Real estate tourism is experiencing an “unprecedented” boom in the Dominican Republic

After the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) presented the Central Unit of Tourism Procedures, it announced 171 projects under construction in 12 provinces, with construction deadlines in force, including requests for extensions.

Of these, 61 belong to real estate projects, with 25,347 rooms and an investment of US$1,8 billion.

In this regard, Michael Lugo, executive director of the Dominican Association of Tourism Real Estate Companies (ADETI), attributes the boom in real estate tourism to the arrival of the pandemic, which changed the priorities and needs of investors.

“The sector had been growing gradually during the years prior to the pandemic, occupying the role of a second home for many families. The boom and dynamism in sales experienced at the beginning of the pandemic were unprecedented. The priorities and needs of families changed drastically, leading them to move away from the big cities and look for spaces where they could enjoy the outdoors,” he said.

He pointed out that La Altagracia continues to be the province mainly investing in real estate tourism, as well as Miches, Samaná, Puerto Plata, Constanza, and Jarabacoa, among other locations in the country.

“It should be emphasized that each real estate tourism destination has its own focus, vision and projection; its demand will vary according to its location, offer, amenities, philosophy and public. Any area that has a particular attraction has potential and is being developed,” he said, according to Acento.

Referring to the foreigners who invest the most, Lugo explained that each real estate tourist destination has unique attractions that are different from the others, which allows a diversity of investors from different countries.

“For example, in the East zone are many investors from the United States and Canada. However, the Samana area has a lot of investment from European countries. Other foreigners with large investments come from Spain, France, and the United Kingdom,” he said.

He pointed out that 27,000 rooms have been built in the projects of the tourism companies of the guild, in addition to 4,000 rooms currently under construction.

Abinader inaugurates works for RD$520 MM in Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata, D.R.
With an investment of more than RD$520 million, President Luis Abinader yesterday inaugurated the Altamira-Rio Grande highway, the Las Canas bridge in the municipality of Imbert, and the repowering of the San Marcos electrical substation in this province.

Of this investment, RD$377 million corresponds to the road linking the municipality of Altamira with the municipal district of Río Grande. This project, about 20 kilometers long, benefits the 30,000 inhabitants that make up the surroundings of these two communities.

Also, the Las Canas bridge, which was built for RD$57 million, connects dozens of livestock and agricultural communities affected for years by the lack of infrastructure for regional development. In addition, the repowering of the San Marcos substation, replacing a 20-30 MVA power transformer for RD$86 million.

Sidewalks, curbs, cards

The Minister of Public Works, Deligne Ascención, announced that RD$170 million were made available for the construction of sidewalks and curbs in this province’s municipalities and municipal districts. In addition, a motorized pedestrian bridge will be built in Altamira.

Earlier in the day, the President headed the 51st “Primero Tú” (First You) social inclusion day, which is being carried out by the government through the General Directorate of Strategic and Special Projects of the Presidency (Propeep), in favor of people in vulnerable conditions.

To date, about 130 thousand people have benefited throughout the country with these days. Yesterday, more than 2,000 people were treated.

In the activity held in the Nepomuceno Ravelo elementary school, the municipality of Imbert, the head of state, said that the government is doubling the social aid to reach those who need it most.

Parade in honor of Luperón

President Abinader also led the civic-military parade on the occasion of the 183rd anniversary of the birth of the restoration hero General Gregorio Luperón, accompanied by members of his cabinet and military and local authorities.

After the cannon fire in honor of the military hero, who was also President of the Republic, the parade of the military units began under the direction of the commander of the second brigade of the Army, General Fernando Arturo Pérez Jiménez.

The President was accompanied by the Administrative Minister of the Presidency, José Ignacio Paliza; the President of the Permanent Commission of National Anniversaries, Juan Pablo Uribe; the provincial governor, Claritza Rochtte; the senator Ginette Bournigal, the mayor Roquelito García, deputies Johnny Medina and Emil Durán, and the vice administrative minister Igor Rodríguez, among other officials.

Thousands of people watched the parade on the seafront of Puerto Plata with the participation of different military units of the country, students from other schools, and representatives of local civic organizations.

President visits house-museum

Gregorio Luperón.

