The DGAPP encourages European investors to participate in the Autopista del Ámbar project

The General Directorate of Public-Private Alliances (DGAPP) recently organized the first International Road Show in Spain to promote the construction, maintenance, and operation project of the Autopista del Ámbar under the public-private alliance model. The aim of the roadshow was to attract international companies and investors to participate in the competitive selection process for the project.

A delegation from the DGAPP presented the project details and financial model, which includes the operation and maintenance of the Circunvalación Norte de Santiago. To avoid a shadow toll, an innovative component of the project involves the state contributing a piece of land located in the Punta Bergantín real estate development.

Several companies participated in the roadshow, including Iridium Infrastructure Concessions, OHLA, Abertis, Grupo Puentes, Grupo Ortiz, COPASA, VINCI Highways, and Cointer from the “Grupo AZVI.” These companies were selected based on their experience in infrastructure projects and their familiarity with the requirements of the Autopista del Ámbar project.

During the presentations, various topics were discussed, including the initial investment, environmental impact, infrastructure distribution, benefits of integrating the Circunvalación Norte de Santiago and the Punta Bergantín project, legal certainty, and the positive economic impact on the northern region of the country.

The Autopista del Ámbar project, which includes the maintenance and operation of the Circunvalación Norte de Santiago, is being structured as a public-private alliance and is currently in the competitive selection phase for the successful bidder.

In addition to Spain, the DGAPP will conduct promotional activities in South Korea and the Dominican Republic. The roadshow in Spain took place from May 30 to June 2, followed by South Korea from June 5 to 9, and the Dominican Republic from June 14 to 16 of this year.

The delegation leading the roadshow included the Deputy Director of Promotion of the DGAPP, Izalia López, along with the Deputy Director of Management and Supervision, Alan Jiménez, the economic adviser to the Executive Directorate, Jaime Pérez, and the person responsible for Project Analysis and Evaluation, Elba Méndez.

Larger cruise ships bring promising growth to Puerto Plata ports in the Dominican Republic

Puerto Plata, DR.- Jeffrey Rannik, the president of Báez and Rannik shipping company, has highlighted the current trend of larger vessels arriving at the ports of Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. According to Rannik, ships that used to accommodate 2,500 passengers a decade ago now carry 5,000 passengers due to their increased size.

During the pandemic, the cruise industry took the opportunity to replace older vessels with newer and larger ones, resulting in increased capacity. Rannik emphasized that this development has had a positive impact on the industry and destinations like Puerto Plata.

Rannik expressed optimism about the upcoming cruise season, citing significant growth in monthly arrivals at the ports of Amber Cove and Taino Bay. While he refrained from providing specific numbers to avoid creating false expectations, he emphasized the encouraging increase in visitors to Puerto Plata, noting that many of them are repeat travelers. Rannik also expressed enthusiasm about the current state of the Maimón area.

Rannik emphasized the importance of leveraging the popularity of tourism in the Dominican Republic and improving the complementary offerings in the northern region to attract and retain visitors. He highlighted the need for ongoing infrastructure improvements and collaborations between the public and private sectors.

In terms of cruise lines, Rannik mentioned that Amber Cove receives arrivals from Carnival, Aira, Princess, and Holland America, while Taino Bay welcomes Royal, Norwegian, Celebrity, and Browning.

The primary market for Puerto Plata continues to be the United States, with departures mainly from Florida. However, there are also departures from ports in the Gulf of Mexico, such as South Carolina, and occasionally from New York.

Rannik noted that cruise passengers spend an average of $80 to $90 at the destination. With millions of visitors, this contributes significantly to the local economy of Puerto Plata.

Regarding the growth in visitor arrivals, Rannik mentioned that while there are always internal projects for improvements at the ports, the current terminals were designed to support the demand and accommodate the growth experienced over the past several years.

Source: Andreina Guzman, Arecoa.com

Puerto Plata, unstoppable in cruise ships: will attract 29 vessels in June

Puerto Plata, DR.- A total of 29 cruise ships will be arriving during June of this year to Puerto Plata through the tourist ports Amber Cove and Taino Bay, according to the calendar shared by the Northern regional director of tourism, Atahualpa Paulino.

“These 29 ships make the province one of the leading Caribbean provinces in cruise arrivals forecasts, despite the current low season,” he said.

Of the 29 ships scheduled to arrive at the Atlantic Bride, 16 will come through the Port of Amber Cove of the Carnival Corporation and 13 through the Port of Taino Bay, belonging to the ITM Group company.

