Paris.- Within the framework of the International French Travel Market (IFTM) – Top Resa 2025 tourism fair, where the Dominican Republic participates as the guest of honor, Juan Manuel Martín de Oliva, vice president of the Tourism Area of Banco Popular and president of the Santo Domingo Cluster, highlighted the strategic role of banking in strengthening tourism and outlined the main lines of work of the cluster.
Tourism and Banking, a Strategic Alliance
Martín de Oliva emphasized that his dual role reflects the importance that Banco Popular gives to the sector, which it has supported for more than three decades through financing and investment. “We have the privilege of supporting our clients where decisions are made,” he expressed, while describing his work in tourism as a “fortune” that allows him to combine his two passions: banking and tourism development.
Regarding the agenda of the Santo Domingo Cluster, he explained that efforts are focused on three areas:
- Global Gastronomic Promotion. With Santo Domingo recognized as the gastronomic capital of the Caribbean, the goal is to project it internationally. To this end, an agreement was signed with the National University of Distance Education (UNIVE), whose students will develop a business plan that will link restaurants, hotels, airlines, museums and shopping centers.
- Convention Center. The cluster will support the construction of the convention center announced by the Government. Martín de Oliva pointed out that this infrastructure will be “indispensable” to increase the flow of tourists and directly benefit the hotel industry.
- Colonial City and Malecón. Support for the recovery work in the Colonial City will continue, whose positive impact is expected in the medium term. In addition, the aim is to promote the Malecón and the financial center of Santo Domingo as spaces for cultural, gastronomic and tourist attraction.
The executive pointed out that the results are already visible. He reported that he frequently visits the Colonial City, where boutique hotels have emerged that allow visitors to enjoy the historical heritage without losing its essence.
Bank presence at the fair
Regarding the role of Banco Popular in Top Resa, Martín de Oliva highlighted that the Dominican delegation is the only one with the presence of banks in their own
stands. This participation, which has been maintained for more than 15 years, has generated trust in investors, who recognize the strength of the Dominican financial system as an ally of their projects.
The vice president reported that only on the previous day he held meetings with three new investors, in addition to having more appointments scheduled during the fair. “Top Resa has become a key business scenario,” he stated.
Gastronomic Identity
When asked about the national gastronomy, Martín de Oliva recommended the
sancocho as the emblematic dish of the Dominican Republic, ideal for any occasion.
