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Date: 8 October 2026
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has honoured Frank Rainieri with its prestigious WTTC Icon Award, recognising his transformational role in building the Dominican Republic into one of the world's most successful tourism destinations.
The award was presented during a VIP Dinner at WTTC's 26th Global Summit in Malta, bringing together more than 1,000 delegates, including over 200 of the world's leading Travel & Tourism CEOs and government ministers.
The WTTC Icon Award recognises individuals whose lifetime contribution has shaped destinations, institutions or the Travel & Tourism sector itself, raising the quality, profile and impact of tourism for generations.
Frank Rainieri is widely recognised as a pioneer of tourism development in the Dominican Republic and the visionary behind Punta Cana's emergence as a global destination.
Through decades of investment, leadership and commitment, he helped transform a remote area of coastline into one of the Caribbean's most recognised tourism success stories. His work not only contributed to the growth of Punta Cana but also played a fundamental role in establishing tourism as one of the Dominican Republic's most important economic sectors.
Today, the Dominican Republic stands among the world's tourism powerhouses, attracting millions of visitors each year and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country. Rainieri's vision and determination were instrumental in creating the foundations for that success.
Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC, said: "Frank Rainieri is a true tourism pioneer. His vision helped create an entire destination and demonstrated how Travel & Tourism can transform communities, generate opportunity and support long-term prosperity.
The Dominican Republic's remarkable tourism success story would not be what it is today without his leadership and commitment. His legacy continues to inspire destination developers and tourism leaders around the world."
WTTC's recognition celebrates a lifetime dedicated to destination building and acknowledges his enduring contribution to the growth of tourism in the Dominican Republic and across the Caribbean.
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About the World Travel & Tourism Council
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is the global body representing the private sector of Travel & Tourism and the leading authority on the sector’s economic and social contribution worldwide. Its members include Chairmen, Presidents and CEOs of the world’s leading travel and tourism companies across hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators, technology platforms and destinations, spanning every major region globally.
WTTC works to advance sustainable growth across the Travel & Tourism sector by driving collaboration between industry leaders and governments, shaping global policy, and providing authoritative research on the sector’s economic impact worldwide.