Dominican Republic promoted as the next major private aviation destination in Latin America

Washington.- The Dominican Civil Aviation Institute (IDAC) has promoted the Dominican Republic at the most important air show in the United States as the next great destination for international private aviation in Latin America.

The IDAC delegation at the EAA AirVenture Fair, held July 24-31 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, highlighted that the Dominican Congress has just approved the new law for the Promotion and Competitiveness of Civil Aviation in the interest of attracting new national and foreign investments in this economic segment.

They also pointed out the new protocol that will rule the operation of domestic flights, approved by decree by President Luis Abinader, to facilitate the operation of domestic flights, as part of a strategy to turn the Dominican Republic into the main leader of aviation tourism in the Caribbean.

“The new regulation creates the conditions for the country to compete advantageously for the large aviation tourism market, which annually moves between 45,000 and 50,000 airplanes throughout the Caribbean,” explained Michael Rodríguez, assistant and representative of IDAC general director, Héctor Porcella, in what is considered the largest general aviation “Fly Adventure” in the United States.

During a meeting with pilots interested in the Caribbean’s main tourist destination, Rodriguez said that, through the protocol of domestic flights, the Dominican Republic seeks to attract thousands of pilots from different parts of the world every year, especially from the United States and Canada.

Abinader highlights low criminal acts in tourist centers

Santo Domingo.- According to the statistics managed by the National Police and the Public Ministry as part of the Citizen Security Plan, less than one percent of tourists visiting the Dominican Republic have been victims of or linked to criminal acts. President Luis Abinader presented this data, emphasizing that the alerts issued by countries like the United States and Canada, warning their citizens against visiting the country due to safety concerns, are unjustified. The statistics collected from tourist areas are shared with embassies, including those of the United States and Canada.

President Abinader compared the current alerts to those issued 15 years ago and argued that they do not reflect the country’s current reality, asserting that the Dominican Republic is a safe destination and that tourists are safer there than in their own countries. He also highlighted the country’s security levels in comparison to other tourist destinations such as Puerto Rico and Mexico.

During a meeting with media directors, it was mentioned that John Hawver, former executive director of the New York police, is part of the commission of the citizen security plan. He accompanied the Minister of the Presidency, Joel Santos, in meetings with the US and Canadian embassies to present the statistics supporting the country’s safety.

Joel Santos, Minister of the Presidency, confirmed that the country has witnessed a significant reduction in crimes like robberies, homicides, and thefts due to the joint efforts of the National Police, Ministry of Defense, General Directorate for Drug Control, and prosecutors. The government continues to work consistently to maintain the downward trend of insecurity in the country. Regular meetings led by President Abinader allow for the review of statistics and procedures carried out in each province, fostering collaboration between different institutions.

Puerto Plata will attract 27 cruise ships during this month of August

Puerto Plata.- The North regional director of Tourism, Atahualpa Paulino, announced that Puerto Plata is expecting a total of 27 cruise ships to arrive in August, docking at the Amber Cove and Taino Bay tourist ports.

Out of the 27 cruise ships, 16 will be arriving through the Amber Cove port, which belongs to the renowned company Carnival Corporation. The remaining 11 cruise ships will dock at the Taino Bay port, owned by the ITM Group.

Despite being the off-season for the tourism sector in the Caribbean, Puerto Plata continues to maintain its attractiveness and tourist appeal, drawing a significant number of cruise ships to the city.

Paulino expressed his satisfaction with the arrival of the cruise ships and emphasized the importance of preserving Puerto Plata as a desirable tourist destination. He highlighted the city’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality, earning it the nickname “Atlantic bride.”

The regional tourism office is working in coordination with local stakeholders to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for tourists visiting the city.

Trade between the Dominican Republic and the EU increases by 27% in 2022

Santo Domingo.- The commercial exchange between the Dominican Republic and the European Union (EU) experienced significant growth in 2022, reaching a total of 4,137 million euros (approximately 4,559 million dollars). This figure represents a remarkable 27% increase compared to the previous year. The data, provided by the Eurochamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic (Eurochamber), highlights the robust economic relationship between the two parties.

EU exports to the Dominican Republic amounted to 2,720 million euros (2,997 million dollars), while local exports to the EU reached 1,419 million euros (1,564 million dollars). Both of these figures set new all-time highs in trade between the two regions.

Some of the main products exported from the European Union to the Dominican Republic include machinery, mechanical devices, fuels, mineral oils, jewelry, pharmaceutical products, powdered milk, and dairy products. On the other hand, the Dominican Republic exports bananas, avocados, cocoa, tobacco, rum, medical equipment and supplies, and metal smelters such as ferronickel, among other products, to the EU.

Notably, the Dominican Republic holds the distinction of being the primary supplier of organic products to the EU, especially in the categories of bananas and cocoa.

The growth in trade between the Caribbean nation and the EU has been significant since the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the two parties came into effect in 2008. Since then, trade has grown by an impressive 231%, further cementing the strong economic ties between the Dominican Republic and the European Union.

Puerto Plata: hotels that are converted into apartments

Puerto Plata.- The data and sentiments from the Puerto Plata tourist class indicate that the hotel destination in Puerto Plata is not experiencing significant growth. This information is supported by objective data and not merely an opinion. While cruise tourism has seen an increase, hotel growth has been stagnant, and some hotels may even be considering converting into tourist apartments.

The lack of interest from the government in promoting the area has been a source of complaint from members of the local tourism industry. The decline in air tourists is a reality that cannot be ignored, and the impact of cruise passengers on the local economy is minimal, as they only spend a short time at the destination.

