Arrival of cruise ship to Puerto Plata with thousands of visitors on board suspended

A cruise ship suspended its visit to the Taino Bay port, in Puerto Plata, this Sunday. The reason is still unknown. The Norwegian Dawn liner, had thousands of visitors on board between passengers and crew. “By this means we let you know that the Norwegian Dawn ship canceled its arrival that was scheduled for this December 25,” says a statement from a company linked to the operations of the terminal. So far, no authority or the port administration have offered details about the cancellation of that visit.

The Taino Bay and Amber Cove cruise terminals operate in Puerto Plata. Both have projected in their calendars of operations to receive 60 cruises during the current month. That figure represents the largest number of ocean liners ever docking at the Atlantic Bride.

At least 5 flights affected between the Dominican Republic and the United States

Dominican Airports XXI (Aerodom), reported that at least five flights have been affected by winter storm Elliot in the United States, which were scheduled to depart or arrive at Las Américas Airport, José Francisco Peña Gómez.

The company explained that three of the affected flights are from JetBlue, Spirit airline, and from United with scheduled origin or destination to Orlando, New York and New Jersey. On the 24th and 25th there were two cancellations in the AILA connection with Puerto Rico and New York, also from JetBlue. While at the airports of Puerto Plata and Samaná, five other flights were affected on December 23, as well as on Christmas Eve and Christmas.

Those flights had to connect with the Canadian cities of Quebec, Montreal and Toronto, of the airlines Air Transar, Air Canada and Westjet. The situation caused dozens of travelers to be stranded at national airports such as in the United States, waiting for the weather to improve and flight operations to resume. Aerodom recommended that affected passengers first contact their travel agent, or the staff of the airlines in which they would travel before going to the airport to contact the status of their flight and avoid inconvenience.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL

To all our extended friends and family we wish you all a very happy Holiday season and joyous New Year. We are all looking forward to seeing each and every one of you at the our favorite beach at Luperon Ocean Estates in the new year. LOE Group LLC

Government says economy “is on the right track”

José Manuel Vicente, Minister of Finance, stated that the country is economically on a “good path” because all loans requested by the Executive Power and approved by the National Congress were previously budgeted. “Amid the country’s worst economic and health crisis, we addressed and resolved this situation by keeping the debt as a percentage of GDP (gross domestic product) the same, but with a downward trend, that we received when we came to power (August 16, 2020); From the Ministry of Finance, we are committed to the issue of debt sustainability,” Vicente explained.

According to the official, the fact that the financial entity “Standard & Poor’s” has given the country the highest credit rating, “BB,” is a “recognition” of the “good path” that it has taken in terms of monetary and fiscal policies.

The minister’s remarks were made at a press conference held at the National Palace, after the spokesman for the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) bench, Yvan Lorenzo called the upper house of Congress’s attempt to approve a US$140 million loan a “provocation” on Tuesday morning.

Standard & Poor’s improves DR’s credit rating

The risk agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P Global) improved the country’s credit rating, raising it from “BB-” to “BB”, supported by the good economic management of the Government. A note from the Ministry of Finance says that the report published yesterday highlights that the economy exhibits a high growth rate and resilience to external shocks. He expresses that the recovery has allowed it not only to exceed pre-pandemic levels but also to resume its long-term growth trend.

“Good public-private sector coordination has helped offset demand shortfalls caused by the global economic slowdown and the Russia-Ukraine conflict,” he says. Similarly, the firm highlights the improvement of the institutional framework in the Dominican public administration, reflected in its ability to maintain high growth rates, and strengthen fiscal planning and public debt management. He explains that the Minister of Finance, Jochi Vicente, stated that despite an unfavorable international environment, the fiscal measures applied have allowed the country to advance in its credit rating without jeopardizing the sustainability of state finances.

“This improvement by Standard & Poor’s is the best evidence of the effort we are making as a Government, both economically and institutionally, to achieve the goal we have set ourselves: achieve investment grade within the next decade,” he declared. The official recalled that at the end of 2021, S&P Global improved the country’s credit outlook, raising it from negative to stable, a decision that he based on “the impressive local economic recovery, which managed to reverse the external deterioration caused by Covid-19.” Meanwhile, the Vice Minister of Public Credit, María José Martínez, explained that the improvement to BB has a positive impact on the cost of financing taken by the State and makes the country more attractive for receiving foreign investment.

