ADOMPRETUR celebrates 2025 Ordinary General Assembly and announces upcoming elections

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Association of Tourism Press (ADOMPRETUR) convened its Ordinary General Assembly on March 15 at the Orlando Martínez Hall of the Dominican Journalists’ College. Held after a second call, the assembly witnessed the unanimous approval of the management and economic reports.

An especially emotional moment took place when executive director María Mercedes received heartfelt recognition for her tireless dedication, while a resounding vote of confidence was granted to President Yenny Polanco Lovera.

During the session, President Polanco Lovera presented the 2024 management report, which highlighted significant achievements. The organization successfully carried out the National Tourism Journalism Award Epifanio Lantigua 2024, launched the 2025 edition of the Dominican Tourism Magazine initiated by José María Reyes, and organized a series of training sessions in Higüey, Las Terrenas, Baní, Sosúa, and other branches.

The report detailed ADOMPRETUR’s participation in international events such as FITUR 2024 and 2025, the International Tourism Fair in Egypt, and local initiatives including the Caribbean Tourism Fair and Date 2024. In addition, the signing of interinstitutional agreements with key sector players like Cap Cana, airlines, hotels, and Club Paraíso further enhanced membership benefits and advanced the tourism sector.

Treasurer Mayra de Peña provided an economic report that reflected a healthy balance of 2.2 million pesos held in Banco BHD and Banco de Reservas accounts. Income from sponsorships – notably from the Ministry of Tourism, Banco Popular, and Cap Cana – along with fees and special projects, offset annual expenditures of 620,000 pesos covering professional and technical services such as accounting, executive management, social media, and content production for the association’s website.

The financial outlook confirmed that ADOMPRETUR maintains stable reserves and faces the challenge of securing additional funding for future initiatives like the upcoming PEL Award 2025.

Empowering the voice of tourism journalists: the countdown to the 2025 elections

A significant milestone in the assembly was the appointment of the National Electoral Commission for the 2025–2025 term, led by Manuel Quiterio Cedeño as president and Miguelina Santos as secretary, with Barnadiz González, Aurelio Henríquez and Margarita Brito as additional members.

The commission will oversee internal elections scheduled for July 18, 2025, to be held at the Dominican Journalists’ College and simultaneously across all national and international branches. Members from Santo Domingo, Higüey, Bávaro-Punta Cana, Santiago, Sosúa-Cabarete, Barahona, and Pedernales actively participated, reinforcing the association’s commitment to a robust internal democracy.

Executive director María Mercedes is honored for her dedication. (Photo: Adompretur)

Current board of directors

The meeting also celebrated the current board of directors for 2023–2025. Chaired by President Yenny Polanco Lovera, Vice President Salvador Batista, and Secretary General Cristian Mota, the board includes Mayra de Peña as Director of Finance; Carmen Bretón as Director of Communication and Public Relations; José Alberto Selmo as Director of Institutional Relations; Juan de Dios Valentín as Director of Regional Affairs; Amelia Reyes as Director of Training; José Ramón Torres as Director of Culture and Tourism; Cristina Rosario as Director of Events; Luis Santiago Severino as Director of Marketing; and Héctor Méndez as President of ADOMPRETUR Joven.

The assembly also acknowledged the work of the Ethics Committee, composed of former president Luis José Chávez, secretary Yomaris Gómez, and members Barnadiz González, Yubelkys Mejía, and Sarah Hernández.

Former vice president Millizen Uribe was honored for her exceptional contributions, and former leaders Luis José Chávez and Elsa Peña were recognized for their lasting impact on the association. Chávez highlighted the transformative leadership and shared responsibility demonstrated by the current president, while Peña reminded attendees that the role of a tourism journalist is to promote the richness of destinations rather than serve as mere spokespeople for hotels or obscure industry shortcomings.

As ADOMPRETUR embarks on the next phase of its leadership, the organization remains steadfast in advancing tourism journalism and fostering an environment that supports dynamic growth in the tourism sector.