Arajet and Banreservas seal an alliance to promote Dominican travel

Santo Domingo.- Arajet, an airline company, has announced a partnership with Banreservas, a Dominican Republic-based bank, to enhance the travel experience for their customers. As part of this alliance, customers who purchase tickets with a Banreservas debit or credit card through the www.arajet.com website will receive several benefits.

One of the benefits is a 20% return on the ticket purchase, providing customers with a financial incentive. Additionally, customers will receive an extra checked bag free of charge. These benefits are exclusively available for purchases made between June 2 and 16, and they apply to Arajet’s 17 destinations in 12 countries, as well as its 44 connecting flights.

Víctor Pacheco Méndez, the CEO and founder of Arajet, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership, stating that it aims to make air travel more accessible and affordable for Dominicans. He invited residents of Santiago de los Caballeros to take advantage of the promotional tickets for the new Santiago de los Caballeros – Medellín route, which are available from US$70 each way (inclusive of taxes and fees) until June 8. The flights for this route will commence operations on July 17.

The collaboration between Arajet and Banreservas is expected to enhance the travel experience for customers and provide them with additional incentives and benefits when booking flights through the Arajet website using their Banreservas cards.

Dominican tourism strengthens, grows 20% in May

Santo Domingo.- According to the information provided by Minister of Tourism David Collado in May 2023, the Dominican Republic experienced significant growth in tourism. The total number of visitors in May, including both air and cruise passengers, reached 757,949, which is a record-breaking figure for the country. The 621,575 tourists who arrived by air represented an 11% increase compared to 2022 and an 18% increase compared to 2019.

Additionally, there were 136,374 cruise passengers in May, surpassing the numbers from both 2022 and 2019. When considering the entire first five months of the year, the Dominican Republic welcomed a total of 3,379,392 arrivals by air, another record-breaking statistic. During this period, the country also received 1,124,039 cruise passengers, which is an unprecedented figure.

Minister Collado expressed his satisfaction with the sustained growth of tourism under his management and projected that, by the end of the year, the Dominican Republic would receive 7.9 million tourists by air alone, which would be the highest number of visitors in the history of the country.

In May 2023, the major tourist-sending countries were the United States, accounting for 51.6% of visitors, followed by Canada with 11.4%, Colombia with 4.2%, Argentina with 4.1%, and Puerto Rico with 3.5%.

Regarding the airports with the highest number of arrivals, Punta Cana led the way with 59.4%, followed by Las Américas with 25.6%, Cibao with 11.4%, Puerto Plata with 2%, and Catey and La Romana with 0.5% each.

Italian Ambassador to the Dominican Republic assures bilateral trade between the two countries has doubled

Santo Domingo.- According to the Italian ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Stefano Queirolo Palmas, trade between Italy and the Dominican Republic has experienced steady growth in the past two years, with a remarkable 231% increase since the signing of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in 2008.

In an interview on the “Dominicana Buenas Noches” program, Ambassador Queirolo highlighted that Europe is the Dominican Republic’s second-largest trading partner globally, emphasizing the positive impact of the EPA on bilateral relations. He mentioned that commercial activity between the two countries has doubled in the last two years, demonstrating significant improvement.

Queirolo also emphasized that Italy and the Dominican Republic share important advantages that can be leveraged to enhance their relationship beyond trade. He cited the extradition agreement, which allows collaboration in the fight against organized crime and drug trafficking, as an example.

Furthermore, he mentioned that additional treaties will be signed to support the Dominican Republic in its efforts toward police reform and judicial system improvements. Additionally, an agreement for film production will be ratified.

Regarding the participation of Giorgio Silli, the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, in the twenty-eighth Ibero-American Summit held in Santo Domingo in March, Queirolo stated that it further strengthened commercial and friendly ties.

He revealed that Silli plans to return to the Dominican Republic in August to participate in the second session of the bilateral political dialogue between the two countries. They will review the bilateral agenda together with the Dominican government, which includes various new, interesting, and promising initiatives.

The ambassador also announced that a group of Italian architects will arrive in the Dominican Republic soon to restore the Alcázar de Colón and the facades of thirteen churches located in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo. Additionally, support will be provided for the training of individuals interested in preserving the historical heritage and utilizing the UNESCO designation.

Moreover, several Italian companies related to renewable energy and other sectors will enter the Dominican Republic. He mentioned the establishment of a new cement production line in Sabana Grande de Palenque, San Cristóbal Province, which will adhere to high-quality standards and allow for re-export throughout the region.

