CTL Maritime, part of the MSC Group, and Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, a subsidiary company of Central Romana Corporation Ltd., have announced their joint venture to operate and re-develop Catalina Island beach destination, Dominican Republic, just off the coast of La Romana.

The long-term 50/50 venture will see the companies collaborate to upgrade infrastructure and the visitor experience on the island, making it a premier leisure destination in the region.

Gianluca Suprani, president of CTL Maritime, said: “Today’s announcement is a proud moment for MSC Group’s Cruise Division as we join Central Romana Corporation and its subsidiary Casa de Campo Resort & Villas in a joint venture to further elevate Catalina Island into a premier destination in the Caribbean.”

Luis Emilio Rodriguez, La Romana airport and port director for Central Romana Corporation, Ltd., said: “We are pleased to partner with CTL Maritime on this venture of improving the infrastructure and guest experience on Catalina Island, while decisively contributing to positioning the Dominican Republic as a leading cruise gateway of the Caribbean.”

“This joint agreement will allow us to further expand the conditions of this beautiful destination in La Romana by creating both sophisticated tropical spaces and maintaining Central Romana’s long-lasting commitment to preserve the environmental integrity of this natural monument,” added Rodriguez.

CTL said in a press release that upgrades will include food and beverage offerings, a range of cabanas, a water sports center and other guest facilities, plus infrastructure improvements to create a seamless experience for guests.

Functional facilities across the island will be upgraded, with comfortable, stylish changing, shower and WC services.

The island will welcome a mixture of cruise ship guests from MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys, other cruise lines and private clients.

According to the press release, the destination is a natural monument, and so all development on Catalina Island will be carried out responsibly, with the local environment in mind.

According to the companies, the project represents a model for sustainable cruise tourism development in the Dominican Republic.