Puerto Plata Bridal brings together the country's bridal leadership and marks a new chapter for romance tourism in the Dominican Republic

The event took place this Wednesday at Emotion An Expression of Hodelpa Playa Dorada, where a program of panels, exhibitions, networking, parades and awards was held, with the participation of wedding planners, tour operators, travel agents, suppliers and members of ABE RD.

The day began with a special blessing from Bishop Julio César Corniel, followed by Aneury Pilar, president of Brief SRL and general director of the event, who highlighted the enormous economic and creative potential of the wedding industry in the Dominican Republic.

“Puerto Plata has the talent, vision, and infrastructure to become the destination wedding capital. The economy driven by this segment, from hotels, restaurants, and fashion to florists, transportation, and production, represents a real opportunity for growth for our province. Today we are here to build a stronger and more inclusive industry together,” Pilar stated.

As part of the program, a Destination Governance Panel was held, led by Mayor Diomedes Roque García; Provincial Governor Claritza Rochtte de Senior; Jeremías Ureña, President of the City Council; Birgitt Heinsen, President of the Puerto Plata Destination Tourism Cluster; and Mileyka Brugal, President of the Puerto Plata Chamber of Commerce and Free Zone. This dialogue underscored the importance of institutional coordination to strengthen the "Wedding City" plan for 2026.

The Destination Wedding Panel was also held, introduced by Mirta Sánchez, president of ABE RD, and moderated by Pedro Vargas, in which renowned professionals from the sector such as Paul Leonor, Nydia Alegría and Luz del Alba González, addressed global trends, business opportunities, destination experiences and new perspectives to position Puerto Plata as an ideal venue for weddings, congresses and special events.

During the event, special distinctions were awarded to Juan Tomás Díaz (Honorary Godfather), Jean Roldán (Official Godfather), Sócrates McKinney, Mayor Diomedes Roque García (Roquelito García), Birgitt Heinsen, president of the Puerto Plata Destination Tourism Cluster; Casa Colonial Boutique Hotel, Emotions an Expression of Hodelpa Playa Dorada, Mirta Sánchez (Lifetime Godmother), Pedro Vargas (Vargas Eventos), Yisel Peralta de Dorrejo (photography), and Ana Julia Disla (Sofía Novias en Grande).

During the meeting, a high-impact social announcement was made: Save the Children International, through its president in the Dominican Republic, Juan Tomás Díaz, announced a donation of US$100,000 to promote a comprehensive child protection plan in Sosúa.

The event included a vibrant musical atmosphere provided by Yucahu Band, a fashion show featuring models from Sosúa, highlighting local talent alongside the dresses of Sofía Novias en Grande; it culminated with a charming “sunset gathering” at La Lola Beach Club, where attendees enjoyed a relaxed atmosphere by the sea.

Puerto Plata Bridal 2025 was supported by the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic, the Municipality of Puerto Plata, the Provincial Government, Banreservas, Arajet, Casa Colonial Boutique Hotel, Emotions an Expression of Hodelpa, Hotel Gran Ventana, Easy Event Solutions, Green One Playa Dorada, Grupo KSI, Brugal, the Puerto Plata Destination Tourism Cluster, The Ocean Club Costa Norte, Camel Safari Exploring, La Isla Bonita, Café Puro, Vinícola del Norte, Gallery Eventos y Alquileres, La Lola Beach Club, Mira Eventos, Riviera Azul, Rigoberto Smith, Armo Eventos, Junior Eventos y Sonidos, Jardín Flores Exóticas, Leydi Cosmetics, Ocean World Adventure Park, Piña Colada Work Studio, Opal Project ™, Jiménez Hogar, Loles Bakery, Agencia Miss Ola RD, Classic Cars Puerto Plata, ABE RD, Adompretur Puerto Plata, among other strategic partners.

Source: Anny Mariel Gómez, Prensa & Comunicaciones.