Punta Cana.- Meliá Hotels International and the Dominican Republic’s National Institute for Technical and Professional Training (INFOTEP) have signed an agreement to establish a Hospitality and Tourism Training School in Punta Cana. This initiative aims to address the growing need for skilled professionals in the tourism industry, especially as Meliá continues to expand within the country. The training center will support the development of Meliá employees, their families, and members of the local community, enhancing their employability and professional growth.
The school will offer specialized training in key hospitality areas such as culinary arts, bar and restaurant service, reception operations, and housekeeping. Courses will include both theoretical and practical components, with a strong emphasis on English and digital skills to prepare participants for modern hospitality demands. The goal is to create a qualified local talent pool ready to fill operational roles at Meliá hotels and elevate service standards industry-wide.
Slated for completion in fall 2025, the school will be housed in facilities provided by Meliá and outfitted by INFOTEP with the necessary equipment and materials. INFOTEP will also supply experienced instructors and support staff. Meliá’s CEO, Gabriel Escarrer Jaume, sees the project as a long-held vision to invest in the Dominican people’s potential, while INFOTEP’s director, Rafael Santos Badía, highlighted the value of hands-on, industry-integrated training to strengthen the national tourism workforce.