The Dominican State allocates 0.13% of GDP to environmental spending

Governments worldwide must take action and increase investment in initiatives and programs that prioritize the care of our planet, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A report titled “State of Finance for Nature” highlights that a global investment of $8.1 trillion is required by 2050 to address the planetary crisis.

The Dominican Republic has recognized the importance of environmental protection. In 2021, the country allocated RD$6.4 billion to environmental spending, which accounts for 0.13% of the gross domestic product (GDP). While this amount may seem minimal, it is crucial to consider that only RD$468 million was allocated in 2001, indicating significant growth in environmental funding over the past 20 years.

According to data from the National Statistics Office (ONE), environmental spending increased to RD$5 billion in 2020, RD$4.5 billion in 2019, RD$4 billion in 2018, and RD$3 billion in 2017. The upward trend in funding could signify that environmental challenges are becoming more acute or that the government is implementing practices to align with the 2030 Agenda. This underscores one of the objectives of World Environment Day, which has been celebrated since June 5, 1973, to raise awareness among the world’s population of the importance of ecosystem preservation.

However, it is worth noting that only between 20% and 45% of the global population considers environmental protection a relevant issue. Statista data reveals that 45% of Brazilians express concern for the environment, followed by Italy and Mexico with 44% and 41%, respectively. In contrast, smaller percentages include 36% of Indonesians, 28% of Nigerians, 27% of Americans, and 21% of Saudi Arabians.

Environmental pollution is one of the most significant challenges facing humanity, emphasizing the need for corrective action to ensure a healthy planet for future generations.

The United Nations has designated the theme for 2023 as “No Plastic Pollution,” emphasizing that 400 million tons of plastic are produced globally each year, with between 19 and 23 million tons ending up in rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Filmmaker José María Cabral’s documentary “Isla de plástico” (Plastic Island) serves as an example of raising awareness. The film explores how plastic waste from landfills makes its way to rivers, lakes, and ultimately the sea. The documentary has garnered over 1.6 million views, 13,000 likes, and 1,338 comments on YouTube.

Transitioning to a circular economy could reduce plastic pollution in the oceans by more than 80% by 2040, saving $70 billion for the global economy and creating 700,000 jobs.

Solid waste presents income opportunities for the Dominican Republic, which views plastic as a sustainable business that generates employment and contributes to the circular economy. The “Plastic manufacturing” sector achieved consolidated sales of RD$45 billion in 2020, marking a 9.7% increase compared to 2019 (RD$41 billion) and a difference of RD$8 billion compared to 2018 (RD$37 billion).

According to the study “Economic Profile of the Plastics Industry in the Dominican Republic,” revenues in the industry increased by 6.3% from RD$30 billion to RD$32 billion between 2015 and 2017, representing an absolute increase of RD$2 billion.

As of December 2020, there were 190 registered companies engaged in plastic product manufacturing, contributing to the creation of 11,556 jobs, as stated in a report prepared by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs (MICM).

The General Directorate of Customs in the Dominican Republic launches mobile application to streamline application processes

Santo Domingo.- The General Directorate of Customs launched its new mobile application, DGA RD, where users have access to a wide portfolio of services. The application comes to streamline the application processes, by allowing the monitoring of their traceability. In addition, it has accurate information, in real-time, about each of the services offered by the institution.

Said application is available for download on major online stores such as Google Play and App Store, allowing easy distribution and access to users of different devices. Since its launch, the app has garnered a significant number of downloads, more than 500 in its version 1.1.0.

Within the application, the user has an easily accessible panel where they can view their documents and evaluate the status of their requests. Likewise, it has accessibility to a large number of services offered by the DGA.

Some of the services that can be requested are certificates, registrations, and renewals, among others, which can be of a general, import, and export nature. Each service has a detailed description of the cost, the procedures to follow, and the responsible department, with its contact information.

In addition, the application contains the functionality of consulting Courier packages and the generation of payment pins for individuals. With this innovation, Customs advances in terms of digitalization of its services, to provide a better and more efficient experience to all its taxpayers, saving time and resources.

Swiss Dominican Chamber will begin first official commercial visit to the Swiss Confederation

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican-Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Tourism (CCTDS) is embarking on its inaugural commercial tour to Switzerland since its establishment in 2000. This significant step aligns with the growth strategy of the Chamber, driven by its president, Gaetan Bucher, aiming to foster enhanced commercial and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Commencing on June 3, Bucher, a prominent financier and businessman, will visit four major Swiss cities, including Zürich, Bern, Lausanne, and Geneva, during a ten-day trip. His itinerary includes meetings with companies, universities, and public institutions in Switzerland.

