Iberostar Grand Bávaro, among the best 5 hotels in the Dominican Republic

Punta Cana has developed a sophisticated hospitality proposal to captivate luxury tourism that meets the demands of travelers who make the destination a private refuge, with paradisiacal beaches and other amenities.

For this reason, US News & World Report, a global authority on consumer classification and advice, released its annual ranking of the  Best Hotels in 2022, with a list that includes properties from the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

In this sense, in the Dominican Republic, the best hotels in the Eastern zone stand out, where they include:

Iberostar Grand Bavaro

In the heart of Punta Cana, the hotel integrates luxurious suites with marble bathrooms, as well as an 18-hole golf course, which will be the preferred delight for enthusiasts of this sport. At the same time, its seven restaurants will add a gourmet touch to the endearing travel experience.

Eden Roc at Cap Cana

The luxury offered by the resort located in  Cap Cana, one of the most exclusive communities in the destination, positioned it in first place. Suites with private pools, exclusive wellness treatments at its spa, and an exotic beach club are part of the proposals that its guests fall in love with.

Tortuga Bay Hotel

The suites at this elegant property were designed by Dominican fashion icon  Óscar de la Renta. That is one of its many attractions that make it a proposal to consider when visiting Punta Cana. Avid golfers will discover here other well-known names such as Tom Fazio and PB Dye, who designed the challenging golf courses of this tourist complex.

Casa de Campo Resort & Villas

Seven thousand acres in  La Romana embrace a property sought after by all celebrities when they visit this paradisiacal destination. Three Pete Dye-designed golf courses, including the challenging and acclaimed Teeth of the Dog, are among the amenities that earned it a US News & World Report ranking.

Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana

In the fourth position was a family hotel managed under the all-inclusive concept. The complex shares part of its service proposal with its sister property  Hyatt Zilaria Cap Cana, thus multiplying both the gastronomic proposal and the unique experiences to enjoy there; with the wonderful Caribbean Sea as a backdrop.

Although the most famous sun and beach destination in the Dominican Republic has countless lodging options, these five hotels are the favorites of lovers of sybaritic life.

Gold, top Dominican export to Switzerland

Dominican gold, top export to Switzerland

Santo Domingo.- Historically, Haiti has been the second-largest trading partner of the Dominican Republic. The country sends Haiti everything from agro products to cell phones.

The data indicates that in the last three years Switzerland has remained in second place, but that position is due to gold. If you take out that precious metal, Haiti is the second most important market for Dominican products.

Top 10 products shipped to Haiti in January 2022

In January of 2022, the Dominican Republic exported goods to Haiti valued at US$83.07 million. Among the exported products, cotton fabrics are in the first place (US$10.77 million), followed by T-shirts and knitted cotton shirts (US$9.17 million), and cement (US$4.59 million) in third place.

Hoteliers tap over 1,300 for jobs in Punta Cana

Santo Domingo.- Of the 5,000 jobs that hoteliers said they needed to fill in the eastern region of the Dominican Republic, 1,362 people were selected in the grand job fair that the Ministry of Labor developed in conjunction with the hotel sector.

“Through the employment intermediation service, the great two-week job fair has just concluded to respond to the call of the tourism sector in the East about approximately 5,000 places that they have said they have.

“Of these amounts, they have indicated a first group of 1,362 vacancies,” said the head of the Ministry of Labor, Luis Miguel De Camps.

He added that on the day of the great job fair, more than 1,500 people were referred and more than 90% have been hired.

Tourists to Dominican destinations change profile

Santo Domingo.- The type of accommodation selected, the reason for the trip and more children, adolescents and young people were part of the changes in the profile of tourists who visited the Dominican Republic in 2021, when compared to previous periods.

Tourists with an age range between zero and 12 years, and those between 13 and 20, were the groups that increased their participation the most in terms of the number of non-resident foreigners who visited national destinations during 2021.

Of the 3,655,217 tourists who arrived in the country last year, 10.7% of these were children between zero and 12 years old, an amount that in 2019, the year before the coronavirus pandemic, was 6.1%, according to the Report of the tourist flow of the Central Bank.

