Santo Domingo.- The Senate of the Dominican Republic has officially approved, on second reading, a bill naming the Eastern Tourist Boulevard in La Altagracia after prominent businessman Frank Rainieri. The initiative, now converted into law, was presented by PRM senator Francisco Villegas, who emphasized Rainieri’s significant contributions to tourism, the economy, and social development in the region.

The legislation assigns the Ministry of Tourism the task of promoting the newly named Frank Rainieri Tourist Boulevard both nationally and internationally. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works is mandated to allocate the necessary funds to implement the name change.

Rainieri, one of the key figures behind the development of the Eastern Boulevard, played a crucial role in facilitating quicker access for tourists in the area. The bill also recognizes Rainieri’s pioneering efforts in Punta Cana’s tourism industry, which began in 1969 with the acquisition of land alongside attorney Theodore Kheel. Their partnership led to the opening of the Punta Cana Club in 1971, followed by the Punta Cana Hotel in 1979 and the Punta Cana International Airport in 1984—milestones that gave rise to what is now Grupo Punta Cana.

All 24 senators present voted in favor of the bill, which will now be sent to the Executive Branch for final approval and enactment.