Bucher emphasized the position of the Dominican-Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Tourism as a regional benchmark. With this growth and vision, the Chamber is entering the next phase of its strategic plan, focusing on expanding commercial and cultural relations between Switzerland and the Dominican Republic, while capitalizing on business opportunities for both nations.

During his visit to Zürich, Bucher will meet with senior executives from Switzerland Tourism, the authority responsible for the tourism sector in Switzerland, and Edelweiss Air AG, the Swiss international airline serving Mediterranean Europe and the Caribbean. Additionally, he will hold discussions with representatives from Switzerland Global Enterprise, a state institution dedicated to supporting the export of Swiss micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and promoting Swiss international investment.

Bucher expressed his intention to strengthen ties with strategic partners such as the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs (SECO) and Swiss cantons, S-GE, to facilitate investment promotion and attract business ventures to the Dominican Republic.

Further engagements on Bucher’s itinerary included meetings with SERV Swiss Export Risk Insurance, an organization that assists Swiss companies in their export transactions and explores new market opportunities for them, as well as the Latin American Chamber of Commerce in Switzerland (LATCAM), a non-profit business organization committed to promoting economic relations between Latin America and Switzerland. Bucher will also connect with the Americas Division of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, ETH Zurich, IMD Lausanne (universities), and multinational corporation Nestlé.

Concluding his visit, Bucher will attend the International Labor Conference of the International Labor Organization in Geneva, accompanying the Minister of Labor, Luis Miguel Decamps García, as part of the official delegation.

Airline catering generates millions of dollars to the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo. – The impact of airline catering in the different productive sectors of the Dominican economy represents millions of dollars, in addition to its contribution to the country’s image as a tourist destination.

The statement was made by Israel Joa, CEO of JJ Roca, an airline catering company with 53 years of experience in the country, who said that the provision of food services to airlines is a strategic sector for the airline industry and for the economy in general.

According to a report published by the digital newspaper El Dinero, Roca said that “in the case of his company, in the last few years, not counting the closure due to the pandemic, we have contributed some US$30 million in foreign exchange generation and some RD$384 million to the aeronautical sector. In the labor field, we have 143 direct collaborators, all Dominicans, generating 296 indirect jobs.”

He pointed out that “what is related to this industry and its contributions to the country is little known, however, the value chain generated by the operation even reaches the agro-industrial sector where we support national producers and in our case we have contributed with more than US$3 million in purchases in the mentioned period.”

“Food on board is part of the passenger’s satisfaction and experience to and from the destination, so a memorable gastronomic service is part of the image and positive recall of the Dominican Republic. As a company, we take care of the quality and safety of the food, as well as the well-being of passengers and crew,” added Joa.

The airline catering market, El Dinero concluded, goes hand in hand with the growth of the aviation sector and the increase in domestic and international flights, and food production must comply with a series of regulations, requirements and the strictest quality standards.

Air Century and Cubanacán join forces to promote multi-destination tourism

Santo Domingo.- To facilitate the promotion of multi-destination tourism between Cuba and the Dominican Republic, a group comprising fifteen tour operators and representatives from twelve Dominican agencies recently visited Havana. The purpose of this visit was to explore the city, along with the diverse hotel and non-hotel facilities operated by Cubanacán, Iberostar, Meliá, and the Cubasol Business Group.

Katherline Crespo, the sales executive of Air Century, highlighted the shared objective of promoting multi-destination tourism and attracting visitors from the Caribbean and around the world to experience the unforgettable offerings of Cuba and the Dominican Republic.

In efforts to strengthen ties and collaboration, Daneysi Granado, Director of Communication at Cubanacán, explained that they are working on an e-commerce platform for direct and continuous marketing of tourist destinations and products. This initiative will facilitate seamless access to information and booking processes.

Air Century expressed their heightened interest in strengthening relations with Cubanacán, aiming to expand passenger traffic to this incredible destination. With an increase in flight frequencies to Cuba, including additional flights to Santiago de Cuba and a new Punta Cana-Havana link scheduled for October, Air Century is actively seeking to enhance connectivity and accessibility between the two countries. The sales for the Punta Cana-Havana route are expected to commence in July.

Flights to and from Havana and Santiago de Cuba are available on various frequencies. Havana flights operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, while Santiago de Cuba flights operate on Mondays and Fridays.