President Abinader, before leading the parade, visited the House Museum of General Gregorio Luperón, receiving details of its facilities and the services it provides as national and foreign tourists visit it.

José Briceño Stadium.

The President also made available RD$150 million to remodel the José Briceño Stadium of Puerto Plata, with a joint effort of the Bishopric and the administrative ministries of the Presidency and Sports.

Deputies approve bill that guarantees teaching English as a second language

A bill that seeks to guarantee the teaching of English as a second language in the public schools of the Dominican Republic was approved as a matter of urgency in two consecutive sessions this Wednesday in the Chamber of Deputies.

One of the recitals of the bill states that: “The Constitution of the Dominican Republic establishes the right to an integral, quality, permanent education, with equal conditions and opportunities for all persons with no other limitations than those derived from their aptitudes, vocation and aspirations.”

At the request of several deputies, the bill was declared of urgency to be heard in two consecutive sessions.

They unanimously approved the bill by the 131 deputies at the session and passed it to the Senate of the Republic.

The initiative declares that the learning and teaching of the English language in the educational system is a public interest.

According to the bill, the Ministry of Education (Minerd) would be the competent body to design and implement a national teacher training strategy to teach English to students in extended day and polytechnic public schools.

The funds for implementing the law would be allocated to the Ministry of Education in the General State Budget law.

“That the English language has become an important factor, when it comes to achieving labor and personal success, since in most companies they require a certain level of writing, speaking, understanding and reading English for the management of national and international relations,” is what the piece establishes in the seventh recital.

A total of 18 deputies expressed their support for the bill and the importance of young people in learning English.

Deputy Servía Iris Familia indicated that English has been taught in the Dominican Republic for 60 years but that due to the deficiencies, students do not speak it fluently when they leave high school.

Congresswoman Ydenia Doñe emphasized that learning English is a necessity in the country.

Congressman Juan Julio Campos said that English is the most spoken language in the world and that the Dominican Republic must join globalization by learning it.

Hamlet Amado Melo highlighted the importance of the project because he understood that learning English would contribute to the labor and social development of the people.

The XVIII Adoexpo Golf Cup will be held at Punta Espada Golf Club, Cap Cana.

Santo Domingo, DR – The Dominican Association of Exporters (Adoexpo) announced for Sunday 18 of this month, the XVII Adoexpo 2022 Golf Cup, an edition that will have an international character because it will mark the beginning of the activities of two crucial Latin American congresses in the areas of business and banking.

The sporting competition will be held at the Punta Espada Golf Club in Cap Cana, with a hundred business people, diplomats, executives of exporting companies, and representatives of the sponsoring entities.

As in previous years, competitors will bet on the best positions in categories “A,” “B,” and “C” under the scramble modality in pairs.

The event was announced at a meeting at the Intercontinental Hotel, headed by the president of Adoexpo, Elizabeth Mena; the technical director of the tournament, Jochi Mella and the executive president of the Asociación de Bancos Múltiples de la República Dominicana (ABA), Rosanna Ruíz.

Mena highlighted that this XVII edition would be linked to the Latin American Congress of Foreign Trade (CLACE) and the Latin American Congress of Technology and Innovation (CLAB), organized by the Latin American Federation of Banks (Felaban) and the ABA.

“Starting next September 18 with this tournament, in the framework of Adoexpo’s 50th anniversary, we will be supporting these events as part of an alliance with the ABA and Felaban, which recognize the importance for the export sector, aligned with the country’s strategy as a regional trade reference and logistics hub,” he said.

Jochi Mella, technical director of the tournament, explained that in addition to the first three places, special prizes would be awarded for the Longest Drive and the Closest to the Pin.

He also said that as is customary in this competition, after the contest, there will be a trophy ceremony, multiple raffles, and gifts at the end of the event, courtesy of sponsors and Adoexpo.

The executive president of the ABA, Rosanna Ruiz, highlighted the importance of this alliance after stating that “the attendance at the CLAB and CLACE congresses of multilateral trading interests, banks, Bigtech and Fintech of the region gives us the opportunity to show, as an export and economic sector, the comparative and competitive advantages of the Dominican market, so that our country can become a hub of innovation and exports in Central America, the Caribbean, and the world.”

