Frank Rainieri, the visionary behind the Puntacana Group, emphasized the imperative need for the Dominican Republic’s tourism sector to evolve hand in hand with a more specialized workforce tailored to meet the rigorous standards of the global market.
“In the present landscape, where top-tier hotels, including all-inclusive resorts, are on the rise, a mere smile is no longer sufficient. That smile must be accompanied by impeccable service,” Rainieri asserted.
He advocated for a strategic shift in the educational paradigm, suggesting a transformation of existing universities into polytechnic institutions. These revamped centers would offer two-year programs aimed at equipping individuals with the technical skills necessary for the tourism industry.
Rainieri underscored the importance of nurturing a pool of technicians specialized in hospitality, advocating for a reduction in the number of graduates in hotel administration, aligning with the findings of Mitur’s March tourism activity report.
Recognizing the pivotal role of education in uplifting the tourism sector, Rainieri disclosed collaborative initiatives between the Puntacana Group, Loyola Polytechnic, and the Professional Technical Training Institute (Infotep) aimed at enhancing the specialized knowledge of future industry personnel.
Drawing upon the success story of Punta Cana’s development in La Altagracia province, Rainieri highlighted the transformative power of tourism in uplifting human capital. He reminisced about how individuals, once rural laborers with minimal education, seized the opportunity presented by tourism, trading machetes for languages and embracing service-oriented careers.
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