In the case of adolescent and young tourists, with a range between 13 and 20 years old, they accounted for 9.2% of visitors in 2021, increasing from the 8.4% they represented two years ago.

Dominican Republic starts US$29M ‘intelligent’ fence at Haiti border

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader has materialized one of his accountability announcements of February 27, 2021: the beginning of the first phase of the “intelligent” perimeter fence on the Dominican Republic-Haiti border.

On Sunday, the president made one of the longest tours of his term: from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana, where a project of the Puntacana Group began; and from Punta Cana to Dajabón, where work began on the first 54 kilometers of fence, whose cost is RD$1.7 billion (US$29.0 million), RD$300 million less than what was presented in the 2022 general budget.

It’s a wall, which the Government labels as “intelligent,” since it will have a surveillance system with motion sensors, lighting radars, a command center, video surveillance, a communication tower, drones and other features.

Puntacana starts US$200M logistics hub

Punta Cana.- President Luis Abinader on Sun. headed groundbreaking for the construction of a major air, sea, land and logistics hub, free zone park and expansion of terminal B of the Punta Cana International Airport.

“Today I say it with much more certainty and security. Today is the best time to invest in the Dominican Republic,” Abinader said at the activity.

He said the country is open to investment, to job creation, to improving each of the services and to promoting each of the sectors to work together.

The Punta Cana Free Trade Zone (PCFTZ), of the Puntacana Group, will have an estimated investment of US$200 million and will house cargo logistics operations and offices for the development of the Punta Cana Hub aimed at innovation and development of fintech companies.

According to official data, the site will have an area of 546,617.45 square meters.

Marriott highlights new resort The Ocean Club diversifies tourism in Puerto Plata

The Luxury Collection, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, welcomes The Ocean Club, a Luxury Collection Resort, Costa Norte in the Dominican Republic’s northern coast, to its unique ensemble of experiential hotels. Just a 15-minute drive from Puerto Plata Airport, the resort is located deep within the expansive beachfront landscape of the island. Throughout the property, a contemporary and sophisticated design by Chapi Chapo Design is portrayed while materiality makes a connection to the place – it is an intimate retreat suffused with natural beauty and distinctive cultural experiences.

“Costa Norte is an ideal fit for our expanding footprint as we continue to offer our global explorers captivating home bases from which to explore all corners of the world,” said Philipp Weghmann, VP and Global Brand Leader for The Luxury Collection. “The Ocean Club will draw on the area’s natural wonders, and we’re delighted to offer our guests unique design and exceptional service as they discover this magical destination.”

The Ocean Club offers 64 spacious suites by French interior designer Nathalie Pain, ranging from one to three bedrooms and five multitiered four-bedroom penthouses, which evoke beachfront elegance with modern craftsmanship and design. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the interior with natural daylight and ocean views, while a light color palette with thoughtfully curated artwork and furnishings brings a sophisticated eclecticism and residential feel to the suites. The most enchanting accommodation is the resort’s three-floor Presidential Penthouse Suite, the largest in the Caribbean with a total of 9,732 square feet of space. The suite boasts five bedrooms, a fitness center, a jacuzzi, and multiple terraces offering unlimited views of the surrounding tropical landscape.

“We are thrilled to formally introduce The Ocean Club, a Luxury Collection Resort, Costa Norte as Dominican Republic’s most extraordinary place to vacation, gather, dine and delight,” said Herve Humler, President of Ocean Club group. “The opening of this newest gem further diversifies the reinvention of the northern coast of the Dominican Republic.”

The Ocean Club features three distinct epicurean experiences celebrating the best of the Dominican Republic’s produce and cuisine and The Cellar, a Caribbean speakeasy. Baia, the hotel’s signature restaurant, will offer familiar staples as well as new dishes inspired by the region’s produce. Aguazul features Asian-Peruvian fusion cuisine, a menu where Japan’s elegant and delicate cuisine meets the freshness and spicy punch of Peru. Rock Bar & Grill, a casual outdoor restaurant, offers meals at the foot of the ocean, where the sunset is the backdrop to Mediterranean meals and signature cocktails. The Cellar showcases an intimate room to enjoy a world-class vintage spirits collection and limited-edition cigars.

