Asonahores projects tourism will break foreign investment record this year

The president of the Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic (Asonahores), Rafael Blanco Tejeda, affirmed that investment flows in the tourism sector maintained continuous increases during the coronavirus pandemic and is expected to obtain a historical record of foreign investment in this sector of the national economy by 2022.

The businessman attributed the success to implementing a well-thought-out, dynamic, and cohesive tourism strategy between the public and private sectors. “The positioning we achieved with handling the pandemic made us stand out worldwide, but from there, what we have done is to reinforce the entire tourism strategy,” he added.

He stated that the tourism sector achieved a “formidable” and accelerated recovery that surpasses other countries in the Region, despite the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and the war between Russia and Ukraine, according to Despierta con CDN.

“We went through a formidable recovery process, really a process that highlighted us in international markets and was recognized by the World Tourism Organization, granting us recognition as the country that recovered tourism the fastest,” he said.

He stated that at present, more than recovery, we are living in moments of growth in the tourism sector due to the fact that “month after month we are breaking the records of arrivals” that we had in the pre-pandemic times.

The new record of tourists received
He gave an example that in September, the country received 431,000 foreign tourists, breaking the historical record we have to date. He recalled that 2018 and 2019 were, up to that time, the best years for national tourism, with a total of 365,000 foreign tourists arriving in the Dominican Republic.

In that sense, he maintained that the Dominican Republic has positioned itself in a privileged way in the international market and pointed out that they are interested in improving the figures of foreign investments and tourists coming to the country.

On the other hand, Blanco Tejeda cited that for the first time, the Public-Private Marketing Committee was formed after analyzing jointly with the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur), month after month, the markets that should be improved or replaced by others that present more excellent or better opportunities.

“For example, the case of Russia and Ukraine. We saw how we received some 60,000 tourists between Russia and Ukraine, which even represented an increase of approximately double what we received pre-pandemic. But, in February, the war came, and the tourists disappeared,” he argued.

He explained that to solve this problem, the Marketing Committee decided to redirect the efforts toward other markets that presented an opportunity. He said that out of some 230 thousand tourists arriving from France in the pre-pandemic periods, so far in 2022, more than 180 thousand French tourists have been received, and they expect to exceed 300 thousand by the end of the year.

Strengthening markets
He indicated that the Dominican Republic is also strengthening the North American, Canadian, and Colombian markets, which, he said, have had remarkable growth. He pointed out that the country maintains a dynamic tourism strategy that day after day, they focus on and vary according to what they see that works in the market.

On the other hand, he highlighted the creation of the Tourism Cabinet, which he said is one of the most critical measures President Luis Abinader in terms of tourism because the president himself directed it. The Minister of Tourism manages it.

He pointed out that tourism is a very transversal sector “because it is not only talking about the hotel, it is not only talking about tourism, it is talking about citizen security, it is talking about the airport, it is talking about transportation and the entire production chain that must supply goods and services every day to the tourism sector to be able to operate optimally. Tourism also deals with coastal, environmental and infrastructure issues.”

He considered that the Dominican Republic is in the best moment of the tourism industry in its history and that it only needs to grow in quality and diversification and take tourism to every corner of the national territory.

All-inclusive hotels
When asked about the advantages and disadvantages of the modality of “all inclusive hotels,” he said that they decided to resort to this modality because they saw a business opportunity representing multiple facilities for tourists coming to the Dominican Republic.

All-inclusive is a type of hotel reservation by which the guest can enjoy all the hotel’s services for a fixed price.

However, he said that one of the criticisms of this type of business is that tourists do not like to leave the hotels. However, he denied this problem and stated that the country still faces the challenge of creating the conditions for tourists to want to go out and to have the products and services so that tourists have something to do outside the hotels.

In this sense, he said that one of the strategies being implemented by the Ministry of Tourism is to readapt public beaches and communities. “We have to have security, stores, handicrafts and quality excursions. To the extent that we have the products and services, tourists come out,” he added.

