Punta Cana, DR.- Archipelago International, Southeast Asia’s largest privately owned hotel management group, has announced a significant expansion into the Dominican Republic. The company plans to open four new hotels and condotels within the next year, adding over 600 rooms to the country’s already dynamic tourism sector.
According to a press release, this expansion marks a strategic move for Archipelago International, demonstrating its commitment to growing its presence in the Caribbean and Mexico. Beyond the Dominican Republic, the company has revealed plans for additional hotel openings in these regions.
“The Dominican Republic government has fostered a very favorable business environment for tourism,” said Gerard Byrne, CEO of Archipelago International. “This commitment played a major role in our decision to establish our second regional corporate office in Punta Cana. Additionally, we are planning new offices in Santo Domingo and Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, to further strengthen our operational capabilities.”
The company’s confidence in the Dominican Republic market stems from the success of their existing regional ventures. Since opening its first resort in Cuba in 2019, Archipelago International has grown rapidly, now boasting five hotels with over 3,200 rooms across the region.
The upcoming Dominican Republic properties cater to a variety of traveler needs. “Reserva Real by Harper, Punta Cana” offers 187 rooms, targeting vacationers seeking a luxurious escape. For business travelers, “Aston Rubí City Suites, Santo Domingo” (179 rooms) and “Aston Bocettos City Suites, Santo Domingo” (126 rooms) provide comfortable and convenient urban accommodations. Families and adventure seekers can enjoy the beachfront setting of “Grand Aston Punta Cana Beach Resort & Spa” (170 rooms).
This expansion is just the beginning for Archipelago International in the Dominican Republic. The company has announced a series of additional signed agreements for future development. These include luxury resorts, boutique hotels, and family-friendly options, further diversifying the tourism landscape. Notable projects include “Grand Aston Larimar City Golf Hotel & Residences” (228 rooms) and “Grand Aston Cáicu Coral Golf Hotel & Residences” (a massive 669 rooms), both offering golf course access in Punta Cana.
Competitive edge
Beyond showcasing their development plans, Archipelago International highlighted their competitive edge. “We offer a unique combination of proven operational and brand solutions with a fee structure significantly lower than other global brands,” explained José Luis Leonardo, Vice President of the Americas for Archipelago International. “We also leverage cutting-edge technology solutions and a flexible approach as an independent company.”
This commitment to innovation extends to a focus on improved owner-operator relationships. Byrne emphasizes that Archipelago International “has changed the paradigm” by creating new partnership models that offer owners a fairer return on investment compared to traditional fee structures.
The opening ceremony for the new Punta Cana corporate office was a well-attended affair, reflecting the positive reception Archipelago International has received in the Dominican Republic. The ceremony included speeches from government officials, industry leaders, and prominent figures from Indonesia and the Dominican Republic. This strong foundation paves the way for Archipelago International’s successful expansion and contribution to the Dominican Republic’s thriving tourism