Sponsors and allies

This XVII Adoexpo Golf Tournament is sponsored in the “Large Exporter” category by the Dominican Mining Corporation (Cormidom) and Gerdau Metaldom, while in the “Exporter” category are Cemento Cibao, Haina International Terminals (Hit), and Cemento Panam.

The sponsors of the “Entrepreneur” category are Ageport, Banco Lafise, Domicem, Despachos Portuarios Hispaniola (DPH), Implementos & Maquinarias (IMCA), J. Armando Bermúdez, Kinnox, London Consulting, Marítima Dominicana (Mardom) and Scotiabank.

The tournament’s strategic allies are Banco BHD, Cervecería Nacional Dominicana, Cortés Hermanos, Henriquez Soluciones Logísticas, Industrias Banilejas (Induban), Industrias San Miguel (Ism), La Aurora, Newlink, Oliver & Oliver (Ron Punta Cana), Pasteurizadora Rica, Ron Barceló, Seabord Marine and La Reina (Serta).

The annual sponsors in the “Platinum” category are Banco Banreservas, Corporación Minera Dominicana (Cormidom), DP World Caucedo, Falconbridge Dominicana (Falcondo), Gerdau Metaldom, Grupo SID, Banco Popular, in the “Gold” category is Laboratorio Rowe, in the “Silver” category is Banco Lafise, Cemento Cibao, Kinnox, Mardom, Mardom, Plastifar and Pasteurizadora Rica.

Solar-powered street lighting allows savings between 20 and 40 %

The Dominican Republic could save between 20 and 40% of the current cost of public lighting if solar energy solutions replace the luminaires that use conventional electricity.

This was explained by Felipe Sanches, director for Latin America of Fonroche Lightning, an expert in solar street lighting and a world leader in the sector with a presence in more than 70 countries.

He emphasized that the luminaires that use solar light do not require wiring and have minimal maintenance; the battery is changed every 10 to 12 years and guarantees 365 nights of lighting per year.

He highlighted that they offer an innovative technology consisting of a photovoltaic panel that captures solar energy, stores it in batteries, and illuminates through the night.

He added that this product continues to work even in rainy periods with little radiation and is resistant to strong winds caused by hurricanes.

Sanches expressed that they are developing a pilot project together with the private sector in Punta Cana, Bávaro, and La Altagracia, with the installation of 10 solar lights, which will be shown to the public authorities and the private sector.

And in the country, they are participating hand in hand with the French multinational electrical services company France Energie.

Alain Conte, founding president of France Energie, explained that “this is not a massive product, but a customized solar solution in which we measure the last 10 years of solar radiation in the project location, through the Worst Case Scenario process, which takes the month with the worst radiation and the longest night to create the solar street lighting solution that adapts to the needs and reality based on these parameters.”

This technology arrives for the first time in the Caribbean and was presented yesterday in the Dominican Republic as an innovative solar lighting solution.

Club Med launches discounts of up to 45% in its Dominican Republic resorts

Club Med Resorts has launched its “Your Wanderlust Awaits” sale, where travelers can save up to 45% and can book now through November 1, 2022, with travel dates beginning September 24, 2022, through May 5, 2023.

Participating resorts include Club Med Punta Cana and Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda, Dominican Republic; Club Med Cancun, Mexico; Club Med Quebec, Canada; Club Med Ixtapa Pacifico, Mexico; Club Med Columbus, Bahamas; Club Med Turkoise, Turks and Caicos; Club Med Caravelle, Guadeloupe, French Caribbean; and Club Med Buccaneer’s Creek, Martinique, French Caribbean.

The “Your Wanderlust Awaits” sale will enable savings to travelers when combining their vacations with airfare, resulting in leaves with room rates as low as US$135pp / night at participating resorts.

Other benefits of the sale include staying free for children under four without a single supplement. In addition, by bundling resort and airfare into one, visitors can save 10 percent and receive free airport transfers.

Club Med is committed to the safety of its guests. It offers an Emergency Assistance Program for anyone traveling between now and December 31, 2023, which covers emergency medical expenses, including those related to Covid-19. They also offer a flexible cancellation policy where guests can cancel for a full refund before 61 days of their stay.

