PROMICHES

Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, she is a professional trained in Ecology and Environmental Management with postgraduate studies in Environmental Agrobiology. Her career combines technical fieldwork, process coordination and a strategic sustainability perspective, with a particular interest in biodiversity conservation and the responsible management of high-value ecological projects.

She began her professional career in the mining sector, where she strengthened her expertise in biodiversity and applied environmental management, participating in research related to endemic species and supporting monitoring campaigns, information organization and technical reporting, with an emphasis on rigor and evidence-based decision-making.

She currently serves as Environmental Projects Coordinator at Tropicalia, where she promotes and coordinates sustainability-related actions in a tourism development context. Her responsibilities include strengthening environmental monitoring programs, including initiatives focused on marine wildlife such as sea turtles and cetaceans, supporting technical coordination, information management and the communication of results for institutional learning and appropriate public dissemination.

Through this contribution, Tropicalia—a founding member and board member of Promiches—continues to strengthen its role in the development and implementation of initiatives aimed at the sustainable growth of Miches.

Marisol García de la Cruz holds a degree in Economics, with a concentration in Project Formulation and Development, from Universidad Católica Santo Domingo.

She provides support with administrative tasks and accounting management, including payment administration and accounts receivable follow-up. She is also responsible for managing the organization’s filing system and maintaining its administrative records.

Reynaldo serves as Director of Operations and Community Services at Zemi Hotels and Ciudad Esmeralda, where he advances initiatives focused on sustainable development and community integration. With an established career within the same business group, he has held several roles that have strengthened his expertise in operations management and community development.

His strategic approach, results orientation and negotiation skills position him as a key leader in the successful execution of projects.

After gaining business experience outside Grupo Puntacana, he joined the organization’s executive team in 2003. Leadership, pragmatism and an instinctive business vision are among his defining qualities, complemented by a strong commitment to business growth based on sustainable, innovative and forward-looking practices.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Finance from Roger Williams University in Rhode Island and later completed a master’s degree in Finance at Boston University.

With a strong sense of corporate social responsibility, he founded Hoyo Claro Developing Group Inc., a developer of affordable social housing projects including Ciudad La Palma, with a community of approximately 1,000 homes; Ciudad Cayena, with 1,800 homes; and Ciudad Caracolí, the company’s most recent development under this model.

In the communications sector, he serves on the Board of Directors of Editora Bávaro S.A., owner of Bávaro News, a newspaper serving the eastern region of the Dominican Republic.

In the restaurant sector, he is Chairman of the Board of the Wendy’s, Pizza Hut and Chili’s quick-service restaurant franchises represented in the country by Raya Food Dominicana, S.A., which together account for approximately 10,000 active jobs nationwide.

With an innovative and strategic leadership style, he serves as President & CEO of Grupo Puntacana.

A Dominican tourism professional with a degree in Tourism and Hospitality Business Administration and more than 30 years of experience in the hotel industry.

He has built his career at Viva Resorts, holding leadership positions in operations and general management in destinations including Bayahibe, Puerto Plata, Samaná and Cabarete. He is recognized for his focus on operational excellence, service quality, sustainability initiatives and social responsibility.

He currently serves as General Manager of Viva Miches by Wyndham, the chain’s newest property.

Sugeidy Alvarez is a marketing professional with more than ten years of experience in the tourism and real-estate development industries, specializing in digital communications, content management and brand-positioning strategies.

Throughout her career, she has planned and executed marketing initiatives for luxury all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic, Mexico and other Caribbean markets, as well as projects related to tourism real-estate development.

She complements her professional work with university teaching, sharing knowledge in marketing, digital communications and tourism and contributing to the education of a new generation of industry professionals.

She holds a university degree in Marketing and is currently part of Promiches, where she contributes to the communication and positioning of Miches as a growing destination aligned with the principles of sustainability and responsible development.

Originally from Colombia and a proud U.S. Army veteran, Paola Mora has brought her dedication, experience and passion to Club Med’s North American team for 24 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in International Business from Florida International University and a Juris Doctor from Nova Southeastern University, and she currently oversees legal matters across North America, including the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Among her many achievements, she played a crucial role in the launch of Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic, helping secure critical contracts and regulatory approvals. She was also instrumental in creating a training center for the local workforce, reflecting her commitment to community development.

Her contributions have been essential in earning recognition for Club Med’s social and corporate sustainability efforts.

