By the Caribbean Journal staff

One of the Dominican Republic’s less-heralded tourism destinations is primed for growth.

A number of hotel companies and investors have expressed interest in the area of Juan Dolio, a one of the beachfront destinations on the country’s south coast, east of Santo Domingo.

Hodelpa Hotel Group has announced plans to open a new hotel, Emotions by Hodelpa, in November, with plans for another hotel called Sensation by the end of the year.

The Emotions by Hodelpa will include 341 rooms, five restaurants, five bars and three pools.

The Sensation hotel, aimed at a five-star level, will include 329 rooms, five restaurants, six bars and three pools.

Hodelpa says it is planning to grow and promote the Juan Dolio area by making investments in the city and preserving its culture.

The group has already embarked on a series of infrastructure upgrades to houses, streets and sidewalks in Juan Dolio.

Another company, Coral Hospitality Corporation, plans to expand its product in Juan Dolio with a $10 million refurbishment project at the 400-room Coral Costa Caribe Hotel, set to reopen this winter tourist season.