Dominican beaches enchant celebrities during 2022

The number of tourists visiting the Dominican Republic is growing by the month, and among the foreigners who have been enchanted by this corner of the Caribbean are famous actors who have arrived this year for vacation or work. Aside from the singers who have come to the island to perform, film protagonists have also made their presence known in what many people around the world have defined as “paradise.” Enrique Arce, Mario Cimarro, Jacky Bracamontes, Ben Stiller, and Jake Gyllenhaal were among the film and television stars who visited Dominican territory during the nearly 365-day period. On Wednesday, it was revealed that the Spanish actor Enrique Arce, best known for his role as Arturo Román (Arturito) in the Netflix series “La Casa de Papel” (Money Heist), was enjoying Fricolandia beach in Puerto Plata’s El Castillo community of the municipality of Luperón.

According to a press release, Arce has visited the country three times and has decided to return. The actor was greeted by the owner of the private beach, Francisco A. Gómez, “Frico,” emphasized that the popular actor’s visit establishes this space as a country brand in Dominican tourism with its unique natural charm. Arce surprised everyone in April when he announced that he was so taken with the country that he would return. “I really liked that, and we’re going to make an announcement there with an important brand, and a property will fall for me there, specifically in the city of Samaná,” he said, adding that he’ll shoot a commercial as an ambassador for a Dominican brand.

Celebrities are well-known for preferring to spend their vacations on the North Coast. For example, Mario Cimarro waited for 2022 on the beaches of Puerto Plata. Cimarro, who plays Juan Reyes in “Pasión de Gavilanes,” was with his girlfriend, Bronislava Greguová, a Slovakian model 21 years his junior (51-30). “Have a wonderful time, as you deserve!” Cimarro wrote from the Dominican Republic. Lots of positive energy, my people!” Jacqueline Bracamontes was also seen in “La Novia del Atlántico” at the end of last year. The Mexican actress was sailing with her husband, Martin Fuentes, and their five daughters. The actress was at the Emotions by Hodelpa hotel in the Playa Dorada complex, which was simple and friendly.

Plus Ultra fuels tourism in Santiago with the first flight from Madrid

Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas marked a milestone with the inauguration of the first direct flight between Madrid and Santiago, a link that has increased the optimism of the Cibao airport authorities, who already suggest that in the future this flight could be “permanent.” The new flight, carried out by Plus Ultra, in conjunction with the VDT Air Consolidator and Travel Wholesale Group, arrived at the airport at 3:46 in the afternoon last Saturday from the Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas International Airport with 268 passengers, Dominicans, and foreigners, in an aircraft model Airbus A330.

According to what was reported by the executives of the Cibao International Airport, at the moment there is no fixed route; however, negotiations are underway to make it permanent in the future. Likewise, it was said that other dates were scheduled for the flight to operate again, on December 17 and 21, on the Madrid-Santiago route, and also on January 13 and 20, 2023, on the Santiago-Santo route. 

Félix María García, president of the Cibao Airport Board of Directors, highlighted the importance of this operation, which he assures has a positive impact on the impulse that Santiago has had as a destination with the opening of routes that contribute to the economic and tourist development of this area. David Blázquez, Corporate Director of Sales in Madrid of the Plus Ultra airline, highlighted the important efforts of the authorities of the Cibao airport and the VDT Group so that this objective could materialize. Lilian Núñez, CEO of the VDT Group, thanked everyone involved in this project for their support and for witnessing this “historic event”.

Hospital Hugo Mendoza recognized for the second time in the Ibero-American Quality Award

By receiving the Ibero-American Quality Award in its 2022 version, the Hugo Mendoza Hospital (HPHM) becomes the first public or private institution in the Dominican Republic to have achieved this feat twice. The health center, when applying for the National Quality Award, organized by the Ministry of Public Administration, obtained a silver medal in 2015, a gold medal in 2016, and the Grand National Quality Award in 2017, as well as Gold in its first application for the Ibero-American Quality Award in its 2019 version and was received in Madrid in February 2020.