Born in Austria and raised in the small village of Walchsee in the Tyrolean mountains, Manuela Fahringer fell in love with the Dominican Republic when she first visited in 1998. Since then, its vibrant Caribbean spirit has become home. With more than two decades of experience in the hotel industry, Manuela has held leadership roles at renowned hotels in the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Jamaica, including leading new hotel openings.

Her passion lies in the transformative process of building and nurturing exceptional teams and unforgettable guest experiences, a commitment she brings to her role at Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton. With an unwavering dedication to excellence, she embraces the unique challenges and opportunities of every project, creating spaces where hospitality thrives.

Originally from Rome, he is a hospitality professional with more than 20 years of experience. With a master’s degree in Senior Hotel Management and multiple international certifications, he has successfully led the operation of renowned four- and five-star resorts in the Dominican Republic, Mexico and the Bahamas.

A specialist in integrated management, quality and sustainability, Natella has implemented strategies that optimize resources, increase occupancy and maintain high levels of guest satisfaction. His innovative leadership and focus on operational excellence make him a recognized professional in the global tourism sector.

Director of Asset Management for the Dreams Playa Esmeralda and Secrets Playa Esmeralda developments in Miches, El Seibo Province, Dominican Republic. He has served as an Asset Manager for hotel projects throughout the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, bringing approximately 15 years of experience to the hospitality industry. He has also been part of tourism and hotel development teams for projects in Bávaro, Uvero Alto, and Montego Bay.

He has maintained active involvement in industry and business organizations, including the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association and the Jamaica Hotel Investment Association.

Luis holds degrees in Business Administration and Accounting and Auditing from Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC), as well as a Master’s degree in Financial Management from Universidad APEC. He also holds an MBA from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the United States.

In addition, he is certified in Hotel Asset Management and Hotel Investment by Cornell University.

Evelin Vargas holds a degree in Tourism Business Administration and has more than 18 years of experience in tourism, including 14 years specializing in Quality and Environmental Management. A Magna Cum Laude graduate of Universidad Central del Este, she has built a solid career defined by continuous improvement and sustainability.

Since 2010, she has been part of Viva Resorts by Wyndham, where she currently serves as General Coordinator of Quality and Environmental Management for the Dominican Republic.

In this role, she has led strategic programs that have elevated the company’s quality and sustainability standards, working closely with initiatives including Blue Flag, Travelife, Wyndham Green, UNICEF, THE CODE.org and Misión Rescate Lista Roja in collaboration with ECORED.

Her training includes certifications in World-Class Quality Management, a diploma in the Dominican Quality System (SIDOCAL), and a diploma in Integrated Sargassum Management for the Tourism Sector. She is also an active member of the PROTORTUGA Board of Directors and participates in ASONAHORES sustainability committees and the Accessibility and Environment committees of the Romana-Bayahibe Hotel Association.

Passionate about sustainable tourism, Evelin focuses on balancing industry growth with environmental preservation. In her free time, she enjoys volleyball and investigative television series.

Hairo Galindez is a professional with more than eight years of experience in the Dominican hotel sector. He currently leads Marketing and Public Relations strategies for Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, with the goal of positioning both the resort and the emerging destination of Miches.

He holds a degree in Tourism and Hotel Business Administration from Universidad Dominicana O&M and has completed additional marketing studies at Universidad APEC, Universidad Dominico-Americana and Spain Business School. His career is distinguished by an innovative and strategic approach to promoting destinations and luxury experiences in the hospitality industry.

George Alexander Nader is the Founder and CEO of Nader Enterprises, a privately held investment, development, and asset management firm based in the Dominican Republic, with a primary focus on the real estate and tourism sectors.

Nader began his professional career at a very young age, joining his family’s business in concert production and art sales.

In 2006, after graduating Cum Laude from Bentley University with a degree in Corporate Finance and Accounting, he began his career in New York as an investment banking analyst, specializing in mergers and acquisitions, as well as financial and strategic advisory services for companies across Latin America. That same year, he founded Nader Enterprises in the Dominican Republic.

In 2008, he returned to the country with the goal of developing projects with the potential to become high-impact businesses. These included Dominican Energy Crops, focused on the development of energy farms to supply high-quality biomass; San Isidro City Centre, the first shopping center developed under a Real Estate Development and Investment Trust structure; and Thrive, a flexible office and coworking operator that opened its first location in Santo Domingo.

