Adompretur names 13-member jury for 2026 Epifanio Lantigua Tourism Journalism Award
Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Association of Tourism Press (Adompretur) has named a 13-member jury to select the winners of the 2026 Epifanio Lantigua National Tourism Journalism Award, bringing together professionals from journalism, academia, communications and the tourism sector.
Ana Bélgica Güichardo, director of the School of Communication at Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM), was elected jury president during the panel’s first plenary session. She holds a doctorate in journalism and communications and has more than 20 years of academic experience.
The jury includes Aguie Lendor, executive vice president of the Dominican Republic Hotel and Tourism Association (Asonahores); journalist José Antonio Aybar, editor of digital newspaper Testigo; and Caroll Mueses, president of the Dominican Association of Social Chroniclers (ADCS).
Other members are Danny Rincón, director of the Hotel Management program at Universidad Católica Santo Domingo; journalist Edgar Lantigua, son of the award’s namesake; Ernesto Veloz, president of the Association of Hotels and Tourism Projects of the Eastern Region (Asoleste); and poet and essayist José Mármol, executive vice president of Corporate Communications, Reputation and Responsible Banking at Grupo Popular.
The panel also includes Julián Sosa, director of the School of Social Communication at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD); Luis Felipe Aquino, president of the Caribbean Tourism Exchange (BTC); Luis Pérez Nova, president of the Dominican College of Journalists; Yahaira Brea, communications director at the Ministry of Education; and journalist and university lecturer Rosa Alcántara.
Adompretur President Sarah Hernández administers the oath of office to Ana Bélgica Güichardo as president of the 2026 Epifanio Lantigua National Tourism Journalism Award jury. (Photo: Adompretur)
Adompretur President Sarah Hernández said the jury combines professional experience and specialized knowledge from media organizations, academic institutions and entities involved in tourism development.
Millizen Uribe, Adompretur vice president and executive director of the award, said the range of professional backgrounds would contribute to the assessment of competing entries.
Güichardo noted the jury’s responsibility was to recognize excellence in tourism journalism.
The award is sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, Banco Popular, Cap Cana, the National Institute for Technical and Vocational Training (Infotep), Arajet, the Ministry of Education, Lopesan Costa Bávaro and the José Ignacio Morales “El Artístico” Foundation. Supporting partners include Industrias Banilejas, Casa Brugal and Cosmos Cuisine restaurant.