The property features three pools, two of which are adult-only and beachfront whirlpools with firepits perfect for those who want to unwind after a day of exploring. Guests who prefer their toes in the sand can enjoy the secluded beach, with private wooden cabanas, several lounges, and bespoke beach service. The property also features a dedicated marina and helipad to arrive by boat or helicopter.

Inspired by the Mediterranean art-de-Vivre, L’OCCITANEE Spa is seen as the pinnacle of the entire resort experience. Guests at The Ocean Club can enjoy a range of holistic and wellness therapies in a contemporary setting, inspired by local rituals. With four treatment rooms, the spa boasts open-air relaxation areas as well as two sauna rooms, savory nourishment, and a café featuring light delicacies. The hotel also offers complimentary access for all guests to a 24/7 Fitness Center with cardio equipment and free weights.

With the hotel’s lavish views and stunning grounds providing the perfect backdrop, The Ocean Club is poised to welcome all occasions from social gatherings to intimate events with various spaces to choose from.

The powerful tourism advantage of the Dominican Republic: exemplary handling of the crisis

Tourism applauds the removal of Covid restrictions. 

However, maintaining protocols will depend on the characteristics of each hotel.

The tourism advisor to the Executive Power, Joel Santos, stated that the elimination of all the restrictive measures imposed by  Covid-19, as announced by President Luis Abinader, is the result of all the correct decisions that were made throughout the pandemic to care for the health and ensure the well-being of tourists and locals; measures that also served to recover the tourism sector.

“What has benefited tourism has been the set of measures that were taken throughout the pandemic process and the elimination of restrictions is nothing more than the end of a set of strategic decisions by the parties involved based on analysis of the behavior of Covid-19,” he added.

He stressed that what has helped the growth in the arrival of post-pandemic tourists has been the trust that the authorities have generated due to the certainty of the decisions; “That is, the President’s decision is part of the set of measures and will obviously be taken as another element that gives tourists confidence.”

The former president of Asonahores indicated to arecoa.com that despite the suspension of the measures, many of the protocols created and implemented in the tourism and hotel sector would remain since he understands that the confidence at the level of health management would be the confidence that the country impresses on tourists.

“Many of the protocols that were established during the pandemic are here to stay because at the level of health management we have learned a lot during the process and mainly with the cleaning protocols, to name a few,” he said.

Santos explained that the protocols that hotel chains choose to maintain would depend on the characteristics of the properties, clients, the physical distribution of the hotel (common areas), among others.

“Without a doubt, at the management level to preserve health, like other situations that the industry has suffered in the past, they have left lessons learned that will undoubtedly remain in the sector,” he emphasized.

Dominican Republic projects removal of restrictions boosts arrival of Russian tourists

It is favorable for Russians who want to experience tourism in the DR.

The Dominican Republic is hopeful that the announcement of the lifting of restrictions due to the pandemic will positively impact tourism from Russia, assured the Dominican ambassador in Moscow, Hans Dannenberg Castellanos.

“We have one of the lowest mortality rates in the world and the pandemic is clearly declining in our country, so this is very positive news for all Russians who want to go to the DR as a tourist destination,” he said.

He indicated that “we continue to welcome the Russians; and we assure that specific protocols will be maintained in the hotels for any situation that arises, although we hope that this does not happen.

“Russia has become the first country in Europe that sends tourists to the DR,” said Dannenberg, specifying that from September to December of last year, 172,262 Russians arrived.

He explained that these figures equal or exceed those of the pre-pandemic years. For example, in December 2021 alone, 51,838 tourists arrived, while in the same month of 2017, 2018, and 2019 there were around 25,000.

The ambassador stated that in January 2022, more than 40,000 Russians decided to spend their vacations in the Dominican Republic, and it is expected that these figures will continue, according to the Sputnik agency.

“We are working with all tour operators to maintain direct flights throughout the year, and also see our country as a regional connection point to other destinations in the Caribbean and Latin America,” he added.

It is recalled that the president of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, announced on February 16 the suspension of the mandatory use of masks and other restrictions derived from the global Covid-19 pandemic.

In addition to leaving behind the mandatory use of the face mask, it will not be necessary to present the vaccination card to access public and private spaces, and the restrictions to access both types of sites are no longer in effect.

