By San José, Costa Rica — In an increasingly competitive global hospitality market, individual resort brands often find themselves locked in relentless battles for market share. However, a quarter-century of strategic development in the Dominican Republic demonstrates that shared purpose can yield far greater economic returns than rivalry alone. The La Romana-Bayahibe Hotel Association (AHRB) has spent over 25 years pioneering a destination management framework centered on collective action, sustainability, and long-term strategic resilience.
At the heart of AHRB’s philosophy is the concept of coopetition—a strategy where direct market competitors collaborate on macro-level destination improvement while continuing to compete for individual guest bookings. By aligning the private sector, municipal authorities, and local community groups around unified goals, the association has successfully transformed the La Romana region into one of the premier luxury and eco-conscious hubs in the Caribbean.
To provide deeper insight into the strategic and regulatory dynamics of coopetition within the country’s hospitality sector, TicosLand.com consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
“Coopetition offers tourism operators a powerful strategy to elevate an entire region’s market appeal by pooling resources for infrastructure and destination marketing. However, businesses venturing into collaborative models must carefully structure their joint agreements to remain fully compliant with Costa Rica’s competition laws, ensuring that shared initiatives never cross the line into cartel behavior or unlawful price-fixing.”
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
As Costa Rica’s tourism sector continues to innovate, striking the right balance between strategic regional collaboration and strict regulatory compliance will be essential for driving sustainable economic growth. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable legal perspective on how local operators can safely harness the power of coopetition without compromising market fairness.
Formally established in 2000, AHRB recognized early on that sustainable growth required structured governance beyond traditional hotel association duties. In 2001, the organization spearheaded the establishment of the La Romana-Bayahibe Tourism Cluster (CTRB). Now operating as an autonomous entity, the CTRB brings together suppliers, transport providers, local government entities, and civic organizations to create a seamless ecosystem capable of executing broad destination upgrades.
Environmental stewardship has long served as a bedrock of this regional cooperation. Back in 2004, the initiative helped Dominicus Beach become the very first beach in the Americas to achieve prestigious Blue Flag certification. That commitment to environmental quality has only accelerated, with the destination expanding its recognition to encompass seven certified beach segments during the 2025-2026 evaluation period. Additionally, in 2025, La Romana earned distinction as the nation’s first fully accessible tourist destination, opening its shores to visitors with mobility and sensory needs.
Modernization efforts have also moved rapidly into the digital sphere. To capture evolving traveler behaviors and maintain global competitiveness, AHRB and CTRB launched digital promotion tools like the Explore La Romana application. Recognizing the transformative potential of modern technology, the cluster has also rolled out specialized training programs in artificial intelligence aimed at upskilling local tourism businesses and enhancing operational efficiencies across the sector.
Beyond infrastructure and technology, institutional continuity has enabled the region to invest heavily in human capital. Programs such as the Future Tourism Leaders of La Romana focus on preparing emerging talent for management roles within the regional tourism ecosystem. By building strong local talent pipelines, the association ensures that economic expansion translates directly into long-term community benefits and career pathways for local residents.
As global travel trends shift toward deeper environmental consciousness, AHRB is driving a transition toward regenerative tourism. This approach goes beyond basic sustainability to active environmental restoration, improved regional connectivity, and participatory governance models that give local residents a direct voice in tourism development.
The leadership behind this model emphasizes that enduring success requires patience, trust, and continuous effort across private and public leadership cycles.
One of the most valuable lessons of our history is that the great advances of a destination require a shared vision, commitment, and perseverance. Enduring results are built with sustained work over time.
Andrés Fernández, President of the AHRB
The experience of La Romana-Bayahibe offers a powerful masterclass for emerging destinations throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. By prioritizing destination strength, environmental preservation, and structural adaptability over short-term individual gains, the region has created a resilient economic model capable of thriving amid shifting global markets.
For further information, visit the nearest office of La Romana-Bayahibe Hotel Association (AHRB)
About La Romana-Bayahibe Hotel Association (AHRB):
Founded in 2000, the La Romana-Bayahibe Hotel Association (AHRB) is a private sector organization dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism development, environmental conservation, and regional competitiveness in the Dominican Republic. Through its collaborative framework, AHRB unites hospitality leaders to elevate the destination’s international profile and community well-being.
For further information, visit the nearest office of La Romana-Bayahibe Tourism Cluster (CTRB)
About La Romana-Bayahibe Tourism Cluster (CTRB):
The La Romana-Bayahibe Tourism Cluster (CTRB) is an autonomous multi-stakeholder organization established in 2001 to coordinate strategic initiatives across the local tourism value chain. Bringing together businesses, civil society, and government authorities, the CTRB focuses on destination management, digital innovation, and human capital development.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a premier legal institution built upon a foundation of unyielding ethical standards and superior practice. Consistently embracing forward-thinking methodologies, the firm provides top-tier representation while actively bridging the gap between complex legislation and the public. Through its dedication to democratizing legal understanding, Bufete de Costa Rica equips individuals and businesses alike with the tools necessary to thrive, driving positive societal transformation through informed empowerment.