This strategic approach aims to foster closer collaboration, increase tourist flows, and provide seamless travel experiences for visitors exploring both Cuba and the Dominican Republic. By leveraging joint efforts, the goal is to create an enticing multi-destination experience that will attract travelers from near and far.

Lower inflation leads to normalizing monetary policy

Santo Domingo.- The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (BCRD) announced its decision to begin normalizing the monetary policy stance in response to the convergence of inflation to its target range sooner than anticipated. At its May 2023 meeting, the BCRD decided to reduce the monetary policy interest rate (MPR) by 50 basis points, lowering it from 8.50% to 8.00% per year. Consequently, the rate of the permanent facility for liquidity expansion (1-day Repos) decreases to 8.50% per year, while the rate of remunerated deposits (Overnight) drops to 7.50% per year.

The BCRD stated that the decision to lower the reference interest rate is based on the progress made in curbing domestic inflation through the monetary tightening program initiated in November 2021, as well as the government’s implementation of subsidies. The bank also cited the easing pressures of domestic demand, the moderation of international prices for raw materials, and the reduction in container transport costs as contributing factors.

The reduction in the monetary policy interest rate will be accompanied by additional liquidity measures and proposals to the Monetary Board aimed at facilitating favorable financing conditions for productive sectors and households. The BCRD expects these measures to enhance the transmission of monetary policy and gradually revive economic growth to its potential level within the monetary policy horizon.

Soltour and Bahia Principe promote Samaná in Europe with a television campaign

Santo Domingo.- Soltour, the leading independent tour operator in Spain and Portugal, and Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, the hotel division of Grupo Piñero, have reaffirmed their commitment to the tourism sector with a television campaign in Europe aimed at promoting and highlighting the Samaná province as an attractive tourist destination due to its natural wealth.

The campaign’s goal is to showcase a different side of Samaná to travelers and increase tourism to the region. This unique campaign in the tourism sector was previously carried out in 2022 when Soltour and Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts joined forces to promote trips to the island of Hispaniola. The success of last year’s campaign has led to its relaunch in 2023.

Under the message “Sometimes you have to go far to find what is close to you,” Soltour and Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts recognize Samaná as “a different Caribbean,” a diverse destination that offers more than just sun and beach tourism. For the tour operator and hotel company, Samaná represents authenticity, vibrancy, adventure, and a connection with its people and culture.

In conjunction with the campaign, Soltour will offer trips to Samaná from Spain and Portugal from July 6th to September 14th. Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts offers a range of hotels suitable for travelers interested in rediscovering this paradise with its abundant natural resources, diverse cuisine, and rich culture.

Among the accommodations provided by the hotel chain, Bahia Principe Grand Cayacoa stands out. This resort immerses travelers in a natural environment surrounded by lush vegetation, allowing them to experience the ambiance of Bahia Principe Village, a typical Dominican town located adjacent to the hotel. Another notable option is Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo, situated near Las Terrenas, a lively fishing village offering a wide range of leisure activities.

However, the chain offers not only these two hotels in the Dominican Republic but also a variety of resorts to choose from. Travelers can select accommodations ranging from Bahia Principe Fantasia Punta Cana and Bahia Principe Grand Aquamarine in Punta Cana to Bahia Principe Grand La Romana in the city of the same name, among others.

Beyond the Dominican Republic, Soltour and Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts also operate extensive travel and hotel operations in the Mexican Caribbean, specifically in the Tulum area of the Riviera Maya. Notable options in Tulum include Bahia Principe Grand Tulum, which reopened in 2020 following a complete renovation, and the adults-only resorts Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal and Bahia Principe Luxury Sian Ka’an.

Air Canada to expand capacity and flights to Caribbean, including Dominican Republic, for 2023

Air Canada has announced plans to increase its capacity by 11% compared to 2022 and expand its flight operations by 8% from pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The focus of the airline’s expansion efforts is on Caribbean destinations, including the Dominican Republic.

In the case of the Dominican Republic, Air Canada has already increased flight frequencies compared to the previous year. For example, the Ottawa-Punta Cana route now offers four weekly flights, doubling from two in the past. The Toronto-Punta Cana route has increased from 10 to 14 weekly flights. Meanwhile, the Montreal-Puerto Plata route remains unchanged with one weekly round-trip flight.

For the upcoming winter season, Air Canada plans to introduce two additional flights from Montreal to La Romana.

