An in-depth look at the Gran Feria de Andalucia en el Caribe – Interviewing Mr. Roberto Weill

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The Gran Feria de Andalucia en el Caribe has become, in a relatively short time, a tremendous success which has become an important item on the social and now business calendars of Casa de Campo.  The Feria, which in 2010 will see its fourth year, has already become a social and economic force recognized internationally, with considerable growth and success still to come.  The key dreamer behind the vision of the Gran Feria de Andalucia en el Caribe has been long time Casa de Campo villa owner and resident, Mr. Roberto Weill. As the Feria continues to grow and reach what we are sure will be increasing levels of success and international prestige, we wanted to take a few moments with Mr. Weill to ask him a few questions that we, and our readers, have been curious about.  Always one to indulge us and enthusiastic to speak about the Feria, its success and its future, Mr. Weill allowed us to shoot a few questions his way to help quench our curiosity of some of the more in-depth aspects of the Feria which is growing in our own back-yards. CCL: The first thing our readers are curious to know: Why and what was your inspiration for recreating the Feria in Casa de Campo / the Dominican Republic?

RW: My inspiration was based first of all in my love for Casa de Campo and Andalucia. To the former I’ve been associated since 1972 (built three homes) and to the latter I was born in Cuba from andalucian grandparents who instilled in me the love for Spain and Andalucia. The further backing of Mr. Alfonso Fanjul and Cental Romana combined with the most efficient team and unique infrastructure under Mr. Claudio Silvestri’s leadership convinced me to bring to the island of La Española what Christopher Columbus started, the Kingdom of Spain via Andalucia adapted to the Caribbean.

CCL: This was the third successful year of the Feria Andalucia en el Caribe, your brainchild, which has grown tremendously since its inception. What is your vision for the future of the Feria?

RW: The Fair is designed to become a valid interlocutor between the Euro Market and the Americas via a confluence of culture and business. What we call in Spanish OCIO Y NEGOCIO. That’s why we have incorporated a Business Forum that has already attracted the powerful Business Confederation of Andalucia(CEA) with 250000 companies affiliated.

CCL: From the very beginning, when President Leonel Fernandez inaugurated the first Feria, the government of the Dominican Republic has been a strong advocate of the project, becoming more involved with each year, and even spurring a successful International Economic Forum. Do you, and if so, how, foresee the Feria continuing to become further involved with the DR government?

RW: This is a country and Caribbean image fair. Consequently the DR government is a vital partner with us in private enterprise to promote our joint strategic vision. Indeed a two partner project.

CCL: Despite being a relatively young event, in its infancy really, it has already received much attention, acclaim and participation from around the world, which do you feel to have been the most important recognition(s) of all the efforts that have been made?

RW: Three recognitions have been paramount. Firstly the government of DR via its President and Fist Lady, in addition to its Centro de Exportacion e Inversion and Funglode. Secondly the authorities of Sevilla and the King of Spain Royal Club of Carriages who have invited us to dedicate the famous Royal Parade of the 2009 Seville Fair to DR via our own Fair with an official Delegation led by our First Lady, Dra. Margarita Cedeño de Fernandez, and thirdly the full backing of the powerful business Confederacion de Empresarios de Andalucia (CEA).

CCL: During all the events, you’ve been careful to include not only the kind of typical Spanish, Andalusian and flamenco music that one would expect to find in the Feria de Abril; but you’ve also done a remarkable job of integrating a decidedly Dominican musical element, such as Sergio Vargas or the band «Dekadas», which has proven to be a tremendous hit. In a way, the Dominican music has long roots influenced by its Spanish heritage – how do you envision the Dominican musical element being further incorporated into the Feria?

RW: Indeed this is not a mirror image copy of the Seville and/or Andalusian Fairs. It is based on the premise of ADOPT and ADAPT. We have adapted our Fair to the Caribbean flavor of things which at the same time has created great interest in the Spanish market. This affords a novel and unique personality never seen since the Andalusian fairs started 162 years ago. We capitalize on two great brand names, Andalucia and the Caribbean. The Dominican musical element is an essential part of this strategy.

CCL: The concept of the Feria has obviously been taken from the Feria de Abril, but been given a, or taken on, a distinctively unique flavor of its own. Understandably, some of this ‘flavor’ has been an adaptation to the culture and country in which it is taking place, while others changes have been more ‘acidental’ in nature. Of these changes, surly there where some unexpected results that have shaped the future of the Feria, not only here, but which will most likely be incorporated into the Feria de Abril – can you tell us a little about those.

RW: Two changes that will shape the Fair’s future. The Business forum attracting top level business personalities from Europe and the Americas. Plus the incorporation of the Big Show (concert) event of an international performer. This year the concert of world famous Rosario Flores was a huge success that validates the strategy.

CCL: The Feria now takes place during the weekend celebrating the independence of the Dominican Republic from Spain, a bold move to say the least, but one which we understand is meant to symbolize the continued union between the two countries and salutes the fact that without its history with Spain, the Dominican Republic would not be the country it is today. How and why did you decide that this would be the ideal date?

RW: We actually were looking for a long weekend that would guarantee us the necessary crowds vital to any fair. Presently we are reviewing different other dates to maximize attendance.

CCL: We understand that the Feria, or for those of us in Casa de Campo, «nuestra Feria», is already beginning to become part of the Feria de Abril – how do you hope that the relationship between the two Ferias will begin to grow and along what lines would you like to see it evolve?

RW: The great Feria de Abril of Seville is our mother fair. We already have received its backing including the design of our vital PORTAL. This has never happened before. In addition its authorities and that of the mayor of Seville have invited us to attend and honor us at their great Fair. We will increase that bi-national bond with the possibility of our own tent at their Feria de Abril despite the difficulty of such an event.

CCL: We had quite the time at the Feria, as did everyone involved – is there anything you can tell us about what we might expect for next year?

RW: We are presently looking at other ideas to further enhance our great success. We have learned a lot even to the amazement of our Spanish friends. We now believe that our main sponsor, Central Romana, recognizes that the experience warrants its further involvement in the project. This will be vital to further grow and try new and more exciting ideas. Indeed OCIO AND NEGOCIO on an international plane to enhance our country and Casa de Campo world stature.