President Luis Abinader and senior executives from Playa Grande, Discovery Land Company, and Aman announced the development of the Playa Grande International Airport, a private international airport that will provide direct air access to the north coast of the Dominican Republic and will serve as an anchor for a series of investments of around one billion dollars during the ongoing evolution of Playa Grande Golf & Ocean Club.<\/p>\n
The announcement was made in Playa Grande and was attended by the Minister of Tourism, David Collado; Daniel Loeb, founder and CEO of Third Point; and other representatives of the owners and administrators groups, including Mike Meldman, founder and CEO of Discovery Land Company and former baseball star \u00c1lex Rodr\u00edguez. This milestone marks an important step in the long-term development strategy of Playa Grande.<\/p>\n
The projected airport, and the real estate developments associated with it, represent a significant investment in infrastructure that will improve international access to the region for residents, partners, and visitors. Construction is expected to begin in the coming months, pending final regulatory approvals.<\/p>\n
During the event, President Abinader stated that, from the Government, they have worked to expedite the project while respecting the legal framework. \"It is very difficult to work in the government because one wants to do things immediately, but the law, the legal framework, the laws, and the Constitution must be respected. That is what makes a country institutionally strong, when the law is respected and institutions are respected.\"<\/p>\n
The president explained that from the beginning of the project he committed to move forward as quickly as possible within the limits of the regulations and added that \"finally we have this permit, and I know that this will be a very special place in the Dominican Republic.\"<\/p>\n
Abinader also thanked the investors for trusting the country and its government to develop the project. \"I don't want this to be a thank you to the Government; I want the Government to thank you for trusting the Dominican Republic, for trusting the Government. This is the best time to invest in the Dominican Republic.\"<\/p>\n
Likewise, he highlighted the dynamism of foreign investment in the country, citing that last year the Dominican Republic had 5 billion dollars in investment. \"When they ask me what they should do to invest in the Dominican Republic, I tell them to ask the companies and people who have already invested in the country, because they can be our best promoters to attract more investments.\"<\/p>\n
The Head of State reiterated that in this administration they are convinced that the engine of growth is the private sector and that what the Government has to do is facilitate investments, always in accordance with the laws and the Constitution. Likewise, he pointed out that it is a strategic investment that will be promoted while respecting environmental regulations. \"When we say that this is a strategic investment, it is a strategic investment, and we have to facilitate it in accordance with the laws and procedures. This is a very low-density and high-level development.\"<\/p>\n
The president highlighted the country's openness to tourism and international investment. \"We love foreigners, we love tourists, we love people coming here. We are a very open country, and that also makes many people want to come to the Dominican Republic.\"<\/p>\n
He also highlighted the growth of Dominican tourism and its international positioning. \"We received almost 11.7 million tourists, more than the population of the Dominican Republic, and we are the second country in Latin America after Mexico. And we are going to continue developing because this is a world destination, not a regional destination. Invest in the Dominican Republic. It's the best investment you can make.\"<\/p>\n
Years trying to promote the airport without being heard by other governments<\/p>\n
On his part, the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, recounted that during the initial conversations of the project, some investors had doubts about the possibility of developing the airport, since for years they had tried to promote it without getting a response from previous administrations.<\/p>\n
He explained that in the midst of that meeting with some of the investors, he decided to communicate directly with President Luis Abinader to explain the situation. \"While she was speaking, I dialed the phone and said: 'Mercedes, put me through to the president.' When the president took the call, I explained that I was with Alex Rodriguez and Alicia, one of the main executives of the project, who didn't believe much in the airport issue. The president told me: 'Put her on the phone,' and said: 'Tell her that there is going to be an airport there, I am going to sign the decree,' and there is the decree.\" <\/p>\n
They appreciate support from President Abinader<\/p>\n
