At a gathering hosted by the Dominican Tourism Press Association (ADOMPRETUR) Samaná business leaders urged that a coordinated effort between the Government and the private sector be set in motion to develop an integrated development model for the region that is destined to become one of the Caribbean's most important tourism destinations in the near future due to the new Catey airport, the new Santo Domingo-Samaná highway currently under construction and the increase in interest by both local and foreign investors. This effort must include input from the Tourism Ministry, the local City Council, the Las Terrenas Development Commission, the municipality's community leaders and the business sector.

 The impact of the airport and new highway are already being felt. In Las Terrenas 2000 new apartments are already being built for both tourist and residential use. Spain's Piñero Group has invested in 4 hotels in the province and has expanded El Portillo in Las Terrenas to 300 rooms.

Jose Oscar Orsini Bosch, president of the Alliance of Tourism Services Companies of Samaná stressed the importance of the region's being prepared to deal with the rapid growth that will take place so that there is no undue disruption to the district.

Other speakers at the gathering also spoke on diverse aspects related to Samaná's social and economic life.