Dominican journalists recieve awards at the New York Emmys

At the 65th Emmy Awards ceremony in New York City, journalists from the Dominican Republic Eliecer Marte, Darling Burdiez, Gary Merson, and Esperanza Ceballos were recognized with honors. Marte won three awards in separate categories, but he also won a group prize for the best morning newscast for its coverage of a blizzard. He got four awards in all. The journalist of Dominican descent who currently works for the Telemundo network at its station in New York City received three statuettes for his work on that network during the ceremony.

Marte received an award for an investigation in which he addressed the harsh reality faced by many immigrants who, due to the high cost of rent in NYC, live in illegal basements. Marte illustrated how some residents of these spaces drowned after the remnants of Hurricane Ida. The presenter was also recognized for a special report on the first anniversary of the coronavirus pandemic and the damage that this disease caused within society on a psychological and emotional level. A series about the struggle, evolution and achievements of the LGBTQ community in the last 5 decades resulted in another victory for Marte.

Eliecer Marte has now won a prize for his reports that he delivers during Telemundo newscasts for two years running. The bilingual journalist won four statuettes in four distinct individual categories the previous year. Since Marte occasionally contributes to the Anglo-Saxon network, NBC, he has advanced professionally in addition to acting as a stand-in newscaster.

Telemundo network announcer Darling Burdiez, who took home five trophies, was one of the night’s biggest victors.

Journalists for the Univisión network Gary Merson and Esperanza Ceballo won two and one awards, respectively.

Possible tropical storm thirteen in the Caribbean is becoming more organized

Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire are among the western Lesser Antilles islands where potential Tropical Storm Thirteen is moving. It is anticipated that this system will bring significant rains to northern South America through Friday. The system is anticipated to develop into a tropical depression or tropical storm tonight and into a hurricane, on Saturday night as it approaches the coast of Nicaragua, according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC), which released this information in a bulletin at 8:00 p.m. local time (12:00 GMT) on this Thursday.

The system was around 35 miles (55 km) southeast of Curacao and 175 miles (280 km) east-southeast of the northern tip of Colombia’s La Guajira peninsula at the time the alert was issued. As a US Air Force “hurricane hunter” aircraft explores the disturbance, the system is moving forward with maximum sustained winds of 35 miles per hour (55 km/h). The Colombian islands of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina are under a hurricane watch.

The eastern coast from the Colombia-Venezuela border west to Riohacha is under a tropical storm warning. Stakeholders should keep a close eye on the disturbance’s development along the shores of Nicaragua and Honduras. Tonight or on Friday, more warnings may be required for the area.

DR was chosen to host the following Summit of the Americas

According to Roberto Alvarez, the Dominican Republic’s minister of foreign affairs, the Dominican Republic was selected this Thursday in Peru to host the X Summit of the Americas in 2025. The 52nd General Assembly of the OAS, which is taking place in Lima, Peru, coincided with the election. The foreign minister stated that the nation is dedicated to collaborating closely with all the states in the area to bring the most urgent problems facing the continent to this summit and produce the best outcomes.

“The Dominican Republic is firmly convinced of the opportunities presented by these global circumstances and is devoted to multilateralism.” We have the experience to devote ourselves to an event of this size, and that vocation has solidified in our performance, said Alvarez. The Ibero-American Conference, whose summit will take place in the Dominican Republic in March of next year, and the Central American Integration System (SICA), both currently have the pro tempore presidencies held by the Dominican Republic.

The foreign minister spoke about the country’s experience hosting international summits, citing some of the most significant events that took place there, including the second Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States summit in 1999; the twelfth Ibero-American summit in 2002, the OAS general assemblies in 2006 and 2016; and the fifth Summit of Heads of State of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in 2017.

The Dominican envoy emphasized that it was an honor for his country to take on the task of planning the upcoming Summit of the Americas. “As always, we will put all of our work and commitment into carrying it out at the highest level and in an inclusive manner,” he said.

The government announces assistance of 1,000 pesos for each Hurricane Fiona-affected task

President Luis Abinader announced this Sunday that the government will provide aid of 1,000 pesos for each task damaged by Hurricane Fiona to restore agriculture in seven affected provinces. The plan will have a financial package of 5,490 million pesos. During a visit to Nagua, Maria Trinidad Sánchez, the president announced the direct support plan for growers, which includes a budget of 2.5 billion for the Agricultural Bank. Presentation Comprehensive Rapid Response Plan for the hurricane Fiona-affected farmers and ranchers’ recovery.