For his part, Discovery Land Company founder and CEO, Mike Meldman, stated that the Playa Grande project has been consolidated for almost a decade with the aim of creating a community based on the lifestyle, culture, and natural environment of the destination. In that sense, he highlighted that the new airport will allow access to the place to thousands of families from the communities that the company develops in different parts of the world and thanked President Luis Abinader and the Dominican authorities for their support. \"This airport is going to open Playa Grande to many more people. We have between 18,000 and 20,000 families in our communities who want to come here, and we really appreciate all the help from the president, the ministers, and the country.\"<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Major League Baseball icon Alex Rodriguez expressed his pride in participating in an initiative that he considers special for the country and highlighted the support of President Luis Abinader and Tourism Minister David Collado to make the project possible. He explained that when he was contacted by the investors, he understood that the development of Playa Grande needed an airport to materialize. \"When Dan called me and told me that the partner was Mike Meldman, I said: here there is a project and a lot of potential for the country. Then I called my friend the president and Minister David, and the president gave us his word that there was going to be an airport.\"<\/p>\n
Likewise, Third Point CEO Dan Loeb expressed his gratitude to President Luis Abinader, Minister of Tourism David Collado, and the Dominican authorities for their support of the project, while stating that the investment in Playa Grande responds to the vision of developing one of the most special destinations in the Caribbean. In that sense, he indicated that the announced infrastructure, such as the new airport, will allow connecting this destination with the world and supporting the growth and prosperity of the entire region.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Third Point advisor Alicia Goldstein thanked President Luis Abinader and Tourism Minister David Collado for their support in bringing the project to fruition, highlighting that the issuance of the presidential decree and the support of the Dominican government generated the necessary confidence to continue moving forward with the initiative. She also indicated that the development will unlock more than one billion dollars in residential sales in Playa Grande, an investment that will contribute to boosting the economy and the development of the region.<\/p>\n
Playa Grande Golf & Ocean Club<\/p>\n
Playa Grande Golf & Ocean Club is owned by Third Point and is operated by Discovery Land Company and Aman. Located along 11 kilometers of protected Atlantic coastline in R\u00edo San Juan, the property combines private residential club living with world-renowned hospitality.<\/p>\n
The championship golf course, par 72 \u2014 originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and later perfected by Rees Jones and Bryce Swanson \u2014 features ten stunning oceanfront holes, creating one of the most spectacular coastal courses in golf. The course has been widely recognized as one of the best oceanfront designs in the world, with Golf Digest magazine highlighting its impressive views of the Atlantic and its spectacular cliffside location.<\/p>\n
Discovery Land Company offers its renowned hospitality experience, including fine dining restaurants, racquet and fitness facilities, seasonal activities, and its exclusive Outdoor Pursuits program, which includes surfing experiences, ocean adventures, horseback riding, guided nature excursions, and recreational activities for the whole family.<\/p>\n
Within the property is Amanera, part of Aman Group, one of the world's leading ultra-luxury hotel brands and one of only two Aman resorts in the Caribbean. The resort offers independent casitas and private villas, many with private pools overlooking the Atlantic, in addition to the Amanera Beach Club, destination restaurants, and a comprehensive wellness and spa program. With improved air and road access, Playa Grande is now moving towards the next phase of residential development.<\/p>\n
Architecture and planning projects will be handled by Hart Howerton, a Discovery Land Company collaborator for many years, whose portfolio includes landmark communities such as Chileno Bay Golf & Beach Club in Cabo San Lucas and Zapotal Golf & Beach Club in Costa Rica. In collaboration with master planners and designers, global construction managers Gardiner & Theobald will develop new land and residences designed to preserve the natural topography, protect views, and seamlessly integrate architecture and landscape.<\/p>\n
Discovery Land Company and Aman, two of the world's leading brands in luxury hotels and residences, continue to expand their presence in the Dominican Republic. Located approximately four hours from New York and two and a half hours from Miami, Playa Grande will be even more accessible with the development of the new airport, which will strengthen connections with Europe, Latin America, and other key international markets, while boosting the next phase of residential and hotel growth for the community.<\/p>\n
Present were the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Alfredo Pacheco; the provincial governor, Amanda Polanco; the general directors of the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC), Igor Rodr\u00edguez Dur\u00e1n; of Customs, Nelson Arroyo; of the Airport Department (DA), V\u00edctor Pichardo; the president of the Civil Aviation Board, H\u00e9ctor Porcella; the central director of the Tourism Police (Politur), General Minoru Matsunaga and the mayors of R\u00edo San Juan, Lenin Melo and Cabrera, Gabino Fern\u00e1ndez.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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