Air Canada has expanded its offerings in other Caribbean destinations such as Mexico. The Halifax-Cancun route now operates three weekly flights, up from two in the previous year. Montreal-Cancun has increased from 11 to 14 weekly flights, Quebec-Cancun now offers four weekly flights compared to three, and Ottawa-Cancun has increased to three weekly flights from two. Toronto-Cancun has experienced a significant increase to 21 weekly flights, compared to the previous 11, and Edmonton-Cancun now operates three weekly flights, up from two.

According to a report by the airline, capacity expansion on specific routes is enabled by the use of larger aircraft. For instance, the Toronto-Antigua route has seen a 60% capacity increase, Toronto-Curacao has increased by 52%, Toronto-Turks and Caicos by 22%, Toronto-Cayo Coco by 56%, and Montreal-Turks and Caicos by 30%, among others.

Arajet starts a new route between Santiago, Dominican Republic and Colombia

Santiago.- Minister of Tourism David Collado and Víctor Pacheco Méndez, CEO and founder of Arajet, jointly announced the official launch of the new Santiago-Medellín route on Monday. The route, scheduled to begin operations on July 17, signifies a significant milestone in connectivity between the Cibao region of the Dominican Republic and Colombia.

During a press conference held at Cibao International Airport, Víctor Pacheco Méndez expressed his commitment to fulfilling the promise made at the ANATO (Association of Colombian Travel Agencies) event to provide direct travel options from Santiago to Colombia. Pacheco, accompanied by Minister Collado and businessmen Manuel Estrella and José Clase, members of the Cibao International Airport’s Board of Directors, highlighted Arajet’s role as the low-cost airline of the Caribbean in establishing this new chapter of connectivity.

Minister Collado reiterated the Ministry of Tourism’s dedication to promoting tourism development throughout the country, emphasizing their support for the new Arajet route. He expressed confidence that additional routes would be added to make Santiago de los Caballeros and the Cibao region an outstanding tourist destination.

Starting on July 17, Arajet will offer two weekly flights between Santiago and Medellín, fostering closer ties between the two cities and facilitating tourism, economic, and commercial exchanges. The new route will operate on Mondays and Thursdays. On Mondays, flights depart from Santiago at 4 p.m., arriving in Medellín at 5:35 p.m., and return from Medellín at 6:20 p.m., landing in Santiago at 10 p.m. On Thursdays, the route begins in Santiago at 7:45 a.m., reaching Medellín at 9:20 a.m., and departing from Medellín at 10:05 a.m., with arrival in Santiago at 1:45 p.m.

Pacheco further shared that Arajet prides itself on having the most environmentally friendly aircraft fleet in the region, featuring five new aircraft. By the end of 2023, the airline plans to expand its fleet to 10 state-of-the-art technology aircraft, achieving 14% fuel savings and a 40% reduction in sonic pollution, thereby demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious operations.

David Collado: Dominican air competitiveness would improve with cheaper flights

Santo Domingo.- Minister of Tourism, David Collado, is optimistic about the open skies agreement being negotiated between the Dominican Republic and the United States. He believes that this agreement will enhance local air competitiveness by reducing the cost of air travel for both Dominicans residing in the United States and tourists visiting the country.

Collado expressed his determination to negotiate with airlines aggressively to ensure lower costs for the diaspora and tourists. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Connect New World international aviation forum, which took place in the Dominican Republic for the first time, he emphasized the importance of making air travel more affordable.

To illustrate his point, Collado cited the example of an American family of five traveling to the Dominican Republic. Currently, the airfare for such a trip amounts to approximately $1,500 per person, resulting in a total cost of around $8,000 to $9,000, excluding hotel expenses. In contrast, a flight to Mexico, a destination that competes with the Dominican Republic in terms of tourism and air industry, costs only $250, allowing the same family to travel at a significantly lower cost.

Collado emphasized the need for increased capacity in key US tourist-sending cities such as Miami and New York. He sees air connectivity as the top strategy for the Tourism Cabinet, aiming to strengthen the transportation sector in the Dominican Republic and make air travel more affordable for visitors to the country.

Former Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy, Robert Thomas, acknowledged the United States’ longstanding open skies policy, which has enabled residents of its commercial partners to access more affordable airfares and efficient air routes for over 30 years. In a letter published in October 2022, he highlighted the benefits of an open skies agreement, including unrestricted flight destinations for Dominican airlines in the United States and lower fares, more options, and better service for Dominican travelers.

Collado reiterated his stance that it is unacceptable for a Dominican traveler in economy class to pay $1,700 or $1,800 to visit the country, particularly during the month of December.