Due to damage to roads, rural bridges, and more than a million crops and pastures, particularly in La Altagracia, El Seibo, Hato Mayor, and Samaná, Cyclone Fiona is estimated to have cost more than 7,000 million pesos. According to Abinader, “a complete quick response plan” has been developed based on these evaluations, and both the government and all agricultural institutions are involved in carrying it out.

Livestock farms are eligible for the delivery of 1,000 pesos per affected crop task, with a cap of 300 tasks per beneficiary. The assistance will be provided through the associations of each sector, under the supervision of the Comptroller General of the Republic. Along with other facilities for producers, zero-rate financing will be made available upon request to all producers, with grace periods dependent upon the type of crop and no other requirements aside from having sustained storm damage.

Existing debts with the Agricultural Bank may also be restructured. Other measures include the free preparation of 200,000 earth tasks, the establishment of cleanup brigades, and the construction and reconstruction of 800 kilometers of neighborhood and parcel roads.

Sustainable tourism in Cibao

Santiago, R.D.

The experience of knowing, living, and enjoying every moment, appreciating the landscape, and being with the family, is no longer just part of the list; increasingly, tourists are demanding destinations that are friendly to the planet and promote good practices for the care and respect for the environment.

More frequently, both destinations and tourists immerse themselves in living experiences that generate less impact on natural resources, not to mention the level of demand at the time of vacation; not luxury, but simple, minimalist, and ecotourism spaces, for example, sustainable, comfortable and one hundred percent natural places, which do not harm the environment.

In a tour of the northern area, we have identified, among others, two destinations that have focused on creating unique experiences through their sustainable projects, which contribute to the preservation of natural resources and the enrichment of the relationship between the destination and the inhabitants of the environment.

Both places are located between the mountains, encouraging ecotourism and inviting you to disconnect to reconnect, rest and enjoy the greenery of the landscape. The first is Sereno de la Montaña, located in Moca, Espaillat province. Its existence is possible thanks to the Association for the Development of the Espaillat Province and the Jamao River Basin Management Committee, entities that set their sights on creating a destination that would involve the surrounding communities and catapult the province as a tourist destination.

This place provides different ecotourism services and has won awards such as Atabey in the Ecotourism category.

Looking at another sustainable destination in a town known as Altamira in Puerto Plata is Chocolate Mountain. Again, the tourist point was concerned with building its spaces based on materials of sustainable origin. Here, tourists have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a holistic experience with nature. It is an ideal space for glamping. On this farm, visitors have had the experience of knowing cocoa and tobacco, tasting Cimarrona beer, and having lunch in a wood-fired Sancocho with ingredients grown in the same enclosure.

Living unique experiences with loved ones, appreciating nature, and taking care of the planet, all at the same time, without a doubt, the north offers it. Sources: @chocomtn and @serenodelamontana

The Central Bank raises its interest rate 25 points and takes it from 8 % to 8.25 %

Santo Domingo, DR
The Central Bank (BCRD), at its September 2022 policy meeting, decided last night to increase its monetary policy interest rate (TPM) by 25 basis points, from 8.00 % to 8.25 % per annum.

Thus, the rate on the standing liquidity expansion facility (1-day Repos) goes from 8.50 % to 8.75 % p.a. and the rate on interest-bearing deposits (Overnight) from 7.50 % to 7.75 % p.a.

“This decision is based on a thorough evaluation of the recent behavior of the economy, especially inflationary pressures,” says the monetary entity.

With regard to external factors, there has recently been a moderation in commodity prices, particularly oil and food; as well as in container shipping costs, which have gone from a peak of about US$20,000 per container from ports on the Asian continent in 2021 to a global average of about US$4,000 per container at present.

Inflation falls

The monthly variation of the consumer price index (CPI) stood at 0.21% during August 2022, the lowest in the last 27 months, says the BCRD.

The United States will provide three million dollars to finance an agricultural project in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo, DR
The Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy, Robert Thomas, announced that the government he represents would provide three million dollars to finance a project to help Dominican farmers.