Hoteliers and merchants promote multi-destination tourism between Santiago and Puerto Plata

The president of the Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Tourism Companies of the North ( Ashonorte ), Carlos Rodoli, presented at the meeting of the executive committee of the Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic ( Asonahores ) held in the city of Santiago, the first joint initiatives within the “Two Cities One Destination” strategy, which aims to jointly promote the cities of Santiago and Puerto Plata, in a strategic alliance between Ashonorte and ACIS to promote multi-destination in the North zone, promoting the development of tourism sustainable.

Rodolí stated that “from Ashonorte, the ACIS and other organizations we have joined forces using the strengths of both destinations, however, we have identified that this project will be the most effective and fastest way to promote our benefits, identity, culture and products in the world. , through cinema, dance and music; taking advantage of the phenomenon and world reality of bachata, which has reached corners of the world where our beer, rum, and tobacco have not arrived».

In that sense, he highlighted the agreement between Ashonorte and ADN Films to turn Puerto Plata into a world epicenter of Bachata, promoting music festivals and promoting itself as a film destination through film projects that raise the pride of our cultural identity, such as the Films Bachata DNA.

He also took the opportunity to invite and motivate those present to participate in the warm-ups that take place in Puerto Plata and Santiago towards the ADN Bachata World Festival, which will take place in the month of November from 17 to 20 in Puerto Plata.

The initiatives presented by Rodoli had the receptivity of those present. The president of Asonahores, Rafael Blanco Tejera, said: “You can count on the full support of the entity for whatever is needed from the project.”

The meeting held at the Hotel Hodelpa Gran Almirante was attended by Sandy Filpo, president of the Association of Merchants and Industrialists of Santiago (ACIS), Saul Abreu, executive director, Association for Development Inc ( APEDI ), Andrés Maŕranzini, vice president Asonahores executive, Kathy Morillo, Ashonorte executive director.

As well as Lowis Infante, Pontificia Univ. Católica Madre y Maestra Humberto Pichardo de Asoc. Hoteles Sosua/Cabarete; Ney Deschamps Asoc. Rent-A-Ca, Ramón Paulino; Santiago Tourist Destination Cluster; Luciano Aybar, Santiago Tourist Destination Cluster, among other people related to the sector.

Green One Playa Dorada expands its tourism real estate offer in Puerto Plata

The tourist destination of Puerto Plata has a varied and wide range of accommodations, from hotels to real estate. The latter housing segment is having a rebound with the innovative project of villas and apartments Green One, located in Playa Dorada.

The buildings of Coral Hospitality Corp through the Xëliter brand (administration, management, and commercialization of tourist properties in the DR) have two-level type A villas built on 165 M2, one-level type B villas built on 145 M2, and apartments built on 126 M2.

In this regard, Daniel Fernandez, general manager of Green One Playa Dorada, explained that the project is divided into two stages; the first consists of 108 villas with one and two bedrooms and 42 apartments, which are finished.

He told arecoa.com that the second stage consists of 28 villas and 220 apartments. “At this moment, we can say that of the 28 villas of phase II are all sold, and of the apartments, we have sold 40.”

The executive informed that the second phase would be ready by 2025 and that both phases total 398 properties in the tourist real estate, offering more than 700 rooms in Playa Dorada.

He stated that when the second phase is completed, together with the first phase, the investment in the projects exceeds US$100 million. “It is quite an important investment because it is not only the real estate but also the tourist amenities we have had to build to make the project as attractive and inclusive as possible.”

Regarding the amenities offered by the project, in addition to an exclusive, safe, and comfortable environment, Fernandez listed that they have a beach club, swimming pool, white beach, sports, children’s club, Brazilian restaurant, a gym (under construction), concierge service, private parking, relaxation area, among others.

“Also, we have an alliance with the golf club, which is very attractive for owners or visitors to enjoy it or the tennis court; and I am convinced that Green One offers all the amenities that make us affirm that we are the best tourist and real estate option in the north of the country,” he added.

He said that given the offer they currently have in apartments and attending to the market needs, they would launch in the coming months in Costa Dorada an exclusive project of 2 and 3-bedroom villas under the name of Green One II.