In July of this year, the HPHM led in the No.1 position in the ranking of the best hospitals nationwide according to the Public Administration Monitoring System (SISMAP) for the health sector. On that occasion, it was also recognized by the National Health Service (SNS), for achieving the best hospital performance in the country. When offering the information, Dr. Dhamelisse Then, Director of the Hugo Mendoza Pediatric Hospital, highlighted the full support of the National Health Service, for what was a country application and revealed the passion, dedication, and great sense of humanization of the medical and administrative staff that make this health center a national and Ibero-American reference model.

The Ibero-American Quality Award is organized by the Ibero-American Quality Foundation (FUNDIBEQ) and the Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB), an organization attached to the Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government.

Sky High opens Santo Domingo-Miami flight for US$373 roundtrip

Sky High Dominicana began operations between Miami International Airport and the International Airport of the Americas, Doctor José Francisco Peña Gómez (AILA).

Cesarina Beauchamp, executive of the Dominican airline, informed that it would have several weekly flights; SDQ-MIA on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, departing at 8:30 pm MIA-SDQ on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, departing at 10:00 am.

He highlighted that, despite the route starting in December, which is high season, the round trip ticket cost would be US$373 so that everyone can access Sky High’s new destination.

According to a press release, the operations will be carried out in new airplanes and with the security that characterizes them.

Juan Chamizo, president of the company, said, “it is a great satisfaction for us to continue connecting our passengers, now with the city of Miami. We are an airline with 12 years of experience, which has been paving the way and making constant efforts to become a leader in connecting the Caribbean islands with Santo Domingo. This has all been thanks to our quality of service, the security provided, the management and the good management we have had since day one.”

He indicated that the proof of the excellent work they have done is backed by the main certifications held by the airline that travels to North American and European territories with commercial and cargo flights.

“To these and all our openings today we add one more, which is Miami, a route that we are sure, like the others, will be a great success,” said the executive.

Plus Ultra fuels tourism in Santiago with the first flight from Madrid

Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas marked a milestone with the inauguration of the first direct flight between Madrid and Santiago, a link that has increased the optimism of the Cibao airport authorities, who already suggest that in the future this flight could be “permanent.” The new flight, carried out by Plus Ultra, in conjunction with the VDT Air Consolidator and Travel Wholesale Group, arrived at the airport at 3:46 in the afternoon last Saturday from the Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas International Airport with 268 passengers, Dominicans, and foreigners, in an aircraft model Airbus A330.

According to what was reported by the executives of the Cibao International Airport, at the moment there is no fixed route; however, negotiations are underway to make it permanent in the future. Likewise, it was said that other dates were scheduled for the flight to operate again, on December 17 and 21, on the Madrid-Santiago route, and also on January 13 and 20, 2023, on the Santiago-Santo route. 

Félix María García, president of the Cibao Airport Board of Directors, highlighted the importance of this operation, which he assures has a positive impact on the impulse that Santiago has had as a destination with the opening of routes that contribute to the economic and tourist development of this area. David Blázquez, Corporate Director of Sales in Madrid of the Plus Ultra airline, highlighted the important efforts of the authorities of the Cibao airport and the VDT Group so that this objective could materialize. Lilian Núñez, CEO of the VDT Group, thanked everyone involved in this project for their support and for witnessing this “historic event”.

Rainieri: “Tourists will look for other destinations before taxes in Cancun”

According to Frank Rainieri, founder of Grupo Puntacana, tourism, despite being a leisure industry, is a competitive industry, so he understands that the increase in tourism taxes in Cancun and other vacation destinations in Mexico is “misguided,” despite being convenient for other markets. “I think it’s unwise to launch a new product in the middle of the winter season, but each government is sovereign in its own country,” he said. According to arecoa.com, he said that if the situation had arisen in the Dominican Republic “I would have gone to President Abinader and told him he is contradictory.”

Rainieri emphasized that such actions foster mistrust in the industry and impose additional costs on hoteliers. “The hotels in Quintana Roo have already sold at a rate, and they can no longer transfer these taxes to visitors,” he explained. “This means that hoteliers will have to bear that cost, which is not prudent.” According to the tourism businessman, governments sometimes lose sight of important points in an industry that provides numerous economic benefits, and he would never recommend such a situation for Dominican tourism.