The plan to which the funds will be allocated seeks to reduce the use of fertilizers, increase production and use biofertilizers to improve climate-resilient agricultural practices.

The announcement was made by Thomas as part of a day of visits to various locations in the Cibao to meet with government, political, and business leaders in the region and to support the Dominican agricultural sector.

Together with the Minister of Agriculture Limber Cruz, Thomas toured the facilities of the Bio-Rice experimental laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, which is responsible for research, technological development, and training related to Dominican rice production.

During the visit, the diplomat observed the production practices, pest and disease control, and efforts to promote the efficient use of inputs carried out by the Dominican Government from that agency.

In Santiago, Thomas attended the thirty-fifth edition of the Expo Cibao business fair, organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Production of that province, where he witnessed the products and services offered by the region’s leading companies in various industries such as technology, logistics, finance, sales, administration, cybersecurity, microfinance, banking, and health, among others.

Robert Thomas also visited the Ramada dairy farm, which has received technical assistance from the U.S. Government in improved reproduction techniques, livestock genetics, artificial insemination, and pasture rotation systems.

In Hermanas Mirabal province, the diplomat visited the Casa Museo Hermanas Mirabal, where he shared with members of the Manolito and Minou Tavárez Mirabal family and the former President of the Republic, Jaime David Fernández Mirabal. He also observed the textile collection of the Mirabal sisters, which in 2014 was awarded the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, through the U.S. Embassy, for its preservation and conservation.

The maritime riches of the coasts of Montecristi

Monte Cristi, DR
Montecristi is one of the unmissable options for ecotourism in the country. Characterized by its immense marine life, this place has 47% of all the corals in the Dominican Republic and the highest value of live corals on the island.

Robinson Jiménez, manager of Galleon Divers, pointed out that the diving and excursion center he presides is mainly aimed at nature lovers and that it not only has an underwater archeology center but is made up of ships belonging to the piracy era, where Montecristi played a “historic role” in this critical activity.

“This center is located at the bottom of the sea, with a fishing ban to contribute to the preservation of its state, managing to be a pastime that has been enriched by the Montecristenses,” added Jiménez.

Regarding the corals, he said that this province has the longest coral barrier reef in the nation, consisting of 97 kilometers without interruption.

“Montecristi has the largest marine platform in the country. A coral bank of 14 nautical miles (unit of length in maritime and aerial navigation) to the north by 36 to the west, 5 meters deep,” specified the expert.

With a national park of 500 square kilometers, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources declared four marine protected areas, among which are El Morro National Park, Cayo Siete Hermanos, Montecristi Submarine National Park, the latter contemplates the most extensive coral reef in the country with 49 kilometers of reef, and the Manglares de Estero Balsa National Park, with 30 meters high and a thickness of one meter, something that “is not seen anywhere else.”

Other underwater treasures

Jiménez pointed out that, due to this extensive life in the sea, navigation on the coast is “dangerous”; however, he assures that diving in these waters allows finding “impressive” objects where some of which possess up to 400 years of longevity, which adds value to the ecotourism experiences that take place in this great province.

Keys

Concerns.

“In Montecristi there should be an underwater archaeological park, but the competent authorities have never shown an interest in wanting to preserve part of the history of humanity,” confessed Jiménez.

Likewise, he thinks it is unfair that there is one in La Romana when 80% of the original pieces are from Montecristi.

On the other hand, he showed concern for the black mangrove since it is 60% disappeared.

Florida floods “catastrophically” as a result of Hurricane Ian

With its strong winds and heavy rain, Hurricane Ian raced across the state of Florida on Wednesday, leaving “catastrophic” floods and power disruptions. While Coast Guardsmen were still looking for 20 people, bad weather caused a boat carrying migrants to capsize south of the hurricane’s path, close to the Florida Keys. Four of the castaways were able to swim to land, while three needed to be pulled from the water.

According to the United States National Hurricane Center (NHC), Ian made landfall at Cayo Costa, in the southwest of the state, around 15:05 local time (19:05 GMT), with sustained winds of up to 185 kilometers per hour. As a result, Hurricane Ian caused “catastrophic flooding,” according to the Center, which also decreased the hurricane’s intensity to category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson scale, from one to five, despite the fact that it was still very hazardous.