“This project comes to meet the segment of villas so desired by the public of both the Cibao: Santiago, Moca, La Vega and Puerto Plata, and also is the answer to the tourist part of Dominicans living abroad as New Jersey and a very important segment of buyers we have from Canada, who are very interested in Puerto Plata as a tourist destination,” he said.

Fernández recalled the importance of alliances for the tourism sector, such as the one between the Velutini Real Estate Group and the Selman Group, “both of which are renowned and provide the necessary and important reputation and prestige to succeed in a project of this category and magnitude.”

“We are builders-developers, but we are not real estate operators; that is why we have created this alliance with the company Xëliter, and we are happy because we have found in them the answer to the needs of the owners who trust in buying a property with us and later require an impeccable administration and an offer or rental pulls that can help in the return of the investment,” he concluded.

Bank of America: “Dominican Republic tourism has recovered its pre-pandemic level”

The Bank of America Corporation praised tourism growth in the Dominican Republic, indicating that it has recovered to pre-pandemic levels, placing it as the star of the Dominican economy.

In its Dominican Republic Economic Watch report, Bank of America expresses its optimism about the growth of the Dominican economy, indicating that it has grown faster than expected despite the oil crisis.

The U.S. multinational banking and financial services company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the second largest bank holding company in the United States by assets, indicates that tourism represents a third of the Gross Domestic Product of the Dominican Economy, observed in the first half of the year.

“They have already recovered to pre-pandemic levels. The Government expects 8.4 million non-resident tourists by 2022 (including flights and cruises) versus 5.3 million in 2021. That is, 7 million in flights and 1.4 billion in cruises. By 2023, they expect the number of air and cruise tourists to increase to 7.7 million and 1.7 million, respectively.

With a view to further boosting U.S. tourism in the DR, the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, is developing a week of work in Charlotte, North Carolina, with important companies in the sector, working on important alliances to boost the country’s main economic engine.

The strategy implemented by the Dominican Republic has borne great fruit, placing the country as an international reference in tourism recovery and public-private partnerships to boost the sector.

Dominican Republic earmarks US$2.17B for partnerships

Santo Domingo.- The General Directorate of Public-Private Partnerships (APP) has channeled investment of RD$119.6 billion (US$2.17 billion) with 20 works received, of which four have been declared of public interest and two are in the competitive process, nine are being evaluated and seven have been discarded because they do not meet the requirements established by law.

The director of this institution, Sigmund Freund, indicated that the support of multilateral organizations such as the World Bank, USAI, CABEI, CAF and other financial institutions has been obtained, which have been key to institutional strengthening, knowledge of good practices and the guidelines for an efficient structure of PPP initiatives.

First project

Among the first results is the tender for the construction of the first hotel of three to be built in Pedernales, as part of the tourism development project for that province and the southern region, which the government has proposed.

Low cost Colombian carrier upbeat on Dominican route

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic is the “most important” Caribbean destination for Wingo, the Colombian low-cost airline, and occupies 20% of the company’s international routes, says Jorge Jiménez, Commercial and Planning of the airline company.

“We believe that it is a market that can be stimulated, that our low price model can make many Dominicans use Wingo to reach new destinations,” said Jiménez, at the presentation of the new international route between Santo Domingo and the City of Panama.

The executive said that Wingo offers Dominicans, in addition to low prices, flexibility and punctuality, attention in its service channels.

Sanction

The airline however, was sanctioned by the Colombian Transport Superintendence for allegedly not protecting the rights of users to claim and reimbursement, according to Diario Libre.

Central Bank raises benchmark rate again, now to 8% per year

Santo Domingo.- The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (BCRD) increased its monetary policy interest rate by 25 basis points, from 7.75% to 8.00% per year. In this way, the rate of the permanent liquidity expansion facility (1-day repos) goes to 8.50% per year and the rate of overnight deposits to 7.50% per year.

This decision is based on an exhaustive evaluation of the recent behavior of the world economy and its impact on inflation, considering geopolitical conflicts and global cost shocks.

The BCRD indicated that price dynamics continue to be affected by external factors that are more persistent than expected, associated with the extraordinary increase in the prices of oil and other raw materials, as well as the high costs of international container transport and other disruptions in supply chains.

Central Bank: Dominican economy to grow 5.5%

Santo Domingo.- The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic reported today that the Dominican economy registered an average growth of 5.5% January to July this year.