“I would not have recommended it if the government was going to do something like this here,” he said, “but I reiterate that it is each country’s sovereign right.” Regarding the benefit that the Dominican Republic would receive as a tourist destination, he stated that people would look for another Caribbean vacation option. “And we’ve arrived. Anyone who does not feel at ease will be welcomed with open arms in the Dominican Republic. We welcome you to the Dominican Republic.” It should be noted that there is a standoff between the Mexican government and the Riviera Maya, Cancun, and Quintana Roo hotel associations amid a tax increase negotiation.

The hoteliers asked for a gradual increase because they have “reservations and nights purchased for the beginning of 2023.”

IMG Hospital, is the first third-level center in the Dominican Republic certified by a North American accreditation

Punta Cana, December 12, 2022.- Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), one of the top accreditation organizations in the United States, gave the first international certification to a third-level health center in the Dominican Republic.

This important milestone reached by the IMG Hospital, located in Bávaro – Punta Cana, D.R., makes the medical center a pioneer and a model of quality, which strengthens Dominican medicine and accounts for an important step to promote medical tourism.

By granting the accreditation, ACHC certifies that Hospital IMG complies with the demanding North American standards of quality and medical safety in regulatory and operational characteristics. These standards range from clinical protocols with scientific evidence, maintenance processes, updating of medical equipment, clinical history, infrastructure, excellence in operating rooms and procedures to the confidentiality of personal data and information.

“Obtaining this North American recognition for the first time in our country demonstrates the quality of our standards, and the efficiency in the medical care that we have offered during our first five years. With this accreditation, we reaffirm our commitment to the search for excellence and care focused on service and patient safety,” said Mr. Carlos Prato, president and founder of IMG Hospital.

The American ACHC Committee conducted a rigorous review of the operations and quality standards of the health center and will conduct a follow-up to ensure the maintenance of operational excellence and continuous improvement. “By complying with the ACHC Accreditation Standards, IMG Hospital uses the best North American practices in all areas including administrative, medical, and nursing, focused on creating a culture of quality and innovation,” said the General Director of IMG Hospital, Dr. Miguel Russo.

To contribute to the positioning of the country as a safe and competitive health destination, Mr. José González, IMG Hospital Quality Committee Coordinator, said that they are committed to complying with local regulations and international standards. To achieve this, they have become a benchmark in health and medical tourism throughout the eastern part of the country, supported by a multidisciplinary Committee that ensures optimal, efficient and timely medical care.

He also highlighted the achievements of IMG Hospital: the first Dominican hospital enables for Telemedicine, the first to offer magnetic resonance imaging and laparoscopic surgery in Bávaro. In addition, they performed the first interventional cardiovascular surgery, placed the first pacemaker in the East of the country, have an international bilingual department, have agreements with more than eighty international health insurers, and have received patients from more than forty countries.

The process to obtain North American accreditation took two years of multidisciplinary effort from all the departments of the health center.

About IMG Hospital
The IMG Hospital is a tertiary health center in the Bávaro area, Punta Cana; It was built and equipped with high technology, according to international standards and the current standards of the Ministry of Health of the Dominican Republic. IMG’s policy is to guarantee its national and international users optimal, efficient, and timely medical care.

They offer more than 30 medical specialties and services.

About ACHC

ACHC is one of the leading accreditors of health centers in the United States. It recently merged with the American accreditation HFAP, the first existing accreditation since 1943, and was authorized to evaluate hundreds of hospitals in the United States for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid of the American Federal government.

Miami airport inaugurates new routes to Santo Domingo, Paris and Manaus

According to the South Florida aerodrome (USA), Miami International Airport (MIA) will open new international routes in December, including Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic), Manaus (Brazil), and Paris (France), as reported on Monday by the South Florida aerodrome (USA). Starting this Tuesday, the Dominican airline Sky High will begin four weekly flights from Miami to the Caribbean country’s capital, making this the airline’s first connection with the United States and it’s fifteenth overall.