International aviation event Connect New World begins in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo.- The Connect New World event was officially launched in the presence of Vice President of the Republic, Raquel Peña, Minister of Tourism, David Collado, CEO of Aerodom, Mónika Infante, and over 200 international guests. This exceptional forum brings together influential decision-makers in the aviation industry for a series of seminars featuring esteemed speakers, one-on-one meetings, and a program of engaging evening events.

The Dominican Republic was chosen as the host country for this significant international event due to its remarkable recovery of post-pandemic air traffic and the outstanding performance of its tourism industry on a global scale. Aerodom and Vinci Airports, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, have successfully managed the event.

Connect, a renowned event with over 15 years of history in Europe and other markets, has become a major gathering for airlines, airports, and tourism authorities, focusing on shaping air transport strategies in the region.

The event is taking place in Santo Domingo from May 30 to June 1, in the event room on the fifth floor of the JW Marriott hotel. Prominent CEOs and executives from airlines, airports, and service companies in the air transport industry are participating in Connect.

Mónika Infante Henríquez, the General Director of Aerodom, welcomed the attendees on behalf of Aerodom and its parent company Vinci Airports. She expressed her delight in hosting the Connect New World event, emphasizing the historic significance of the discussions and collaborations taking place among airlines, airports, and tourism authorities. The goal is to establish new routes and frequencies to a wider range of destinations.

Connect, organized by The Airport Agency, is an essential route development event offering unlimited face-to-face meetings, a diverse conference program, and various social events, including evening performances, morning activities, and excursions.

“We are confident that Santo Domingo will be an excellent host, enabling us to further connect a new world. Over the past two years, our industry has showcased exemplary performance, and we believe that through shared experiences, identifying solutions to global challenges, and embracing new strategies, we can elevate tourism development to new heights,” stated David Collado.

The Ministry of Tourism, Aerodom, and Vinci Airports serve as the main sponsors of CONNECT. Additionally, three official operators—Arajet, Air Europa, and Sky High Dominicana—offer discounted rates to welcome the event delegates.

Cyclonic season begins Thursday with possible formation of up to 17 storms

The “Cyclonic Season” is set to commence this Thursday, signaling the potential development of 12 to 17 storms within the Atlantic region. Researchers anticipate that six of these storms will intensify into hurricanes.

In light of this, the National Meteorological Office (Onamet) has announced its readiness for the onset of the Cyclonic Season, which spans from June 1 to November 30 annually. Onamet has made significant improvements to its communication systems to ensure efficient operations during this period. These enhancements include the installation of systems and equipment across the country, enabling the reception of vital information concerning various microclimates, including hard-to-access areas.

The Forecast Center, comprising 18 specialized technicians, including five senior meteorologists under the coordination of engineer Saddan Font Frias, assumes the responsibility of monitoring any weather phenomenon that may affect the nation. Operating around the clock, these experts diligently carry out their duties. The Forecast Center falls under the purview of the Department of General Meteorology, led by meteorologist Bolívar Ledesma.

Moreover, Meteorology has established four regional forecast centers strategically located in Licey, Santiago, for the Cibao region; Punta Cana, La Altagracia; the Samaná airport, for the Northeast region; and the Southwest region encompassing Elías Piña, San Juan, Bahoruco, Independencia, Barahona, and Pedernales.

Furthermore, the United States National Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts, with a 70% confidence level, the formation of 12 to 17 named storms throughout the cyclone season. These storms exhibit winds exceeding 63 kilometers per hour. Within this range, NOAA predicts that 5 to 9 storms could escalate into hurricanes, characterized by winds equal to or surpassing 119 kilometers per hour. Additionally, NOAA estimates the occurrence of 1 to 4 major hurricanes (category 3, 4, or 5), boasting winds of 178 kilometers per hour or higher. These projections originate from the Climate Prediction Center, a branch of the National Weather Service.

Ninth edition of TEDx will be held in Punta Cana

Punta Cana.- On June 3, at 3 pm, a diverse group of hoteliers, artists, journalists, and foundations will converge at the Hard Rock Cafe restaurant for the highly anticipated ninth edition of TEDx Punta Cana. This event aims to bring together the community to explore and celebrate transformative initiatives and ideas that are shaping the destiny of the region.

TED, a non-profit organization established in 1984, is renowned for its conferences held primarily in North America. These conferences focus on fostering community integration through the sharing of groundbreaking ideas across a wide range of fields, including technology, entertainment, design, art, science, and business. Under the motto “ideas worth sharing,” TED conferences challenge speakers to deliver their talks in 18 minutes or less, a format that has been embraced by influential figures such as Bill Gates, Jane Goodall, and Sir Richard Branson.

