Yanuna Executives Thank Abinader for Backing Tourism

Yanuna's partners praise President Abinader and announce multimillion-dollar investments at the first groundbreaking in Playa Macao.

At the first groundbreaking of the Yanuna megaproject in Playa Macao, Punta Cana, executives Javier Tejada and Yamil Isaías thanked President Luis Abinader for the support they say the government has given the tourism sector. They praised his leadership, openness and willingness to back investment initiatives.

Tejada, chairman of Yanuna's board of directors, said Dominican tourism growth reflects a state policy that has prioritized the industry, connectivity and infrastructure. He said that under Abinader's leadership the country surpassed 10 million visitors for the first time, and argued that an investment of Yanuna's scale requires the conditions the country has built.

Yamil Isaías, chairman of Yanuna's board and representative of the Pioneer II investment fund, thanked the president for the openness and access he has maintained over the past six years. He explained that in their conversations with Abinader, the development of Yanuna was a constant, given the interest in carrying out a large-scale project for the Playa Macao destination.

During the event, Abinader projected that the country will receive USD 5,300 million in foreign direct investment in 2026, up from USD 5,000 million in 2025. He also said the Dominican Republic has the capacity to receive up to three times as many tourists as it does now, provided it advances with sustainability, organization and citizen security.

The president added that exports will exceed USD 17,000 million this year, compared with nearly USD 16,000 million the previous year. He also mentioned high-end hotel projects under development or planned, including those from Four Seasons, Aman and Accor.