According to the specialized website PowerOutage, which tracks power outages in the US, Ian left roughly two million homes in Florida without energy at nightfall on Wednesday, particularly in places in the hurricane’s path. According to the same source, many of the counties close to the area where Ian made landfall were virtually without power.

The NHC predicts that Ian, which has already wreaked havoc on western Cuba in recent days, will proceed towards Florida for the remainder of the day before reemerging over the western Atlantic on Thursday night.

Sunclass Airlines to operate flight between Stockholm and Punta Cana

Sunclass Airlines will become the first airline in Scandinavia to acquire the A330-900 model, and it will be used to reactivate long-haul flights to leisure and beach destinations from winter 2022/23, such as the Dominican Republic, Aruba, Mexico, Jamaica, and Vietnam, from different points in the Nordic region.

In the case of the DR, the airline has scheduled a flight from Stockholm to Punta Cana and Oslo from November 11, 2022, to March 2023. It has also scheduled nine flights from Stockholm to Punta Cana and Copenhagen. Also, a connection from Oslo / to Punta Cana / Oslo.

“The expansion and enhancement of our aircraft fleet is a direct extension of the Nordic strategy of Sunclass Airlines, Ving and their sister regional companies. We are working together as a Nordic unit to generate growth in the form of new destinations, further increase comfort for our passengers and ensure that we emit as little CO2 per passenger as possible,” said Torben Østergaard, CEO of Sunclass Airlines.

It is recalled that Ving AB, a Swedish tour operator, announced that it had signed a contract with Air Lease Corporation, according to Aviation Online.

US airlines will inform passengers of extra fees

New York. Passengers boarding U.S. airlines must be informed about extra charges, including baggage fees, itinerary changes, and seat selection, when they purchase a ticket.

This is stipulated in a new regulation announced a few hours ago by U.S. President Joe Biden, who said: “a passenger cancels and then has to pay a fee to rebook (a ticket).”

“It’s just not fair,” the president said after a meeting with several cabinet members, including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Millions of Dominicans, as well as other ethnicities, travel annually on different U.S. airlines, nationally and internationally, and sometimes face problems with airline employees for extra charges in some of these services.

The guidelines for foreign airlines operating in the U.S., such as travel shopping websites, must clearly show when offering a fare to the consumer all costs associated with baggage, changes, cancellations, and group seating, among other things.

“Passengers have the right to know the full and true cost of flights before purchasing a ticket,” Buttigieg’s secretary said in a statement.

This is the second measure announced by the DOT this month, aimed at pressuring airlines to improve customer service.

In early September, the government launched a virtual database that allows consumers to check which airlines offer payment or compensation for cancellations.

Hurricane Ian borders on category 5 in its rapid advance towards Florida

Hurricane Ian quickly gained strength Wednesday off the southwestern coast of Florida, packing top winds of up to 155 mph (250 km/h), bordering on a dangerous Category 5. Strong winds and downpours battered Florida’s populated Gulf Coast. Mexico, with Naples and Sarasota at “maximum risk” of devastating storm surge. US Air Force hurricane hunters confirmed that Ian strengthened over the warm waters of the gulf after sweeping through Cuba, knocking out the power grid and causing a widespread blackout on the island.

The meteor could cause a storm surge of up to 3.6 meters (12 feet), said the United States National Hurricane Center (NHC), based in Miami, which asked the population to evacuate the area. danger if they can. The authorities ordered the mandatory evacuation of more than 2.5 million people, although legally the eviction cannot be forced.

As of 7 a.m., Ian’s vortex was about 35 miles (105 kilometers) west-southwest of Naples and moving toward the coast at 10 miles (17 km/h). Floridians scrambled to board up their homes and store their most precious belongings on the upper floors before leaving. “You can’t do anything about natural disasters,” said Vinod Nair, who drove inland from the Tampa area Tuesday with his wife, son, dog and two cats looking for a hotel in the tourist district of Orlando. “We live in a high-risk area, so we thought it best to evacuate.”