In a press document, it reported that the Monthly Indicator of Economic Activity (IMAE) registers an accumulated average variation of 5.5% in said period, compared to the same of the previous year, after having experienced an interannual increase of 4.7% in July, similar to the growth rates of April and May of 4.7 and 4.8%, respectively.

According to the agency, the expansion accumulated so far allows maintaining the forecast that the economy would be ending the year with an increase in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) around its potential, in line with the projections of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).

Dominican surfer Brandon Sanford Viñas: “My love for the sea is stronger than ever”

Santo Domingo, DR
After dedicating part of his life being a servant of tourism as a guide for Dominicans and foreigners visiting Cabarete (municipal district of the municipality of Sosua, Puerto Plata) and its beautiful beaches for the first time, Dominican surfer Brandon Sanford Viñas has decided to pursue his dream: to be one of the best surfers of tubular and big waves.

At 33 years of age, as a country representative, he has been invited to embark on one of the most important water sports events worldwide, the Mexpipe Warriors 2022, and he is determined to succeed.

Speaking to Listin Diario, Sanford Viñas indicated that his interest and love for surfing were born when he was just a child. The young athlete grew up watching from his house, which had the “Encuentro Beach” behind it, neighbors and local boys older than him surfing. He watched them enough, so much so that, when he was only six years old, he was already inside the sea, catching waves.

“My mom saw that I really liked this water sport and on a trip to Puerto Rico she gave me my first surfboard. Little by little I got more into the waves and it ended up being my passion. That was my first love and to this day it still is,” said Sanford Viñas with great enthusiasm and excitement.

After recalling the beginnings of his encounter with the sea, he commented that many things have happened.

He began to take surfing more seriously, and at the age of 14, he won his first international contest in Puerto Rico. Years later, he became Sub-junior Latin American Champion (2004), then Open for six consecutive years, and placed third in the Master of the Ocean event, ahead of strong competitors from around the world.

“I don’t have enough fingers and toes to count all the events I’ve attended, small and large. I’ve gone 30 times to different events around the world to represent the country. Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, California, Florida, Brazil, Nicaragua, Peru, Ecuador”, the athlete points out.

He is interested in tourism in the Dominican Republic

After some time competing, the young man stopped and felt that there was a need for a service that would provide a fun experience for Dominicans and foreigners in the mecca of water sports in the country, Cabarete.

Sanford becomes a tour guide and founded a company called Dominican Surf Trips to share the gift of the beauty of surfing in the Dominican Republic.

“This country…many people who even live here don’t know it, but it’s a treasure in terms of the water sports and beaches we have,” the surfer points out.

Under the slogan “Somewhere in DR,” in Spanish, “en alguna parte de RD,” he would take tourists to get to know secret and hidden beaches where surfing was practiced.

“Surfing is very selfish, it’s not a group sport, you always want to hide your favorite beach and your favorite wave so you can enjoy yourself. If there are many people trying to catch that wave, the fun is not the same (…) I used to take my clients to very nice, secret beaches,” commented Sanford Viñas.

“My love of the sea is stronger than ever.”

Sanford is at a stage in his life where he is focused on his dream and wants to make it a reality. He emphasized that he feels an innate commitment to the youth of the Dominican Republic.

“The generations coming behind me deserve someone who will inspire and motivate them. And right now, I feel that I am ready to give them good motivation and inspiration. That’s why my love for the sea is stronger than ever,” the ‘Foil Surfing’ lover expressed.

For Sanford Viñas, surfing is his life, and he describes the sport as a lifestyle. “The moment you grab the board and catch that wave, you free yourself from many things in life,” he said.

Going for the Mexpipe Warriors 2022

Viñas’ true passion has always been to chase the biggest waves possible.

The Mexipipe Warrior event is an activity that takes place in the silver Puerto Escondido, located in Mexico, one of the strongest wave beaches, and will be held in September 2022. There, tube surfers from around the world will be summoned.

Sanford Viñas obtained a place on the event’s guest list that honors the legendary Mexican surfer Oscar Moncada. The young competitor indicated that he feels proud to be representing the country.