With one million passengers in 2019, before the covid-19 pandemic, the Dominican Republic rose to become the sixth international market for Miami International Airport, which now has six companies offering flights to this Antilles nation with the addition of Sky High. French bee will begin direct flights between Miami and Paris-Orly airport on Thursday, with three weekly flights. This will be the low-cost airline’s third connection in the United States and it’s seventh overall.

French bee, the eleventh “low cost” airline to operate at MIA, will be the only one to offer direct flights to Paris-Orly, though American Airlines and Air France have direct connections to Paris’s Charles De Gaulle airport. Similarly, Avianca started flights from MIA to three Colombian cities last week: Pereira (four weekly flights), Bucaramanga (three flights), and Santa Marta (two flights). According to a statement issued on Monday, the last two are two new routes for the Miami-Dade County airport, which already has nine direct connections with Colombian destinations, the most in this country in the airport’s history.

Flights from Canada and the United States to Puerto Plata are increased

Atahualpa Paulino, the recently appointed Regional Director of Tourism for the North Zone, announced an increase in flights from Canada and the United States to Puerto Plata’s Gregorio Luperón International Airport. He emphasized that the airlines from the aforementioned country represent an improvement for the destination, as West Jet will increase its operations to six weekly flights from Toronto from December to April, and Air Transat will increase its operations to ten weekly flights from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Hamilton, and Quebec until April. Sunwing will also increase its weekly flights from Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, and Ottawa to ten until April.

Atahualpa also mentioned that US airlines are increasing their flight frequencies, such as American Airlines, which will increase to two daily flights from Miami from now until January 15; United will increase from one to two weekly flights from Newark until January 15, and Jetblue will add a flight from JFK beginning December 20. Similarly, the official stated that flights from Poland, Germany, Boston, Charlotte, and Zurich will continue. Sky Cana launched its domestic operations with charter flights from Nicaragua, Cuba, and Miami.

The director of North Zone Tourism attributes the operation’s estimates to the constant work of the President of the Republic, Luis Abinader, who chairs the Tourism Cabinet, and the head of the Ministry of Tourism, David Collado.

Dominican Republic to have one of the best economic performances by 2023, according to experts

International and local economists agreed during their participation in THINK ECONOMICS 2022, the annual event of the Swiss-Dominican Chamber of Commerce and Tourism (CCTDS), that the Dominican Republic will face 2023 with a resilient and stable financial system.

“The exogenous factors of the international context such as the post-pandemic situation or the war conflict between Ukraine and Russia, have highlighted the dynamic management of the government of President Luis Abinader. A common strategy of confidence has been created for markets and investors,” explained Gaetan Bucher, president of the CCTDS.

With the deterioration of the global environment anticipated in 2023, with close to 60% of economies below their growth trend, including the US, Euro Zone, and China, where price stability in the medium term will require additional interest rate increases by Central Banks in advanced economies, specialists stressed that the International Monetary Fund’s outlook points to the Dominican Republic obtaining the highest growth in Latin America next year, where it will have leadership over traditionally strong countries such as Brazil or Mexico.

“The reality is that the conduct of fiscal policies in the Dominican Republic has been quite successful, including the conduct of health policy,” explained Alonso Cervera, chief economist for Latin America at Credit Suisse.

The economists explained that the Dominican Republic faces challenges to boost growth even through formal employment since, according to data from the Inter-American Development Bank, Latin America has very high levels of informality, around 55%, and in the case of the Dominican Republic, 58%.

“There are two major areas in which the Dominican Republic has many opportunities and it’s capacity to generate new wealth: international trade and tourism,” said Ernesto Selman, leader for Mexico and the Dominican Republic of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Regarding risk management, Raul Ovalle, managing partner of Analytica, noted that Haiti had faced a sequence of shocks since the beginning of the pandemic that has deepened the historical divergence between the per capita income of the two nations.

Regarding regulation, Alejandro Fernandez, Superintendent of Banks, pointed out that in 2020 the monetary stimulus was over RD$210,000MM, about 5% of GDP and that regulatory measures in response to COVID-19 have been based on a regime of flexibility in liquidity measures, credit stimulus, and gradualness. Something that has led to a robust recovery.

“The net assets of the financial system from September 2017 to September 2022 have had a percentage of 12.1%. The gross credit portfolio has increased by 8.57%, and there has been a real year-on-year growth in private credit in local currency. Commercial loans increased by 18.2%. Rates have returned to pre-pandemic levels; however, margins have narrowed.”

