Frank Rainieri receives WTTC Icon Award for transforming Punta Cana

Malta.- Dominican businessman Frank Rainieri has received the WTTC Icon Award for his contribution to the development of Punta Cana and the growth of the Dominican Republic’s tourism industry.

Rainieri received the prestigious recognition during the 26th World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) World Summit in Malta, which brought together more than 1,000 delegates, including over 200 leaders from the global public and private sectors.

The WTTC recognized Rainieri’s role in transforming Punta Cana into an international tourism destination since 1969. According to the organization, his investments and leadership helped establish tourism as one of the Dominican Republic’s most important economic sectors, attracting millions of visitors and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs.

WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara described Rainieri as a tourism pioneer whose vision helped create a complete destination and demonstrated how travel and tourism can generate economic opportunities, transform communities, and contribute to long-term prosperity.

“The Dominican Republic’s extraordinary tourism success would not be what it is today without his leadership and commitment,” the WTTC said, highlighting the lasting impact of his work on the country’s tourism sector.

The WTTC Icon Award honors individuals whose lifetime contributions have significantly shaped destinations, institutions, or the global travel and tourism industry.