The government decision came just one year after the start of the National Vaccination Plan, considered by the leader of the Executive as a collective victory.

Trade with the U.S. reaches US$16.8 billion

Washington, United States

The consolidated figures for the year 2021 demonstrate the strength of the economic relationship between the Dominican Republic and the United States, with increases in almost all areas, including remittances, trade, and tourism, according to Sonia Guzmán, Dominican ambassador to that country.

The diplomat stressed that the United States was by a large margin the largest issuer of foreign investment received by the DR. Data from the Central Bank indicates that, from January to September of last year, foreign direct investment from the US reached US$1,021 million, 41% of the total captured in that period, which is the highest percentage in a decade.

According to a report from the Embassy’s Commercial Department, from January to December 2021, the exchange of goods between the two countries reached a record of US$16.791 million, an increase of US$4.000 million in relation to 2020, for a year-on-year rise of 32%.

Exports represented US$6,347 million last year, 20% more compared to 2020, and 14% compared to the volume of 2019, said Leonel Mateo Hernández, in charge of economic and commercial affairs of the diplomatic mission.

Dominican Republic advances historic open skies agreement with the United States

The Dominican Republic, through the Civil Aviation Board ( JAC ), advances in the negotiations for the signing of the Open Skies Agreement with the United States, which seeks to increase the operations of national and foreign airlines to and from any US city, without limits of frequency or capacity, as reported by the president of the JAC,  José Ernesto Marte Piantini.

The negotiations between the two States will establish the conditions for airlines to compete effectively and promote more and better alternatives for air transport users. This agreement also contemplates better airfares to create more competitive prices for the Dominican market.

According to the air policy of the Dominican Republic, air service agreements are negotiated, allowing the multiple designations of airlines, which has a favorable effect on healthy competition and translates into better prices for passengers. In addition, the agreement encourages the creation of more routes and frequencies and promotes commercial and tourist exchange between the Dominican Republic and the United States.

“We started the process to take another historic step in national aviation and take the strong economic alliance between the United States and the Dominican Republic to a higher level,” said Marte Piantini.

During 2021, with regard to connectivity and incentives for the development of Dominican tourism, the JAC approved 12 commercial cooperation agreements between airlines of different nationalities.

Last year the JAC also approved 48 new routes and flight frequencies new air service agreements and ratified and amended those already signed. In addition, 5,491 non-scheduled or charter flights were authorized for exclusive cargo air operations and 5,909 for passenger and combined transport for 11,400 charter operations.

Likewise, the country also had a significant increase in the number of passengers by air, closing with 10,753,720 people (entry and exit) transported by Dominican airports, which translates into estimated direct and indirect income for the country of 9,926 million dollars and the recovery of more than 400 thousand direct and indirect jobs.

It is recalled that the Dominican Republic recently signed an air service agreement with Spain at the International Tourism Fair through the Civil Aviation Board, better known as Fitur.

Tourism destinations still lag behind

Santo Domingo.- Last year, Dominican tourist destinations received 4,994,309 non-resident visitors, an amount that represents 77.4% when compared to the 6,446,036 tourists who arrived in 2019, the year before the coronavirus pandemic.

However, the average hotel occupancy has not managed to recover at the same rate as the arrival of tourists, according to statistics from the Central Bank (BC).

From an average occupancy of hotel rooms of 71.6% in 2019, it fell to 40.5% the following year, when COVID-19 forced an almost complete paralysis of tourist activity between April and June 2020.

That year 2,405,315 non-resident visitors arrived in the country.

However, the improvement in the arrival of non-resident foreigners during 2021, the occupation of hotel rooms did not suffer the same fate. The figures indicate that last year it averaged 51%, an improvement of just 10.5 percentage points from 2020.

Dominican Republic in top 10 best places to retire

According to Travel + Leisure Magazine

The travel magazine Travel + Leisure published a list of the best destinations after retirement, considering factors such as the ease of obtaining residence, the health system, the climate, and the cost of living, among others.

As global travel has increased over the years, many seniors want to continue the adventure of exploring the world by retiring abroad. Others move to new places to stretch their retirement income or enjoy new experiences.

According to recent data from the United States Social Security Administration, more than 700,000 Americans receive their payments abroad.

