Punta Cana.- Leading Spanish hotel chain Riu, which has operated resorts in the east and north coast regions of the Dominican Republic since the 1990s, is consolidating its presence in the country with the expansion and remodeling of part of its east coast facilities.

The new US$76 million Riu Palace Bávaro hotel and neighboring Conference Center, which opened in December last year, represents a vote of confidence by the company in the Dominican Republic as a tourism destination. Riu operates hotels and resorts all over the globe, but in the words of Armin Kaestner, Vice President Sales, Contracting and Partner Marketing “The environment and facilities for investment in the Dominican Republic are easier compared to other countries”.

The new Riu Palace hotel, one of five hotels in the 2400-room Riu complex in the Arena Gorda section of the Punta Cana-Bávaro tourist area, is decorated in a modern, colorful and minimalist style. It has 610 rooms, three pools, four á-la-carte restaurants, buffet, snack bar, 24/7 sports bar, cafeteria, kids’ club, casino and spa. It is located on the stunning white sand beaches that have made the east coast of the Dominican Republic one of the world’s top beach tourism destinations.

The Convention Center covers an area of 1200 square meters and has a capacity for up to 1,000 people. The flexible installation allows for the space to be subdivided into up to six sections by soundproof partitions in a variety of layouts, according to the requirements of the client. Recent events that have been held include conventions by Toyota USA and the Chicago Bears.

Other imminent innovations include the re-opening of the Riu Palace Macao, currently closed for remodeling, which is scheduled to reopen as an Adults Only resort.