Tropical storm-force winds of 39 mph (63 km/h) reached Florida by 3 a.m., with the first hurricanes being recorded at 6 a.m., well before the storm. Up to 18 inches (46 centimeters) of rain could fall near your entrance area. “It’s a strong storm, it’s going to dump a lot of water on its way in,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a news conference in Sarasota, a coastal city of 57,000 that is on Ian’s likely path. “And that kind of storm surge is dangerous.”

Ian’s advance slowed over the Gulf, allowing it to grow in size and intensity. Hurricane warnings covered about 220 miles (350 kilometers) of the state’s west coast, including Fort Myers, Tampa and St. Petersburg, which could see the first direct hit by a Category 3 or larger hurricane since 1921.

After hitting western Cuba, Ian threatens Florida as a major hurricane

Hurricane Ian, which made landfall in Cuba this Tuesday morning with winds of about 125 miles per hour (205 km/h), will maintain its strength as it crosses the largest of the Antilles and will strengthen when it emerges in the Gulf of Mexico as a major threat to Florida (USA), in the form of storm surge, wind, rain and tornadoes.

The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported at 0800 hours (1200 GMT) that Ian, category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson scale (out of a total of 5) is having “significant impacts of winds and storm surge over western Cuba”. At the time of the bulletin, the center of Ian, the fourth hurricane of 2022 in the Atlantic, was located about 10 miles (15 km) northeast of the city of Pinar del Río (Cuba) and about 115 miles (185 km) to the south-southwest. of the Dry Tortugas, one of the Florida Keys.

Beginning tonight Ian, which is moving at about 12 miles per hour (19 km/h) as it passes over western Cuba, turn north-northeast and slow down. Maximum sustained winds are near 125 mph (205 km/h) with higher gusts, and little change in strength is expected as Ian moves over Cuba, although it will strengthen as it moves across the southeastern Gulf of Mexico.

Hurricane-force winds extend up to 35 miles (55 km) from the center, and weaker tropical-storm-force winds extend out to 115 miles (185 km). According to the trajectory forecast, after having passed Cuba, Ian will emerge today over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico and pass west of the Florida Keys, some of which are under a hurricane warning.

On Wednesday it will approach the west coast of Florida and will make landfall probably that night or early Thursday somewhere in the central part of that coastline as a “dangerous major hurricane.” The warnings and vigilance of the NHC also extend to a sector of central Florida and another of the coast of the southeast coast of the state.

As in Cuba, in the part of Florida included in Ian’s trajectory cone, dangerous storm surges can be produced that, combined with the tide, flood normally dry coastal areas.

In western Cuba, according to the NHC, the sea level can rise between 9 and 14 feet (2.7 to 4.2 meters). The water could reach up to 10 feet (3 meters) above ground level in the Tampa Bay area (Florida), where more than 3.1 million people reside and mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders are already in force.

In addition to those sea level rises, accompanied by strong waves at some points, Ian is expected to produce heavy rains in Cuba and Florida, with the risk of flash flooding.

Payment of 10 dollars to Dominican passengers and resident foreigners eliminated

In one month and 15 days, national and foreign air operators that carry out international passenger transport to and from the Dominican Republic will no longer be able to charge US$10.00 for a tourist card on air tickets to Dominicans and foreign residents. Through Resolution 217-2022, the president of the Civil Aviation Board (JAC), José Ernesto Marte Piantini, instructed air operators to make the necessary adjustments to their computer systems in order for the aforementioned position to be eliminated. .

This measure was adopted after an extraordinary meeting held by the organization he leads and whose only point to discuss was to review the payment mechanism of the tourist card issued by the Dominican Republic, to avoid the illegal collection of the US$10 in air tickets for Dominican passengers and foreign residents.

The document indicates that the airlines that carry out international passenger transport to and from the Dominican Republic are responsible for strict compliance with this resolution. The provision is also valid for foreigners residing in the Dominican Republic and its implementation must be effective and efficient within 45 days, according to a statement issued by the JAC.

The information was also notified to the General Directorate of Migration, the Association of AirLines of the Dominican Republic, the Dominican Association of Air Lines and the Legal Representatives of the National and Foreign Air Operators.