Medical care, visa requirements, local culture, taxes, and living costs are all part of the decision to retire to another country. With so many considerations, it’s a good idea to get professional advice,  and advisers recommend spending at least several months in a potential retirement destination before you make a move,” said the magazine’s travel specialists.

In that sense, 10 of the best places to retire in the world, according to Travel + Leisure, are:

1- Panama

2- Portugal

3- The Dominican Republic because it is considered one of the least expensive Latin American countries for retirees, according to data from the magazine. In Santo Domingo,  the capital, the cost of rent is 90% lower than in New York, and the cost of living is 55% lower. Its location is another advantage for some retirees.

Most retirees purchase private health insurance as they are not eligible for government programs, and quality medical care at private hospitals is available at reasonable prices. Retirees can enter the country on a tourist visa and then apply for a retirement visa, which takes several months.

Most ex-pats live in the cities of  Santo Domingo and Santiago,  and there are beautiful resort towns like  Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, and Boca Chica. However, certain areas are not considered safe, so do your research before moving.

The list continues with:

4- Spain

5- Costa Rica

6- Malt

7- Ecuador

8- Mexico

9- Colombia

10- United States

Hotel chains celebrate love and friendship with discounts of up to 50%

Meliá and Iberostar are among the hotel companies with great offers in the DR

The traditional celebration generates dynamism in tourism

If there is something special about the Dominican Republic, as a tourist destination, it is in the way it welcomes visitors and celebrates with them each of its important activities since each area of ​​the country offers a differentiating and paradisiacal tourism that evokes sharing and enjoying among family, couple and friends the beauties of the island, obviously Valentine’s Day will not go unnoticed.

That is why hotel chains have developed great offers and promotions on the occasion of celebrating love and friendship, on February 14, and thus stimulate romantic getaways and/or meetings and gatherings between friends and family.

The offers range from discounts on lodging, spas, welcome cocktail, private check-in, romantic dinner with decoration, room service, exclusive drinks, among others.

Other options in which some hotels have ventured is to hold contests to obtain prizes for the special date, as compiled by arecoa.com.

Such is the case of Meliá Punta Cana Beach, which through its social networks invited people to compete in its Love Matters, offering a romantic dinner as a reward.

«Win a special Valentine’s dinner at Meliá Punta Cana Beach. Share your couple photo at Meliá Punta Cana Beach with the hashtag #LoveMatters and win a special Valentine’s dinner for two at the hotel and a special Valentine’s room service for a second winner.

The rules for participating in the promotion can be found on her Instagram account @melia.puntacanabeach and is valid for clients currently staying at the Meliá Punta Cana Beach during Valentine’s Day.

The Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana and Nickelodeon Punta Cana, both of the Karisma brands, have more than 50% discount and early check-in at 12:00 at night, as well as discounts at their Spas.

Iberostar Costa Dorada in Puerto Plata has a day pass promotion for the entire month of February from 10:00 in the morning until 6:00 in the afternoon for US$75 p/p and a night pass from 6:00 in the afternoon until 2:00 in the morning for US$ 70 p/p. Both offers have different access to the facility.

Meanwhile, the other hotels of the brand in the country have other promotions that can be seen through their official website and travel agents.

Also, in Puerto Plata, the Viva Wyndham V Heavens, for adults only, has an all-inclusive offer and room service 24/7 from US$84; the offer is available for purchases until February 28, 2022.

Likewise, in Senator Puerto Plata with its “Fall in love with Senator Puerto Plata” promotion, you can enjoy up to 55% discount when staying a minimum of 2 nights in all room categories. In addition, 1 free pass to the Spa hydrotherapy circuit for 2 adults.

Valentine’s Day at Princess Hotels will be celebrated from February 11 to 14, 2022 (minimum 2 nights passing through these dates), where the Grand Bávaro Princes, Caribe Deluxe Princess, and Tropical Deluxe Princess, have great discounts on the different lodging options: single, double and triple with added values: Early check-in 11:00 in the morning, Late check out 2:00 at night according to availability. A bottle of cava in the room. 20% discount at the Spa per person, per stay: on massages, body treatments, and facials.