“I feel super good representing my country. People like the Dominican Republic. I feel proud when I get to another country representing the Dominican Republic,” said the young competitor born in Florida, United States, but raised in the Dominican Republic since he was one year old by his Dominican mother.

“It is an honor to have that title. Not just anyone can make it and it’s an invitation I have. I would love to win,” he added.

Rigorous preparation

“I’m preparing,” said Sanford Viñas,” and explained that the preparations for the Mexpipe Warriors 2022 consist of three fundamental pillars: technical, physical, and mental preparation.

“I am swimming, doing exercises, especially breathing exercises. I go to a beach and dive with a rock and hold my breath as far as I can, I do this to simulate a crash in a big wave,” he explained.

“I prepare my mind so that the little devil doesn’t tell me “that wave is too big,” “I don’t think you can do it,” building a strong mind,” he added.

Mavi Gök Aviation plans to open flight with Russian tourists to Dominican Republic

New Turkish airline Mavi Gök Aviation (MGA) plans to take Russian tourists from Moscow, Yekaterinburg, and Kazan to resorts in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Thailand via Anatolia.

“We sell resort tourism, and we want to do it all over the world. For this reason, we favor a fully collegial model. We will strive to grow in any market where we find potential,” said the airline’s CEO, Ilker Göchan.

He explained that such flights are scheduled to start from the beginning of October until the end of 2022, according to Krasnaia Viezna.

“MGA has three Boeing 737-800 aircraft in its fleet and plans to acquire another three Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, he added.

The company Mavi Gök Aviation was born under the umbrella of the company of the same name, which was founded in 2007 by Anex Tour Group and operates in Turkey.

The operator received preliminary approval from the German Civil Aviation Authority on June 9 and has been flying since July 11. Specifically, from Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Hanover, and Nuremberg to Turkey ten times a week.

The company also plans to extend its operations in Austria in the short term with flights from Vienna.

ECLAC expects Dominican Republic’s economy to grow 5.3 %.

The Dominican Republic’s economy will grow 5.3 %, according to ECLAC, higher than the average for Latin America and the Caribbean, which is 2.7 %. Venezuela will lead the region’s growth by 10%, Panama by 7%, and Colombia by 6.5%.

The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) highlighted yesterday that there is a context of solid macroeconomic restrictions that are hitting the economies of the region.

These include intense inflationary pressures, low dynamism in job creation, falling investment, and growing social demands.

“This situation has resulted in major challenges for macroeconomic policy, which must reconcile policies that promote economic reactivation with policies aimed at controlling inflation and providing sustainability to public finances,” said Mario Cimoli, Acting Executive Secretary of ECLAC, at the launch of the Economic Survey 2022.

Cimoli highlighted that in countries such as the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, and others, the curve that reflects the evolution of employment is almost always below the curve that indicates the behavior of the economic activity.

He said that in Central America, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, the immediate result is expected to reach a level close to balance in 2022, with a deficit equivalent to 0.3% of GDP, similar to the values observed before the pandemic.

Back on track to 10 million tourists?

Santo Domingo, DR

According to the World Tourism Organization (WTO) definition, Tourism is any activity carried out by a visitor. A visitor is a person who travels to a destination different from their usual environment for less than one year for any purpose (leisure, business, or personal reasons). Visitors are classified as tourists (if they stay overnight) or as excursionists if they do not stay overnight. The visitor, in turn, may be local or international. The international visitor is a non-resident traveling to another country. This definition is precise and detailed.

Under this same definition, government after government has measured the flow of tourists. In fact, starting in 2012, the government of the day set a goal, welcomed by Dominicans, to reach 10 million tourists in a period of 10 years, i.e., 2022. These ten million included all non-resident tourists entering by air and cruise ships.

This is clear in the last accountability speech of former President Medina, where he said: “In 2012, 4.5 million tourists visited the country per year, which generated an income of 4.6 billion dollars, both not insignificant figures. In 2019, the Dominican Republic received 7.5 million between tourists who entered by air and cruise passengers…” and continues, “As you know, in this sector we set an ambitious goal: that in a period of 10 years, the country would receive 10 million tourists annually. And that goal, if it follows the trend we have set, will be met in 3 years, just as we said”. (Taken from: https://listindiario.com/la-republica/2020/02/27/606108/texto-integro-de-la-rendicion-de-cuentas-del-presidente-danilo-medina). Dominican tourists played an important role in this performance.

