Luis Emilio Velutini, owner of JW Marriott Santo Domingo, passes away

Santo Domingo.- Luis Emilio Velutini Urbina, president and founder of Grupo Velutini, passed away this Wednesday, August 6, in Santo Domingo. With over five decades dedicated to urban development across Latin America, his legacy is especially notable in the Dominican Republic, where he played a transformative role in the country’s real estate and tourism sectors.

Originally known for major commercial and hospitality projects in Venezuela, Velutini brought his visionary approach to the Dominican Republic 17 years ago. He spearheaded the development of BlueMall Santo Domingo, the country’s first next-generation shopping center, which also housed the Caribbean’s first JW Marriott and a landmark corporate tower.

His impact expanded further with the launch of BlueMall Puntacana in 2017, reinforcing the economic and tourism growth of the Eastern region. He also developed high-end residential projects in Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, Cap Cana, and Bávaro.

Velutini continued to elevate Santo Domingo’s global profile through the addition of luxury brands like Saint Laurent and Tiffany & Co., and by leading the development of the World Trade Center Santo Domingo—integrating the country into a global network spanning more than 91 countries.