Regulation 2115 of the Dominican Republic's Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) is the regulatory framework governing quality, service and equipment standards for classified hotels in the country. Among its provisions, it sets specific requirements for decorative elements and furnishings that often go unnoticed until the certification audit. In this article we explain what the regulation requires, how to meet its standards and how to document your art program for audits.

What is MITUR Regulation 2115?

Enacted on July 16, 1984 (Official Gazette 9641) and subsequently updated by MITUR, Regulation 2115 is the legal instrument that classifies hotel establishments in the Dominican Republic (from 1 to 5 stars, plus luxury variants) and defines the minimum standards each category must meet. It is mandatory for any hotel seeking official MITUR certification, which in turn is a requirement for participating in government tourism promotion programs and agreements with international operators.

What the regulation says about decorative elements

The key article on decoration states that “furniture, upholstery, lamps, artwork and, in general, all decorative elements must stand out for their excellent quality.” This apparently generic sentence carries important practical implications:

  • Technical documentation of materials: artwork and decorative pieces must be able to demonstrate that they were produced with materials of proven quality (archival inks, heavyweight archival papers, quality framing).
  • Durability: “excellent quality” implies a service life consistent with the segment (not materials that deteriorate within 2-3 years).
  • Traceability: identifiable suppliers with the capacity to stand behind the quality they claim.
  • Health and safety compliance: materials that do not emit toxic compounds, framing with secure anchoring, and so on.

How to comply: practical standards

Inks and substrates

The international reference for measuring print permanence is the ISO test methods, such as ISO 18909; they do not certify products, they define how to measure their stability. Wilhelm Imaging Research, the global reference in permanence testing, publishes ratings for each ink and paper combination. Art Giclée uses pigment inks on canvas and on acid-free heavyweight cotton papers. On both substrates, indoors and away from direct sunlight, these inks last for decades without visible fading.

Framing

Moisture-resistant treated woods, anodized aluminum or high-durability synthetic mouldings. In the Caribbean climate, untreated wood can deteriorate from humidity and salt air within a few years. Joints and anchors must support the weight of the piece throughout the furnishing's full life cycle.

Installation

Anchors matched to the wall type (drywall vs. block), precise technical leveling, and ergonomic placement per interior design standards. A piece installed off-level or with insufficient anchoring can trigger penalties in safety audits.

Documentation required for a MITUR audit

To support the hotel's certification, the decorative art supplier should be able to deliver:

  • Technical data sheets for the inks and substrates used (brand, reference and the manufacturer's published permanence data).
  • Certificates of origin for the framing (materials, treatments applied).
  • An installation report recording each piece's location, date and technical lead.
  • A formal written warranty stating term, coverage and conditions.
  • A recommended maintenance plan for the pieces' life cycle.

What to look for in a hotel art supplier

If you are evaluating decorative art suppliers for your hotel, the first question should not be price but documentation capability. Ask for:

  • A sample of the technical documentation kit they deliver with their projects.
  • References from classified hotels that have passed audits with their work installed.
  • The specific terms of the post-installation warranty.
  • Responsiveness to claims during the coverage period.

Our experience with classified hotels

Art Giclée has produced artwork for 7 projects in the Dominican Republic, all delivered to international brand standard: Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana (Karisma, today Dreams Cap Cana Resort & Spa by Hyatt), TUI Sensatori / Azul Beach Cap Cana (Karisma, today part of Dreams Cap Cana), Nickelodeon Hotels Punta Cana (Karisma), Zemi Miches (Hilton, Grupo Puntacana), St. Regis Cap Cana (Marriott), and the real estate developments Cana Cove and Poseidonia (Noval Properties). On the projects where we are the direct supplier, we can prepare the technical documentation a MITUR audit asks for: data sheets for inks, substrates and framing.

To check availability and request examples of our technical documentation, contact Art Giclée at +1 809 794 5319 or visit artgiclee.do/en.

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