Construction Begins on Yanuna, a US$1 Billion Megaproject Tourism Development in Playa Macao
A luxury megaproject worth more than US$1 billion is breaking ground in La Altagracia. Here are the numbers and what it promises for jobs.
Key points
- Investment above US$1 billion in Playa Macao, La Altagracia province
- rooms across two Marriott hotels: The Ritz-Carlton Yanuna and Casa Mirallá
- About 1,500 direct jobs during construction and more than 1,600 once operating
- Opening planned for 2029
The Dominican Republic has begun construction of Yanuna, a tourism megaproject in Playa Macao, in the province of La Altagracia. The investment exceeds US$1 billion and aims to strengthen the country's luxury tourism offering.
The first phase will have 548 rooms spread across two international Marriott hotels: The Ritz-Carlton Yanuna, with 250 rooms, and Casa Mirallá, The Luxury Collection, with 298. It will also include 25 Ritz-Carlton residences and other residential components aimed at high-spending visitors. Operations are scheduled to begin in 2029.
During construction, the project is expected to generate about 1,500 direct jobs. Once operating, more than 1,600 jobs are projected, with priority given to local workers and national suppliers.
At the groundbreaking ceremony, President Luis Abinader highlighted the growth of the tourism sector and said the country could receive up to three times more visitors than today, provided development remains sustainable, organized, and safe.
Tourism Minister David Collado projected that the nation will reach 12 million visitors in 2026. He also stressed the importance of attracting investments that diversify the hotel offering and allow nearby communities to benefit from tourism.
Why it matters
The project promises jobs for the area and priority hiring for local workers and national suppliers. For Dominicans, it could mean more job opportunities near their communities if the announced plans are met.