Barceló hotels in the DR, Mexico, Costa Rica, Aruba, Nicaragua have more than a 40% discount on lodging and other attractions of their brands.

The Intercontinental Santo Domingo has a therapy special for two at By Germaine de Capuccini that includes different types of massages, product discounts, and specific access to its facilities for RD$11,995.00. In addition, a complement to the experience in a couple’s cabin and romantic decoration for RD$2,695.00. Valid for reservations until February 18, 2022.

Homewood Suites By Hilton Santo Domingo invites you to enjoy a special atmosphere with live music on its Rooftop 107 for couples and friends with a 35% discount on bottles of selected wines and includes a courtesy tapa from the chef.

In Catalonia Santo Domingo with its promotion, we celebrate love! at the Sea Blue restaurant that includes a dinner on February 14 for two people from US$99, which includes a three-course menu, welcome cava, a bottle of wine, and live music.

Meanwhile, if you choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day at the Bahia Principe hotels in Punta Cana, La Romana, and Samaná, you can find offers of up to 15% off all-inclusive, free modifications and cancellations. (limited offer)

Tracadero Beach Resorts thus promotes a romantic getaway in its establishment:»This Valentine’s Day will not be just another night if you spend it at Tracadero, which for only US$125 per person fully covers food and beverages, you will enjoy an unforgettable evening with your beloved.”

The RIU hotels reconfirm that “the beach is the ideal setting to celebrate love and friendship” and invite you to take advantage of the specials at Riu Palace Punta Cana, Palace Bávaro, and Riu República with 10% discount on rates. Complimentary upgrade to the next room category subject to availability. Early Check-in at 10: in the morning with access to the public areas of the hotel. Late check-out at 3: in the afternoon totally free. Access to the wet area of ​​the spa free of charge + a discount of USD$35 for a couple’s massage harmony of the ocean.

Offers through travel agencies are also available, as is the case of Viajes Alkasa, who shows that the Sanctuary Cap Cana offers a 10% discount on the rate, upgrade in the room subject to availability at check-in time -in, 1 hour in hydrotherapy as a couple and a 30% discount at the spa.

Likewise, the agency invites you to enjoy stays at Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana and Hyatt Ziva Cap Canawith a 10% discount on the rate, 15% discount at Larimar Spa, and 20% discount at the hotel’s Sirena Store, among others.

Anyway… there are plenty of offers, discounts, and amenities for locals and foreigners to enjoy and celebrate love and friendship in most of the country’s hotels, as the holiday generates dynamism in tourism.

In the event that the hotel of your choice is not among those mentioned, you can access the official website and/or social networks to find out in detail about the offers available for Valentine’s Day.

The promotions previously featured by this digital outlet are subject to changes in availability; they do not apply for promotions and/or special packages; not combinable with other offers/discounts; some have a deadline to access them and are valid while supplies last.

Abinader prefers US $10 billion from tourism instead of 10 million visitors

Joel Santos, the tourist adviser to the Executive Power, explained that the government is working to obtain at least 10 billion dollars in income from the tourist area and does not emphasize receiving 10 million tourists, “as past authorities did.

“The number of tourists that come does not give you a global idea of ​​the impact of tourism on the economy, but the income from tourism does. In other words, the government of President Luis Abinader, instead of 10 million tourists, prefers 10 billion dollars in income from tourism each year,” he emphasized.

Accordingly, the also former president of the National Association of Hotels and Tourism ( Asonahores ) said that the key to the success of the Dominican tourism sector amid the Covid-19 pandemic had been the speed and caution with which they have been adopted regarding the opening and closing of borders and the reactivation of the local tourism sector by the Presidency of the Republic.

Santos explained that the estimates are because the tourism cabinet is very productive and proactive and has coordinated very well with the health cabinet, while together with the private sector, they have worked in harmony with the government, according to Acento.

Cement production grew 23.4% in 2021

Santo Domingo.- The production capacity of the local cement industry has made it possible to respond to the rapid growth of the construction sector, one of the engines of the national economy and post-pandemic recovery.

The latest report from the Central Bank indicates that the construction sector registered an annual growth (January-December 2021) of 23.4%, placing it among the three sectors with the greatest contribution to the growth and economic recovery of the country along with tourism services (39.5 %) and manufacturing in free zones (20.3%).