In the eastern region of the Dominican Republic, Carla Acosta, along with a dedicated team of volunteer professionals, has brought the TEDx brand to unite the local community with this global movement. Through the participation of brilliant minds, TEDx Punta Cana offers a unique perspective that encourages learning, inspires innovative thinking, and challenges established paradigms.

The ninth edition of TEDx Punta Cana boasts an impressive lineup of speakers, including Latin Grammy winner and multiple nominees, singer-songwriter Buika, Brock Hochhalter, the Area General Manager of Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Romina Aschpurwis, President of the Foundation for the Cultural and Artistic Expansion of Punta Cana, Edward Cruz, Corporate Director from ADEN, and Ana Moyano, Coordinator of Rainbow Projects. The event will be skillfully hosted by the award-winning Kira Vilanova, adding an extra touch of excitement to the proceedings.

Dominican government will use Waze platform to reduce traffic accidents

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Government, led by President Abinader, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Waze, the popular navigation app, to enhance road safety throughout the country. Through the collaboration under the Waze for Cities program, the Dominican Republic will leverage real-time incident reports from the Waze community to analyze traffic patterns and improve the flow of urban roads.

The initiative, coordinated by the National Institute of Transit and Land Transportation (Intrant), aims to expand the implementation of the Integral System of Intelligent Traffic Lights nationwide. This expansion will involve the integration of autonomous drones, adaptive systems, and real-time analytics, placing the country at the forefront of technological advancements and reducing traffic congestion.

Hugo Beras Goico, Director of Intrant, highlighted the integration of the Waze for Cities platform with Intrant’s Accident Analysis and Vehicle Congestion system. This integration will enable the deployment of drones at key intersections, allowing for real-time monitoring and decision-making based on the alerts provided by Waze users.

The collaboration with Waze and the implementation of new technologies signify a commitment by President Abinader and the Government to enhance traffic conditions across the country. The plan includes expanding the Integral System of Intelligent Traffic Lights by February 2024, implementing a Points-Based License System, and establishing a Vehicle Technical Inspection system.

Marcos Órdenes, Waze’s Regional Manager for Latin America, expressed satisfaction with the partnership, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with mobility leaders to optimize the benefits of technology for cities and public sector partners. He praised the active Waze community, whose contributions to mapping roads and places of interest ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided by the app.

The meeting was attended by Minister of the Presidency, Joel Santos, Intrant Cabinet Coordinator, Frank Díaz, and Radamés Mencía representing Waze. This collaboration sets an excellent example of how partnerships between technology companies and institutions like Intrant can bring positive change to communities Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Government, led by President Abinader, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Waze, the popular navigation app, to enhance road safety throughout the country. Through the collaboration under the Waze for Cities program, the Dominican Republic will leverage real-time incident reports from the Waze community to analyze traffic patterns and improve the flow of urban roads.

The initiative, coordinated by the National Institute of Transit and Land Transportation (Intrant), aims to expand the implementation of the Integral System of Intelligent Traffic Lights nationwide. This expansion will involve the integration of autonomous drones, adaptive systems, and real-time analytics, placing the country at the forefront of technological advancements and reducing traffic congestion.

Hugo Beras Goico, Director of Intrant, highlighted the integration of the Waze for Cities platform with Intrant’s Accident Analysis and Vehicle Congestion system. This integration will enable the deployment of drones at key intersections, allowing for real-time monitoring and decision-making based on the alerts provided by Waze users.

The collaboration with Waze and the implementation of new technologies signify a commitment by President Abinader and the Government to enhance traffic conditions across the country. The plan includes expanding the Integral System of Intelligent Traffic Lights by February 2024, implementing a Points-Based License System, and establishing a Vehicle Technical Inspection system.

Marcos Órdenes, Waze’s Regional Manager for Latin America, expressed satisfaction with the partnership, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with mobility leaders to optimize the benefits of technology for cities and public sector partners. He praised the active Waze community, whose contributions to mapping roads and places of interest ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided by the app.

The meeting was attended by Minister of the Presidency, Joel Santos, Intrant Cabinet Coordinator, Frank Díaz, and Radamés Mencía representing Waze. This collaboration sets an excellent example of how partnerships between technology companies and institutions like Intrant can bring positive change to communities and improve overall road safety.and improve overall road safety.