CAB authorizes 13 new routes for five airlines

The Civil Aeronautics Board (JAC) authorized the launching of 13 new routes by five airlines, which will begin between November 2022 and January 2023, as well as the availability of 61 new international routes, which so far do not have an airline to operate them.

Condor, Neos, Swoop, Frontier, and Air Century airlines received authorization to launch 13 new international services.

German airline Condor received permission to fly between Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS) and La Romana International Airport (LRM). Condor already flies from Frankfurt (FRA) to Puerto Plata and Punta Cana, totaling seven weekly flights via Cirium. Condor will operate these services between November 4, 2022, and April 7, 2023.

In that regard, Neos, the Italian carrier, will also be able to operate flights between Rome Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) and Verona International Airport (VRN) to La Romana. The Milan-based airline already flies from Milan Malpensa International Airport to La Romana once a week. NEOS will operate 21 flights on the Rome/La Romana route and 14 on the Verona/La Romana/Montego Bay route for a total of 35 round-trip flights from November 4, 2022, to March 25, 2023.

Meanwhile, Canadian low-cost airline Swoop received authorization to operate between Hamilton International Airport (YHM) and Punta Cana. Swoop will begin operations from January 11 to April 26, 2023, with a frequency of one flight per week, on Wednesdays. This airline already flies from Toronto to Punta Cana with two weekly services.

Likewise, Frontier, the ultra-low-cost airline from the United States, has also requested the Dominican authorities to modify its Operating Permit. The airline seeks to fly the Tampa-Santo Domingo and Tampa-Punta Cana routes. The start of these routes from Tampa International Airport (TPA) is projected for November 5, 2022. The airline will use its Airbus A320neo fleet, which has 186 passengers.

Finally, Dominican airline Air Century received authorization to launch seven new international routes. Six of these services will be operated from Las Americas International Airport (AILA) and one from Punta Cana. The destinations of these new routes are Guatemala, Tampa, Costa Rica (the government did not specify whether the route will fly to San Jose or Liberia, Costa Rica’s main destinations), Havana, Santiago de Cuba, and Miami. The Miami route will be operated from Santo Domingo and Punta Cana. These routes will be launched in November.

Marc Anthony delights Dominicans with 12 songs at the Olympic Stadium

Marc Anthony is one of those artists that is always worth seeing even if he leaves the public wanting more of him. Such as in his presentation on Thursday night at the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium where he only offered the Dominicans 12 songs from his extensive repertoire.

An hour and 20 minutes was the exact time that the people who gathered at the stadium, conditioned for only 15,000 people, enjoyed the Puerto Rican artist on stage.

With a mix of tracks from the songs that he would later perform loudly, Marc Anthony marked his entrance on stage accompanied by his faithful musicians who once again showed his talent with the instruments.

Around 10 pm, full of energy, dressed completely in black and wearing dark glasses, “El Flaco” began with “Pa´llá voy”, the first single from the album of the same name, released recently. The artist set foot on Dominican soil as part of his “Living tour” tour with which he demonstrates that although it has been 29 years since his debut, his style and identity within salsa has earned him affection and recognition. of the public.

Themes such as “Valió la pena ”, “And there was someone”, “Against the current”, were chanted by the spectators out loud, but 12 songs were not enough and they wanted to continue enjoying more. Marc Anthony wasted deliciousness showing that, in addition to being a living legend of salsa, he not only sings it, but also dances it and loves it.

The artist, together with his masterful band, delighted those present with his voice and dance steps while performing some of his hits that have marked generations. Songs like “Until yesterday”, “What price does heaven have” and “Flor pálida” were enough with which its chords will sound so that the public will begin to chant it.

The 54-year-old salsero had little interaction with the Dominican public. “I am at home”, were his first words to the attendees and that is how it is since the artist has a villa in Casa de Campo, La Romana.

Between song and song, Marc Anthony took a moment to blow kisses to his girlfriend, the first finalist of Miss Universe 2021, Nadia Ferreira, his faithful companion since they made their relationship public five months ago. He then paused again to say: “May God bless you and long live the Dominican Republic.”

