Dominican Tourism

SANTO DOMINGO.- Tourism minister Francisco Javier Garcia Tuesday said investors want to build two tourism projects in Pedernales (southwest) at a cost of more than RD$8.5 billion, which would mark the start of the new resort region’s development.

The Tourism chief said the same development is expected for the Montecristi zone (northwest), where investors will soon announce projects and investment amounts in that region. (more…)

Miramar, Florida. – This week, ultra low cost carrier Spirit Airlines resumed seasonal non-stop service between its Fort Lauderdale home and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

To celebrate, $79 fares are available today and tomorrow at www.spiritair.com.

“We are happy to continue offering seasonal service to one of the Caribbean’s premier leisure destinations,” said Spirit’s Senior Director Network Planning Mark Kopczak.  “We’re also looking forward to bringing Spirit’s ultra low fares to the residents of the Dominican Republic.” (more…)

Punta Cana.– After twenty five years as the value leader in providing all-inclusive luxury in the Dominican Republic, Barceló Bávaro Beach Resort raises the bar once more, announcing a comprehensive renovation program that will transform the five-in-one hotel complex into the most spectacular resort in the entire Caribbean, once again.

The first phase of the rejuvenation program was completed in December 2008, with the addition of 488 junior suites as Barceló Bávaro Palace Deluxe. As the new luxury wing of the resort, Barceló Bávaro Palace Deluxe also brought with it a new concierge-style check-in as well as a new buffet restaurant, Las Brisas. (more…)

Santo Domingo.– The Cap Cana Marina will host the 68th International Light Tackle Tournament Association (ILTTA) Tournament. Fishing days will be 26-31 May 2008

The event will be sponsored by the Santo Domingo Yacht Club. More information can be found at http://www.iltta.org.

New York.– More beach resorts are offering pools with water slides, no-cost children’s programs and other amenities that make them attractive, affordable alternatives for families looking for one-stop vacations, Parents magazine reports.

The magazine evaluated more than 200 beach resorts in the U.S. and the Caribbean, based on room rates and other costs, quality of children’s programs, variety of family activities, pool and beach area and other factors. The May issue of Parents lists the 10 resorts deemed best.

“Our winners are practically rolling out the red carpet for families on a tight budget,” said Sally Lee, editor in chief of Parents. (more…)

Santo Domingo.– The Dominican Ministry of Environment signed an agreement with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the German Construction Bank (KFW) to create a US$10 million fund, which will be administered by the National Protected Areas System (SINAP).

The organizations will provide US$6.5 million for the fund, while the Dominican government will provide the remaining US$3.5 million. Environment Minister Omar Ramirez said that this represents an improvement in the sustainability of the nation’s ecosystem and development.

According to TNC representative William Welter, the agreement shows the reach of inter-organizational and international cooperation. The SINAP includes 86 sites and covers 11,500 kilometers, or 24% of Dominican territory.

SANTO DOMINGO.- The country’s tourist resorts will make it easier for their personnel to go to the ballot boxes on Friday.

Employees who vote in localities far from their work places will have a more flexible schedule, said Hotels and Restaurants Association (Asonahores) executive vicepresident Arturo Villanueva. “They’ll receive facilities. That’s an inalienable right of the worker, to be able to vote.”

He said if interested, each employee will coordinate their temporary absence with their area manager. “Turns will be organized so the work in the hotel isn’t detained.”

Villanueva asked politicians and the population to behave in a civilized manner on elections day, so the productive work immediately recovers its normality. “the country has advanced much, this is a mature democracy.”

Source: DominicanToday.com