New technical training center to support tourism growth in Sabana de la Mar

Sabana de la Mar, DR.- President Luis Abinader inaugurated the Villa Suiza Technical Training School, a new facility aimed at preparing skilled workers for the growing tourism sector in the region. The center, managed by the National Institute of Technical and Professional Training (INFOTEP), is designed to equip locals with the necessary skills to access well-paying jobs in hospitality and related industries.

During the opening ceremony, President Abinader highlighted the significant tourism growth in the country’s eastern region and its positive impact on employment. “This development strengthens not only the local economy but also provides thousands of families with quality job opportunities,” he said. He also noted the importance of technical education in enhancing competitiveness and human development, citing the example of women training as chefs—one of the highest-paying positions in the tourism sector.

With an investment of over 79 million pesos, the 18,442-square-meter facility features 16 model units for hospitality training and seven specialized workshops in hotel reception, gastronomy, bar and restaurant services, IT, languages, wellness, and housekeeping. Training programs will be available in morning and afternoon shifts, allowing both young people and adults to benefit.

INFOTEP Director Rafael Santos Badía emphasized the school’s role in strengthening local employment and economic growth, particularly as major hotel chains continue to expand in the area. “This is a crucial step toward a more prosperous future for the region and its people,” he stated.

The school is housed in the former Villa Suiza Hotel, an abandoned property that was repurposed by INFOTEP. According to the institution, the tourism industry in Sabana de la Mar, Miches, and surrounding areas has seen rapid expansion, with hotel brands such as Club Med, Dreams Secrets, Zemi, and Tropicalia investing in the region. The training center is expected to equip workers with the skills needed to secure stable jobs, further driving economic growth.