Today, Nader leads the development of Maralda, a major tourism development in Miches, as well as Portamare in Uvero Alto, in addition to other real estate and tourism projects in Punta Cana and Santo Domingo.

A Business Administration graduate of Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD), Dileysi Cabrera is from the municipality of Miches, El Seibo province.

She serves as Institutional Relations Coordinator at Tropicalia. In this role, she promotes coordination among key stakeholders and strengthens strategic partnerships for destination initiatives. She contributes to the coordination and follow-up of programs and projects, as well as the management of relationships with public, private and community institutions, fostering effective communication and collaboration aligned with organizational objectives.

Through this contribution, Tropicalia—a founding member and board member of Promiches—continues to strengthen its role in the development and implementation of initiatives aimed at the sustainable growth of Miches.

President of Tropicalia, a sustainable luxury real estate development by the Cisneros Organization in the Dominican Republic. He oversees the company’s corporate affairs, operations, communications, and strategic development.

Since 1998, he has held various positions within companies of the Cisneros Organization. In 2010, he relocated to the Dominican Republic to lead projects in tourism, real estate development, corporate social responsibility, and renewable energy.

Among his key achievements are the launch of Potentia Renewables and the creation of Promiches. The organizations he has led have been recognized for their commitment to social and corporate sustainability.

William holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Boston University and a certificate in Corporate Social Responsibility from Harvard Business School.

He has served as President and as a member of several boards of directors and business committees in the Dominican Republic, including the Dominican Association of Tourism Real Estate Companies (ADETI); the National Hotel and Tourism Association of the Dominican Republic (ASONAHORES); Business Action for Education (EDUCA); the Dominican Association of Cattle Ranchers and Farmers (ADHA); the Land and International Relations Committee of the National Council of Private Enterprise (CONEP); and the General Aviation Working Group for Dominican airports, among others.

Director of Asset Management for the Dreams Playa Esmeralda and Secrets Playa Esmeralda developments in Miches, El Seibo Province, Dominican Republic. He has served as an Asset Manager for hotel projects throughout the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, bringing approximately 15 years of experience to the hospitality industry. He has also been part of tourism and hotel development teams for projects in Bávaro, Uvero Alto, and Montego Bay.

He has maintained active involvement in industry and business organizations, including the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association and the Jamaica Hotel Investment Association.

Luis holds degrees in Business Administration and Accounting and Auditing from Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC), as well as a Master’s degree in Financial Management from Universidad APEC. He also holds an MBA from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the United States.

In addition, he is certified in Hotel Asset Management and Hotel Investment by Cornell University.

A distinguished tourism marketing professional, Elsa is International Marketing Manager for Central America and the Caribbean at Hyatt Hotels Corporation, where she previously served as Marketing and Communications Manager. An expert in brand development and positioning, on- and offline marketing, and the tourism industry, her skills include negotiation, marketing management, business planning and advertising.

Previously, she served as Marketing and Communications Manager for the Dominican Republic at AMResorts and International Brand Manager at Brugal & Co. S.A. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from UNIBE and a master’s degree in International Trade Management from Universidad Rey Juan Carlos in Spain.

Marketing and Communications Manager for Cisneros Real Estate, responsible for the development and ongoing management of all aspects of the division’s brand and communications strategy, as well as the corporate profile of Four Seasons Resort & Residences at Tropicalia. She is also a member of the residential sales and marketing team.

Amanda Santana is Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Viva Resorts by Wyndham. With more than 37 years of experience in the tourism industry, Amanda is a seasoned leader whose long-standing presence within the brand is reflected in her hands-on approach.

She directly oversees Viva Resorts by Wyndham’s portfolio of more than 3,000 rooms across eight all-inclusive properties in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and The Bahamas.

Jake Kheel is a sustainability innovator, author and award-winning documentary filmmaker. For two decades, he has addressed social and environmental challenges in the tourism industry as Vice President of Sustainability at Grupo Puntacana and Vice President of Fundación Grupo Puntacana in the Dominican Republic.

Under his leadership, both organizations have received numerous international awards, including recognition from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure and National Geographic Traveler.

Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Gustavo A. Román has a strong background in business administration and specialized in tourism at Universidad de Alcalá de Henares in Madrid, Spain, in 2009.

In 2010, he began his tourism career as Project Manager of the Santo Domingo Tourism Cluster and also served as an adjunct professor at Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE).