Regarding public debt, economist Raúl Ovalle pointed out that as of 2023, public debt is expected to increase. “In proportion to the size of the economy it will resume the gradual growth path that characterized public finances during the two decades prior to the pandemic.”

About the CCTDS

The CCTDS was founded more than 20 years ago as a non-profit private law entity that develops and supports programs and projects to foster, promote and invest for the benefit of trade, industry, and tourism between Switzerland and the Dominican Republic. In addition, the Chamber supports entrepreneurship and training activities in search of excellence and permanent innovation. Hence, the THINK events (INNOVATION, LOGISTICS, ECONOMICS, ENERGY, and TOURISM).

Dominican Republic government focuses on lowering air fares

The DR Government is promoting investment in new airlines in order to make them more competitive and thus lower airfares, which has been a challenge for the tourism sector, said Héctor Porcella, acting director general of the Dominican Civil Aviation Institute (IDAC).

“We have made an incentive in promoting investment in new lines,” he reiterated.

The official said that the Tourism Cabinet seeks to design public policies that contribute to the decrease in airfare prices.

“If we have greater competitiveness and greater offers from airlines, we can have better prices so that there will be more tourists visiting the country,” he explained, according to Hoy.

Hidden treasures in the northern zone

antiago, DR
Few want to or can escape from the magic that surrounds the almost virgin natural scenery. And the sensations these environs produce renews and creates freedom and wonder, or at least that is the opinion of many.

Fortunately, in the north of the country, there are captivating treasures that will remind us how small we were before the beautiful immensity that nature has built with exotic details, as impressive beaches surrounded by tropical vegetation and peculiarities make this area a must-see destination.

El Ermitaño Beach

A true natural paradise with calm and crystalline waters thanks to a coral reef, about 350 meters of beach, and abundant vegetation. It is located in the municipal district of El Limón, Samaná, near other natural jewels. Because of its characteristics, it became the setting for the Survivor series.

In addition to its visual offerings, it has a fascinating history surrounding its name: According to records, Juan “The Hermit” was a French pirate who landed there in 1780, where he was isolated for 22 years. Later, he was discovered by his former companions, and the Spaniards, astonished, granted him a pardon.

Honda Beach

Ideal for camping, this beach of fine butter-colored sand, combined with turquoise waters, forms a bay surrounded by coconut groves, where tranquility will be pretty straightforward.

It is located right in the middle of Punta Ermitaño and Punta Berto, Samaná, and can be accessed either by boat, from El Valle or Morón beach, or on foot, as it is not possible to use a vehicle. Furthermore, its position on the rocky coast gives this place a very particular scenic beauty.

Luperon Beaches

Visiting the coastal attractions of Luperón, Puerto Plata, is one of those experiences to be told, recommended, and repeated. Here several beaches can be appreciated through a kayak tour, with crystalline waters, peculiar landscapes, and very unique fauna that can be enjoyed while passing by.

From the bay of this municipality, a worldwide important point for nautical tourism for sailing boats, to Playa Chiquita, there are several virgin beaches, such as Playa de Nena, among others yet to be named.

Lanza Del Norte Beach

It is a bit visited the place, picturesque, in the middle of tropical vegetation, and surrounded by palm trees. Uninhabited and considered one of the most beautiful in the country, this beach offers enough silence to disconnect from the bustle of the city, appreciate the sea from the shade of the coconut trees, and enjoy the idyll that will make it worth the trip, which, it should be noted, represents quite an adventure. An option for those who are on their way to Playa Morón since it is only necessary to cross the unpaved road that leads to Lanza del Norte.

Cosón Beach

For many, it is the most beautiful beach in Las Terrenas. Like others on this list, this beach is characterized by being little visited and surrounded by palm trees, which give it a unique beauty. With its four miles long, it is perfect for witnessing one of the most impressive landscapes of the Samaná peninsula. In addition, it is an excellent option for bridal activities, surrounded by striking tropical gardens.

