Tipped to become the coolest Caribbean destination in 2010, the Dominican Republic is shaking off its downmarket image with a raft of hotel openings and resort developments, as well as new scheduled flights between London Gatwick and Punta Cana, the site guardian.co.uk reported today.

British Airways is launching a five-times-a-week service on 26 October with fares starting at £621 return. “The fact that, until now, we only had charter flights coming to the island contributed to the country’s mass-market reputation,” says Esther Smith of the Dominican Republic Tourist Board.

According to Smith, new scheduled flights mean that more upmarket operators “are adding us to their programs, along with some of the new five-star resorts and hotels.”

Thomas Cook Signature, BA Holidays and Hayes & Jarvis now offer trips to the Dominican Republic, featuring hotels such as the new Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana which opens on 1 November. Its “Endless Privileges” program boasts a complimentary daily bottle of champagne.