His commitment to tourism development brought him to Miches, where he joined the Cisneros Organization’s Tropicalia project team as assistant to the local coordinator of Fundación Tropicalia. He was promoted to General Coordinator in 2011, became Institutional Relations Manager for Tropicalia in 2018, and in 2024 was promoted to Director of the same department, a role he has combined since 2020 with his position as Executive Director of PROMICHES.

Gustavo believes strongly in tourism’s ability to generate well-being in communities far from major urban centers, through an agenda that recognizes and protects the natural and cultural assets that support the tourism product.

In 2015, supported by a Fundación Cisneros scholarship, he participated in Georgetown University’s Global Competitive Leadership program in the United States. He has also completed courses in negotiation techniques and project management.

With more than 40 years of experience in the hospitality sector, he is Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of Viva Resorts by Wyndham, a hotel ownership and management company that currently operates more than 3,000 rooms across the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and The Bahamas. He has also been involved in numerous tourism projects through his personal consulting firm, Proinversión, which he founded in 1979.

He served as President of the National Hotel and Tourism Association of the Dominican Republic (ASONAHORES) and as Treasurer of the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA). In addition, he served as President of the National Council of Private Enterprise (CONEP) of the Dominican Republic from 2015 to 2017, the country’s leading private-sector business association.

Since August 16, 2020, he has served as Honorary Advisor to the Minister of Tourism of the Dominican Republic and as a member of the Private Sector Commission for the Country Brand initiative.

Mr. Blanco holds a Master’s degree from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña (UNPHU) in the Dominican Republic.

He is Managing Partner of Guzmán Ariza’s Bávaro/Punta Cana, La Romana, and Casa de Campo offices, leader of the firm’s real estate practice, and Co-Director of its Corporate Group.

Alfredo’s practice focuses on real estate, business, and commercial lending, with a strong emphasis on hotel and resort development and the broader hospitality sector. His experience includes hotel acquisitions and dispositions, development and financing, mixed-use development projects, hotel management agreements, residential developments, and related transactions.

He has advised multinational clients on major transactions, including Fosun International Group’s US$428 million IPO involving its Dominican Republic assets, including Club Med, on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. He has also advised international corporations on significant mergers and acquisitions in the country; assisted the Canadian Sunwing group in one of the largest single-bank financing transactions for a US$300 million customer credit facility; and advised Waste Free Oceans on a collaboration agreement with the Dominican Government for a river restoration and regional recycling plant project.

He regularly advises Wells Fargo Bank on the modification and enforcement of multimillion-dollar liens and mortgages secured by high-value commercial and private properties.

He has been quoted on several occasions by The New York Times for his knowledge of real estate and tax law and has published numerous articles on real estate in the Dominican Republic, corporate law, project finance, mergers and acquisitions, and secured lending. He has also been recognized by leading international legal directories, including Chambers and Partners, The Legal 500, and IFLR.

He holds an MBA from Rochester Institute of Technology in the United States, a law degree, and has completed additional international and continuing education programs.

Partner at Guzmán Ariza and Head of the Environmental and Regulatory Law Department, where she provides comprehensive legal counsel on matters related to land use, the legal and environmental feasibility of master plans, community-related issues, and social programs, among others, for large-scale real estate, tourism, energy, hydrocarbon, and renewable energy projects.

She is a pioneer in the practice of environmental law in the Dominican Republic and one of the country’s most experienced professionals in the field. Her practice focuses on regulatory law, environmental permitting, protected areas, and projects with significant environmental impact. She also has extensive experience conducting environmental legal compliance audits in the tourism, construction, and agribusiness sectors.

She serves as an environmental consultant to the Environmental Committee of the Senate of the Dominican Republic on projects with significant social and environmental implications, and as a legal and environmental compliance auditor in the construction and agribusiness sectors.

She has been recognized by Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500 for her extensive experience in environmental and regulatory law. She also holds a postgraduate degree in Environmental Assessment and Sustainability from the Complutense University of Madrid, in addition to having completed various international and continuing education programs.

Sofia Perazzo leads the sustainability strategy for Tropicalia, a sustainable luxury tourism development in the Dominican Republic by the Cisneros Organization.

Using a multidisciplinary approach, she manages the integration of social and environmental commitments into business decisions and the activities of multiple teams.

Since 2011, she has produced the annual sustainability report and supported the communications strategy. As President of Fundación Tropicalia, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Global Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara, a master’s degree in Global Studies from New York University, and certifications from Harvard and GRI in corporate social responsibility.