Dominican President Inaugurates Hotel School, Auditorium in El Seibo

EL SEIBO, Dominican Republic – President Luis Abinader recently inaugurated a new hotel school, an auditorium, and a state-of-the-art smart classroom at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD) campus here, a move designed to strengthen education and capitalize on the booming tourism sector in the eastern Dominican Republic.

The new facilities are specifically tailored to provide practical training for students in hospitality and tourism. Featuring modern smart classrooms and an auditorium for academic, cultural, and training activities, the complex aims to elevate educational standards, cultivate skilled professionals, and stimulate the local economy.

During the inauguration, President Abinader encouraged young people to take full advantage of the new resources, highlighting the vast employment opportunities emerging from the rapid growth of the hotel industry. He noted that the sector extends beyond food and beverage services, requiring personnel in technical, engineering, artistic, and health fields. He urged students to pursue their chosen studies with dedication to secure jobs in this expanding industry.

Abinader also pointed to unprecedented investments pouring into Miches and the broader region, promising more jobs and enhanced opportunities. He affirmed the government's commitment to improving road infrastructure, particularly in the Oriental mountain range, emphasizing the direct impact of these projects on educational, vocational, and economic development by preparing the youth for incoming opportunities.

Víctor “Ito” Bisonó, the Minister of Housing and Building, described the opening of the UASD auditorium in El Seibo as a significant milestone for his ministry, underscoring its direct connection to education, knowledge, and future growth. He stated that the space is now formally in the hands of the university to serve students, faculty, and the community through learning and intellectual development.

Bisonó detailed that the auditorium project spanned 5,416 square meters, incorporating green spaces, internal pathways, sidewalks, parking, exterior lighting, and accessible entrances. The Dominican government's investment in the initiative exceeded RD 49 million. He also acknowledged the work of former Minister Carlos Bonilla and his team, who conceived, executed, and completed the project.

UASD Rector Editrudis Beltrán Crisóstomo affirmed that a shared vision with the Abinader administration has allowed the university to solidify its historic presence in El Seibo province. He thanked the president for his unwavering support, which he called the driving force behind this transformation.

Beltrán Crisóstomo explained that this project, developed in coordination with Corphotel under a 20-year lease, marks the first time UASD has its own hotel-school. He highlighted the transformation of a previously dilapidated site into a modern training center boasting 24 rooms, two suites, a cutting-edge smart classroom, and a contemporary auditorium. He also noted that since he became rector in 2022, UASD's presence has expanded from 18 localities to cover the entire national territory.

Magaly Tabar, the governor of El Seibo province, expressed gratitude, stating that the auditorium was designed to foster knowledge, education, and community development, with a strong focus on culture. She thanked President Abinader for supporting higher education and providing dignified spaces for learning and growth in the region.