Diamante Beach

This beach is just 10 minutes from El Dudú, in Cabrera, and is ideal to go with the whole family because its waters are so calm that, instead of waves, it has very subtle ripples. It can be seen from the road, and for more tranquility and enjoyment, its depth is so shallow that you could walk dozens of meters into the water, and it would barely reach your knees, gaining depth as you approach the open coast. Its unique feature: sides covered with thick vegetation, whose surplus reaches a few meters from the water. Perfect!

Dominican Republic would have the strongest economic recovery in 2023

At a time when the world’s major economies are discussing a possible recession, a recent Oxford Economics report details how most Central American nations will outperform Latin America’s largest. Given such a scenario, the Dominican Republic would be the most favored. The Caribbean country is expected to have the strongest post-pandemic recovery in 2023, according to the analysis. Together with Panama, “it will most likely see the highest annual growth” due to the economy’s diversification and structure, “which will help them during the global recession.”

According to the report, the recovery in Central America has been fueled by large inflows of US dollars from commodity exports, record remittances, and an increase in tourism. While they anticipate that the aggregate growth of Latin America’s largest economies will be nearly flat, Central American and Caribbean countries will have a GDP of 2.5% in 2023.

Other countries will not be so fortunate. They specify that Belize and Nicaragua may experience the most significant slowdowns next year. While the first will be due to the country’s “huge” reliance on tourism, the second will be due to the collapse of institutions under the Ortega regime, which may make the country more vulnerable to global weakness. Costa Rica and El Salvador (along with Belize) face the greatest risks in the short term due to their fiscal positions, which they classify as weak, as well as their economic imbalances.

Arajet, the only airline that directly connects Santo Domingo with 5 cities in Colombia

Arajet began its operations in Medellín and Bogotá, becoming the leading airline in connectivity between Santo Domingo and Colombia since it offers 4,800 weekly seats to that country with direct flights to Cali, Barranquilla, and Cartagena. “We are very proud of the growth of our service in Colombia because it is a fundamental destination for Arajet, and less than 3 months after our start of operations we can already say with great pride that we are the first airline between Santo Domingo and Colombia,” said Víctor Pacheco. , CEO and founder of Arajet.

He said, “we are confident that our routes will strengthen commercial and tourist ties between the Dominican Republic and Colombia in the coming years, which will benefit thousands of Latin Americans and reinforce our mission to democratize the skies of the region.” According to the Colombian Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies (ANATO), the DR is among the 10 destinations that Colombians prefer when vacationing. Additionally, in 2022 Colombian travelers to the Dominican Republic grew by 154%, becoming in recent months the third nationality of tourists who mostly visit the country.

Since its launch in September 2022, more than 60,000 passengers have experienced Arajet’s service aboard its fleet of state-of-the-art Boeing 737MAX8 aircraft. According to a statement, the airline currently operates 18 destinations in 11 countries in North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean.

Association of Banks: inflation target established by the Central Bank is a pillar of stability

The Association of Multiple Banks of the Dominican Republic (ABA) today emphasized the importance of the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic’s (BCRD) inflation targeting scheme in generating certainty in economic and financial agents and price stability for the sake of a business climate conducive to domestic and foreign investment. The ABA emphasized the importance of assuming the commitment to maintain inflation in the target range of 4% 1, beginning in 2012, except when inflationary pressures have a high imported component, as in the case of the post-covid situation and geopolitical conflicts that have generated supply and demand shocks.

In a press release, he stated that “the commitment and efforts to achieve the inflation target have been the compass of monetary policy, guiding the Dominican economy towards levels of sustained growth and peaks in the region over the last decade.” He also stated that economic growth is necessary to meet the social requirements and well-being of the population, and that stability in the country is required for this. Similarly, the union stated that this monetary policy has ensured the promotion of both domestic and foreign investment. “Economic stability is one of the primary inputs that investors consider when developing business plans, along with clear market rules, private security, legal security, and social stability,” according to the ABA. 

He recalled that, according to recent Central Bank data, average inflation fell from 13.0 to 3.5% over the last decade, providing certainty for establishing new businesses and expanding existing ones. The entity that brings together the country’s multiple banks recognized the importance of maintaining the country’s efforts to meet the Dominican Republic’s inflation target, thus contributing to the generation of jobs and wealth among the population.