Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, a company belonging to the tourism pillar of Central Romana Corporation, announced a strategic alliance with MSC Group for the joint development and operation of Catalina Island, with the aim of strengthening its positioning as a key Caribbean destination.
The agreement was formalized during Seatrade Cruise Global, with the participation of the Minister of Tourism of the Dominican Republic, David Collado.
The alliance, structured as a long-term joint venture, contemplates the comprehensive improvement of the island's infrastructure and visitor experience, consolidating a high-level offering that integrates the natural beauty of the surroundings, world-class hospitality, and specialized services.
As part of the project, Casa de Campo Resort & Villas will be responsible for the operation of the facilities and the beach club on Catalina Island, contributing its more than half a century of experience in the tourism sector to elevate the destination's offering.
This development builds upon the trajectory of Central Romana, which for over 25 years has driven the development of Catalina Island and contributed to consolidating La Romana as a comprehensive tourist destination, combining port infrastructure, air connectivity, and world-class hotel offerings.
The island will receive visitors from various cruise lines, including MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys, as well as private clients.
The development plan includes new dining experiences, rest areas, a water sports center, and improvements to existing facilities, with the aim of offering a more complete experience aligned with international visitor expectations.
This agreement comes in the context of the start of cruise operations based in La Romana, which will allow the arrival of approximately 120,000 additional visitors per year, boosting local economic activity and strengthening the tourism value chain in the Eastern region.
Luis Emilio Rodríguez, director of the La Romana Airport and Port for Central Romana Corporation, stated:
“We are pleased to partner with MSC Cruises on this initiative aimed at improving the infrastructure and visitor experience on Catalina Island, while decisively contributing to positioning the Dominican Republic as one of the main gateways for cruise tourism in the Caribbean.
This joint agreement will allow us to continue expanding the conditions of this unique destination in La Romana, creating high-level spaces and reaffirming Central Romana's commitment to preserving the environmental integrity of this Natural Monument.”
Gianluca Suprani, President of CTL Maritime, stated that this agreement with Central Romana represents an important step in the group's growth strategy in the Caribbean, highlighting the Dominican Republic's potential as a destination and its alignment with a vision for sustainable tourism development.
As a Natural Monument, all interventions on Catalina Island will be carried out in accordance with current environmental regulations, ensuring the protection of its ecosystems and the preservation of its natural value.
This initiative strengthens Central Romana's integrated tourism model in La Romana, where airport and cruise port infrastructure and connectivity, combined with hospitality experience, work in an integrated manner to drive the sustainable development of the destination.
