BAVARO and PUNTA CANA, Dominican
Republic, April 24, 2009 -- The
Dominican Annual
Tourism Exchange (DATE) held in Punta Cana April
20-22 drew international tourism buyers and media to the Dominican
Republic (DR), the Caribbean's "It" destination for natural
beauty, amazing eco-tourism and a growing wealth of sophisticated
hotels and resorts.
During the country's annual tourism conference, Minister of
Tourism Francisco Javier Garcia stressed that the government
will continue its strong investment in DR tourism infrastructure
including building the Atlantic Boulevard in Puerto Plata,
the revitalization and development of major highways and roads, and an
"even deeper commitment to ensuring that the natural beauty of the DR
is sustained for generations to come."
Garcia announced the DR's long-term commitment to developing
beautiful, well-lit urban spaces where tourists can walk among shops
and restaurants while experiencing the friendly culture and easy-going
lifestyle of Dominicans. He noted the urban space developments will
take place in cities like Punta Cana, Puerto
Plata, Santo Domingo and Samana. Garcia
also highlighted the concerted effort by the country to revitalize
roads and build new highways, including a highway from Santo
Domingo to Samana that shortens drive time from 5.5 to 2
hours and a planned highway from Santo Domingo to
Punta Cana that will shorten the drive from
3.5 to 2 hours.
In addition, cruise tourism to the DR is growing with the
newly opened Sans Souci terminal in the port of Santo Domingo
and more cruise ships are regularly stopping in Samana and La Romana.
He also noted that a study is underway to develop the port in Puerto
Plata.
Referring to the global economic crisis, Tourism Minister
Garcia said, "We have applied creativity to this situation,
implementing increased advertising and promotions and signing new and
expanded agreements with tour operators. We are opening nine new
tourist offices including six in the U.S. and three in Europe,
intensifying our presence in many international key markets while also
working with airline partners to increase and maintain airlift to the
DR."
"Our country continues to attract international projects and
capital from around the world. Savvy investors realize the DR is a very
safe investment for tourism business," he said. "Our tropical sunny
climate, world-class seaports and marinas, eight international airports
and growing list of upscale hotels and resorts are not going away. Our
stunning coastal areas and the annual appearance of humpback whales in
Samana, our unspoiled beaches, pristine mountains, and inland rivers
and waterfalls are not going to go away."
The DR is taking a multidisciplinary approach to tourism,
business and environmental issues. "The public and private sector are
working hand-in-hand creating new projects that make sense for our
environment, businesses and especially our families' and visitors'
well-being."
In addition, First Lady of the DR Margarita Cedeno de
Fernandez presented the DR's innovative national Responsible
Tourism program at the conference and asked the tourism industry to
stress quality over quantity. The DR's Responsible Tourism efforts will
incorporate both public and private sector support to encourage the
country's growing tourism industry to create and support programs that
provide jobs for deserving families and sustain the DR's unspoiled
natural beauty. For more information, visit: http://beta.primeradama.gob.do/.
During the event, Garcia also highlighted a special approach
to sustainable tourism developments in the DR's southwest region,
noting the area is the most bio-diverse territory in the Caribbean.
There are plans for an educational institution near Baharona that will
study the wealth of species, fauna and flora in the southwest with over
$900 million being invested into innovative
sustainable tourism developments in the southwest that could serve as
global models.
The Dominican Republic's first tourist was Christopher
Columbus in 1492. Rich in history, the DR has developed into a
diverse destination offering both Dominican and European flavors to
more than one million U.S. visitors each year. Named #1 Golf
Destination in Caribbean & Latin
America by the International Association of Golf Tour
Operators, the DR boasts 25 designer golf courses, upscale resorts,
pristine nature, and sophisticated cities and quaint villages filled
with warm Dominican people. The DR features the best beaches,
fascinating history and culture, and is a chosen escape for
celebrities, couples and families alike. Visit the Dominican Republic
Ministry of Tourism's official Web site at: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com
or call 1-888-374-6361 for more information.
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