelago and is effective immediately.

“Since joining our Group, initially as General Manager of our first hotel in Cuba, GRAND ASTON Cayo Las Brujas and then as Director of Operations – The Americas, Jose Luis has shown incredible leadership skills in developing our business in the region, under very difficult operational conditions. From day one, Jose Luis understood the capabilities of our Group, our owner centric ethos, the vision of our leadership and the very ambitious tactical plans we had put in place to support our regional expansion. His new role supports and accelerates these plans. Archipelago has a strong track record of developing local talent and Jose Luis’s progression to Global Executive Committee is testament to that.” said Gerard Byrne, Managing Director, Archipelago.

Archipelago is currently experiencing rapid growth in its hotel portfolio in Asia, the Middle East and the Caribbean with over 30,000 rooms operating and a further 10,000 under development globally. Following significant investment in its technology and digital platforms in recent years, Archipelago is now partnering with and significantly improving the performance of independent hotels and hotel groups with Powered by ARCHIPELAGO, its plug and play online connectivity, distribution and revenue management vertical, together with its 10 core brands that cover all hotel categories.

With a presence in the Dominican Republic already, Archipelago’s ambitious regional expansion plan will add 3,500 rooms to its portfolio across the rest of the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and Columbia by the end of 2023.

About Archipelago

Southeast Asia’s largest privately owned hotel management group, operating more than 150 hotels, with a further 200 hotels under development across Southeast Asia, the Caribbean and the Middle East. A trusted hotel company with a long track record and more than 40,000 rooms operating or under development in over 60 destinations with award winning brands including ASTON, Collection by ASTON, Alana, Huxley, Kamuela, Harper, Quest, Neo, fave, Nordic and Powered by ARCHIPELAGO.

archipelagointernational.com .

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1806962/Jose_Luis_Leonardo_promoted_Vice_President.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1765607/ARCHIPELAGO_Logo.jpg ]]> https://caribpr.com/archipelago-announces-appointment-of-dominican-to-its-global-executive-committee/feed/ 0 https://caribpr.com/mastercard-and-gcs-international-strengthen-their-alliance-to-build-financial-inclusion-in-jamaica/ https://caribpr.com/mastercard-and-gcs-international-strengthen-their-alliance-to-build-financial-inclusion-in-jamaica/#comments Mon, 07 Feb 2022 14:00:08 +0000 caribpr http://caribpr.com/?p=14785 CARIBPR Wire, Kingston, Jamaica, Mon. February 7, 2022: Mastercard and GCS International, a leading regional fintech based in the Dominican Republic, today extended their partnership to develop and deliver digital payments solutions to underserved consumers across the Caribbean. This partnership builds on the collaborative work already underway in the Dominican Republic and expands to include solutions in Jamaica.

The partnership will strengthen the economic growth potential in the Caribbean, providing the underserved population with a simple and secure real-time payment solution. Financial institutions will be provided with a white label mobile wallet solution, including Mastercard prepaid cards for international use, providing end users with innovative and enhanced payment options in line with market trends. The initiative demonstrates how technology can be harnessed to accelerate financial inclusion and give people more control, better banking experiences, and a wider range of payment choices.

During the signing of the agreement, Carlo Enrico, president of Mastercard’s Latin America and Caribbean region, highlighted: “Mastercard is committed to delivering a digital economy that works for all. As the fintech landscape evolves at an unprecedented speed, Mastercard provides the infrastructure and assets to help fintechs grow and attract more people to the digital economy. We look forward to collaborating with the GCS International team through this next stage of growth and provide the solutions that will drive financial inclusion at scale.”

At the same time, Brian Paniagua, CEO of GCS International expressed: “Our company has provided friction-less PFM (personal finance management) tools and solutions to consumers creating value for individuals and their societies in Guatemala and the Dominican Republic, and in the near future, Jamaica. This strategic alliance with Mastercard is a natural evolution in the industry goal towards achieving the financial inclusion of more countries in the Caribbean and capitalizes on GCS’ proven track record ability to apply leading technology to the financial industry in benefit of those who need it most. We look forward to expand this alliance in a near future to other countries in Central America as well.”

GCS International is a leading fintech in the Dominican Republic specialized in cutting-edge technology within the payments industry, focused on the development of mobile solutions key to people’s needs such as transfers between accounts, payment of basic services, loan payments, among others.

Mastercard will continue to advance equitable and sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion around the world through a broad range of efforts. Last year, the company announced the expansion of its worldwide commitment to financial inclusion by pledging to bring a total of 1 billion people and 50 million micro and small businesses into the digital economy by 2025.

###

About Mastercard (NYSE:MA)

Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments and businesses realize their greatest potential. Our decency quotient, or DQ, drives our culture and everything we do inside and outside of our company. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all. www.mastercard.com.

About GCS International

GCS International is a FinTech committed to promoting digital transformation in Latin America and the adoption of new alternative channels, promoting greater access to financial services through innovative digital technologies. They believe in generating a positive social impact that meets high social, environmental and community standards by providing new platforms for inclusion and prosperity.

www.gcs-international.com

EDITOR’S NOTE: ACCESS PHOTO FOR USE WITH THIS ARTICLE HERE

CAPTION: L – r: Brian Paniagua, CEO of GCS International; Carlo Enrico, president of Mastercard for Latin America and the Caribbean; Marcelo Tangioni, Caribbean Division President, Mastercard.