 The list of songs was followed by “What a price does heaven have”, “Bad”, “I know you well”, “They seem like Friday”, after the latter the singer said goodbye to the public, but it was to return a few minutes later overflowing with Energy. “Tu amor me bien” and “Vivir mi vida” were the songs with which Marc Anthony said goodbye to the Dominicans at 11:25 at night, leaving an audience with the desire to continue enjoying his music.

Abinader promises help to Samaná

Las Galeras, Samaná, DR
President Luis Abinader visited the municipality of Las Galeras, Samaná province, yesterday, where he met with farmers and local authorities. He assured that no family affected by Hurricane Fiona would be left without a helping hand from the Government.

The president said that this is a time for the nation, for the country and that everyone must work together. “And not a single house will be left without being restored, I guarantee it,” he said.

The head of state announced that he deposited RD$2 million to the municipality of Las Galeras to assist those affected and asked the residents to be patient until the necessary help arrived.

The president promised that at the weekend, they would begin a special reconstruction day, covering every corner of the province, with all officials and personnel distributed in each place to ensure no one was left out.

He said that the journey covers a total of 8,300 homes, of which 5,500 correspond to the eastern zone and 2,800 to the northeast, in a tripartite manner, with the participation of municipalities, State institutions, and neighborhood councils.

Protocol for aid
Abinader explained that to carry out the work with the materials that will arrive, such as wood, nails, and zinc, a protocol had been drawn up which involves the participation of the city council, civil society, neighborhood councils, the affected people themselves, and government personnel.

The governor pointed out that up to now, the electricity service has been reestablished to a great extent and that they expect that in about two days, it will be finished in its totality.

He highlighted the presence of the director of INAPA, Wellington Arnaud, who said he is present to bring solutions and ensure the restoration of everything related to the water issue.

He highlighted the help offered by the Dominican-French community and added that the French Development Agency is the one that has collaborated the most with the Dominican Republic.

Abinader informed that ten technicians are already working on the survey of those affected in the agricultural sector. As a result, it has been determined to restructure the payment of the current loans with the Agricultural Bank with up to seven years’ terms and zero interest.

Investment of RD$650 millions for tourism development in La Vega announced

The Minister of Tourism, David Collado, announced an investment of more than 650 million pesos in different works to strengthen tourism development in the province of La Vega.

“From the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) we will spare no effort to guarantee the definitive take-off of tourism in this beautiful province,” he said.

He also reiterated that tourism recovery is complete in the Dominican Republic, where more and more visitors are arriving.

He stated that the effort to achieve the recovery of tourism has been worthwhile since thousands of people have returned to their jobs.

“My greatest satisfaction is when I visit a destination and someone comes up to me and tells me that thanks to the work we have done they have recovered their job and with it the economic stability of their family. For me, tourism has a human face. Its welfare must be felt by the people,” the minister emphasized.

The official recalled that in August, Mitur launched its campaign “Tourism in every corner,” whose main objective is to highlight the potential of each province of the country, emphasizing that La Vega has several tourist attractions in each of its municipalities, from nature with a pleasant climate, extreme sports, gastronomy, rivers, mountains, among others.

Cap Cana: Sanctuary the most affected; Margaritaville only operating

The Sanctuary hotel was the one most impacted by the hurricane’s high winds when it moved into Cap Cana with greater ferocity. According to arecoa.com, this hotel as well as the others run by Grupo Playa in the complex are closed.

The Secrets de Cap Cana was another hotel impacted by Fiona, and it will be closed for a while. The only restaurant open in the complex is still Margaritaville. Customers from Cap Cana’s surrounding communities are welcome at Karisma’s restaurant.

The temporary closure of Sanctuary Cap Cana, Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, and Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana has been prolonged until this month’s 30th, according to an update of information about Playa Hotels & Resorts’ lodging facilities published this Wednesday, September 21.

In addition, starting tomorrow, September 22, through September 30, 2022, the Hilton La Romana will be closed. Recall that the brief shutdown was planned to last until next Friday, March 23.

The communication sent to its guests, which this digital had access to, states, “As we continue to assess the status of our properties impacted by Hurricane Fiona, we have decided to extend the temporary closure of Sanctuary Cap Cana, Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, and Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana through Friday, September 30, 2022.”