In its latest report on tourism for the month of July 2022, the Central Bank informed that: “When analyzing inbound tourism by air during the month of July 2022, the records show that the arrival of non-resident passengers reached the record figure of 735,064 visitors, being the month with the highest reception of tourists in the historical series, ….. In cumulative terms, for the January-July 2022 period, an unprecedented flow was recorded for the first seven months of a year of 4,282,207 non-residents…it is worth noting that when compared to the pre-pandemic period, tourist arrivals for that period exceeded by 115,561 passengers the arrivals recorded in January-July 2019.”

The recovery occurs despite our negative shocks at the beginning of 2022. In the first two months of the year, the Omicron hit international tourism hard, causing new closures and more barriers to travel. This was compounded by a heavy snowfall in the United States that shook flight availability. In March 2022, the war between Russia and Ukraine put the icing on the cake. It is estimated that, had the war not happened, for the period March – July, an additional 163,404 tourists would have been received. Already for the months April to July, arrivals exceeded pre-war levels by 12%. In the absence of the war, arrivals would be almost 20% above pre-pandemic years. Four consecutive months of growth is an excellent sign of recovery, a sort of “remission” from the effects of Covid-19. Total visitor figures, including cruise passengers, also show recovery, with record values for the period January-July 2022.

Everything seems to indicate that the worst is over and we are on a different path. A more hopeful path. A trend indicator showing the annualized value of total visitors, that is, tourists and excursionists, shows that in July 2022, we already reached the highest historical value of visits from abroad, with 7.75 million compared to 7.72 million for June 2019, where it had reached its historical maximum. We are possibly back on the path of 10 million tourists, while very few countries have managed to reach pre-pandemic levels. Will this behavior be the beginning of post-parity or would it be called recovery? If we are consistent, recovery would be the answer.

Ministry of Tourism inaugurates two works on Macao beach

The Minister of Tourism, David Collado, today inaugurated the reconstruction of the access road and parking lot in Macao beach, La Altagracia province, with an investment of more than 53 million pesos.

“We are here again, in Macao beach, to honor our commitment to build a modern parking lot and rebuild the access road,” said the minister.

He assured that these two works directly impact the benefit of visitors and the small merchants in the beach area.

The work was carried out through the Executing Committee of Infrastructures of Tourist Zones (CEIZTUR) of the Ministry of Tourism.

The bus parking lot has a 1,962 square meter space for 14 buses. It also has restrooms, a bench area in the waiting room, as well as green areas. There is also a 340 square meter vehicle parking area and paving for 86 vehicles.

The intervention of the access road includes 323 meters of asphalt, another 950 meters of sidewalk along the entire length of the road to the beach, and 270 meters of paving stones and lighting.

The activity was attended by the leading provincial and municipal authorities and business people of the sector.

Tourism achieves recovery in two years

Puerto Plata Airport recovers 97% of its passenger flow

José Ernesto Marte Piantini, president of the Civil Aviation Board (JAC), reported that Gregorio Luperón airport in Puerto Plata has recovered 97% of its passenger traffic figures in 2019.

The increase is because one million 513,509 passengers transited through Dominican airports in July in 10,565 air operations, according to the Passenger Aerocommercial Activity Report corresponding to the seventh month of 2022, prepared by the institution.

It details more than 1.5 million travelers; 776,493 were on inbound flights and 737,016 on outbound flights.

In July 2022, for the fourth consecutive month (April-July), a record number of passengers were transported for that particular month, with 1,513,509.

Statistics released by the JAC show that the number is the highest number of passengers transported in the Dominican Republic in any month, breaking the record set in March 2019 when 1,311,823 passengers were transported through Dominican terminals, with 2022 being the first time that traffic surpassed the 1.5 million passenger barrier.

Meanwhile, Punta Cana and Las Americas (AILA) airports established historic passenger traffic figures in July 2022, with 816,578 and 435,357 passengers transported, respectively.

“In the case of Punta Cana, it set a record passenger traffic figure for any month and any airport, while Las Americas airport, surpassed its record July 2021 figure,” he added.