According to information provided by the Dominican Association of Portland Cement Producers (Adocem), the expansion of the construction sector was reflected in the increase in cement production, which reached 6.5 million tons versus the US$5.17 million tons produced in 2020.

Gold, still Dominican Republic’s export king

Santo Domingo.- The most important exported product by the Dominican Republic continues to be gold, reaching US$1.8 billion in January-December 2021.

Gold represents 15.5% of everything exported last year, with Switzerland being the main destination for this product, which has allowed that country to displace Haiti as the second export market. Much of the gold extracted in the world is refined in that European country.

The second product is medical instruments and devices with US$1.1 billion exported last year.

They account for 9.4% and 8.9%, respectively, of total Dominican exports.

The data was provided by the president of the Dominican Association of Exporters (Adoexpo), Elizabeth Mena, in a press release.

The executive highlighted that 2021 was the year in which the country achieved the highest volume of exports in its entire history, reaching an amount of US$11.8 billion, representing a year-on-year growth of 20% compared to 2020.

Zoé Saldaña enjoys the Dominican Republic with her whole family

Santo Domingo, DR

The renowned actress Zoé Saldaña is enjoying her country, the Dominican Republic, with her whole family.

With a song by Juan Luis Guerra, a Dominican flag, and a video where she traveled some of the country’s roads, it was the publication that the “Avatar” star shared with her eight million followers on Instagram.

In other videos circulating on social networks, you can see her husband, Marco Perego, and their three children on the beach, also spending time with the actress’s relatives in the country.

Despite having a great career in Hollywood, with multiple successes in her catalog, the actress does not forget her roots and is always aware of what is happening in the country.

So much so that in mid-2020, the famous one expressed her desire to return to making movies in the Dominican Republic, of which she only has beautiful experiences.

Through an interview with Dominican journalists through the Zoom platform, Zoé said that, if she has not returned to Creole cinema,  has not been due to lack of interest, but rather due to time, since when she shot the only film she has made in the country, “La maldición del padre Cardona,” (“The curse of Father Cardona”) she has not stopped shooting one film after another.

The gringos cannot set the pace of tourism in the Dominican Republic

The United States is the primary source market and the most coveted by the tourism industry in the Dominican Republic. That is an obvious fact because it is verified by all the meters: they are the leaders in quantity and the first in quality.

Gone are the days when British and German tourists were the first to occupy the ranking of clients arriving in the eastern part of the country. Today that is the history of tourism and, although it must always be kept in mind, you cannot live in the past.

The reality is based on objective data and well-founded and contrasted statistics, constantly at odds with the points of view and analysis of politicians and authorities of any party. These usually handle these references according to their convenience, most of the time without rigor.

Taking for granted that the US market is the most desired because it is profitable, the Dominican tourism industry cannot always be stressed with the threats of the gringos: what if the deaths, what if the insecurity, what if the COVID…

Since we are talking about statistics, the percentage of deaths from alcohol, citizen insecurity, and viruses is much higher in the United States than in the Dominican Republic. The COVID numbers in the USA, for example, are alarming.

The Americans demonstrated their strength as a country by being the first to manufacture the most reliable vaccines in record time. However, they are the ones that lead the infections in the most prosperous countries, the most opposed to vaccines and the most opposed to the third dose—lessons, then, the minimum.

A powerful lobby in the USA is what the tourism industry and the country need to counteract the intimidating offensive of the northern neighbor. It is vital or more than any other promotional activity. We need the gringos but without them setting the pace for our industry.

Dominican economy to grow 6%, inflation and all

Santo Domingo.- In an analytical document prepared by technicians from the Central Bank, it is recognized that the deceleration of inflation in the country has occurred at a slower rate than expected.

However, it is projected that the momentum shown by domestic demand, the recovery of tourism, the high flows of foreign direct investment and the revitalization of public investment will contribute to the Dominican economy growing up to 6.0% in 2022.

In the document “Monetary policy rate: main tool of central banks,” the institution’s technicians explain that, in Latin America, most central banks have had to increase their interest rates more rapidly to face high inflationary pressures and depreciation of their currencies, as well as to avoid potential capital outflows.