Santo Domingo.– The Dominican Ministry of Tourism (Sectur) is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and extensive earthquake damage to neighboring Haiti, tourism authorities said through a press release.

The Dominican government is providing relief effort staging areas at some of the international airports located on the island. The country experienced no damage from the earthquake and all transportation systems, communication systems, tourism businesses and medical facilities are operating smoothly, making the country available to offer support to the relief effort in any way needed.

“The Dominican Republic is making available its medical facilities for earthquake victims and is providing international relief organizations access to Haiti through the airport and seaports. Our transportation systems, communications systems, hotels, resorts, beaches and natural environment suffered no damage here. We are grateful and with deep concern open our hearts to our neighbors and will continue to do everything we can to help them and reassure global travelers that the Dominican Republic is receiving visitors,” the document pointed out.

The Dominican Republic shares the eastern third of the Island of Hispaniola with Haiti. Punta Cana, the major global tourism destination in the country is located approximately 400 miles (633 kilometers) east of Haiti’s capital, or a 10-12 hour drive, with numerous mountain ranges separating the two nations.

“The eight international airports are open and receiving flights, all of the DR’s cruise terminals and seaports are open and receiving ships; all of the DR’s beaches, hotels, resorts and tourism businesses are conducting normal business operations. At this time, no flights or group tours to the Dominican Republic have been cancelled,” Sectur officials highlighted.