Various administrations, from Hipólito to Abinader through Leonel and Medina, have tried to revitalize Puerto Plata as a pioneer destination in Dominican tourism. Remodeling efforts were made two decades ago to showcase the city’s splendor, and a strong emphasis was placed on the cruise ship center. However, the heart of a tourist destination lies in hotel investments that create job opportunities for the sector and other tourism-related industries. Unfortunately, it has been years since new hotel projects have been initiated in Puerto Plata, indicating a worrisome trend for the destination’s future.

“Environment, gastronomy, culture and traditions, tourist pillars of the Dominican Republic and Central America”

Santo Domingo.- Tourism in Central America and the Dominican Republic is aligned with indigenous economic development. The offer for visitors has, among its main axes, the protection of the environment of each country, a gastronomy that is cooked with ingredients grown by local producers and the conservation of the culture and traditions of indigenous peoples.

In this sense, Carolina Briones, general secretary of the Central American Tourism Promotion Agency (CATA), said that “we want to value tourism that directly benefits the people of our region. Tourism is a fundamental sector not only for governments or large companies, but also for small businesses or farmers, to give two examples”.

“For this reason, the countries of Central America and the Dominican Republic are concerned with valuing tourism that coexists in harmony with the environment,” she added.

Central America and the Dominican Republic is also home to various pre-Columbian lineages whose heritage transcends today thanks to the zeal and care for the traditions and cultural expressions of their heirs, as well as the archaeological remains, which have been preserved unscathed over time. according to statement.

In the Dominican Republic, the Taino heritage is still very present throughout the country. The Taíno-Arawaks were the first inhabitants of the country to settle before the arrival of Christopher Columbus and the Spanish.

Currently the spirit of the Tainos is still very latent in the national idiosyncrasy. From the legacy of this pre-Columbian culture, which can be discovered in different museums in the country, such as the Museum of the Dominican Man in Santo Domingo or the Altos de Chavón Regional Archaeological Museum, to gastronomy, such as cassava cassava.

Port Authority: Cabo Rojo de Pedernales project will be ready in December

Pedernales.- The Dominican Port Authority (Apordom) and ITM Group have announced that the construction of Cabo Rojo Port in the province of Pedernales will be completed by December of this year. The port’s development aims to benefit the South of the country and generate job opportunities for the Enriquillo region, which includes the provinces of Barahona, Pedernales, Independencia, and Bahoruco.

Operating under a public-private alliance strategy, the Cabo Rojo Port will be managed by the Dominican Port Authority, led by Jean Luis Rodríguez, and ITM Group, headed by Mauricio Hamui. The project manager, engineer Javier Fernández from ITM Group, provided updates on the progress of the work during a commission visit. The first cruise is expected to arrive at the port on December 14.

The second stage of Port Cabo Rojo is planned for delivery in mid-2024 and will include a pier for fishermen. The port is designed to accommodate up to one million cruise passengers annually and is projected to create over five thousand direct and indirect jobs, significantly boosting the economy of the border area.

For the Dominican Port Authority, this project represents a significant milestone in the development of cruise tourism, benefiting not only the Dominican Republic but also the entire Caribbean region. The delegation from Apordom, led by Director of Engineering Juan Miguel de los Santos and Director of Operations Celestino Martínez, was joined by other government officials, including Sigmund Freund from the General Directorate of Public-Private Partnerships (DGAPP) and Minister Deligne Ascención from the Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC).

Unemployment in Hollywood and its impact on Dominican cinema

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic has become a significant hub for international film productions, attracting filmmakers with its natural landscapes, local infrastructure, and incentives such as the Transferable Tax Credit of 25%. However, the ongoing Hollywood strike is beginning to affect the country’s film industry.

In 2022, 125 films were shot in the Dominican Republic, contributing more than RD$15 billion to the local economy. However, the labor dispute in Hollywood has led to the cancellation of several projects, and it is now affecting Pinewood Studios in the Dominican Republic. The Screen Actors Guild of the United States (SAG-AFTRA) strike has halted two productions at the studio, causing uncertainty about when an agreement will be reached.

The strike is not only impacting Hollywood but also spreading to other cities, and the Dominican Republic is feeling its effects. Lantica Media, which operates Pinewood Studios in the country, revealed that 85% of its revenue comes from Hollywood projects. They are currently working on local and non-union projects from other parts of the world, but the uncertainty remains.

The dispute between Hollywood actors and scriptwriters is seen as a “lost fight” and could cause significant damage to the US economy, with experts estimating it could result in $4 billion in losses. The duration of the strike remains uncertain, with predictions that it could last for several months based on previous Hollywood strikes.

The impact on the Dominican film industry is a matter of concern, as the strike has already affected projects in the country and could potentially lead to further disruptions in the coming months. The hope is that an agreement will be reached soon to bring stability back to the industry.

The bill that declares Santiago a “province of health tourism” advances

Santiago.- The Permanent Commission of Public Health of the Senate of the Republic in the Dominican Republic has made progress in analyzing a bill that aims to declare Santiago as a “province of health tourism.” The Health Commission, led by Senator Lía Díaz Santana, has agreed to study the legislative proposal with support from existing laws related to the Dominican Social Security System and the Defense of Competition.

The main objective of the bill is to promote health tourism in the province of Santiago, seeking to enhance health services, improve collective well-being, and contribute to the economic and social development of the region. The declaration of Santiago as a province of Health Tourism aims to attract more visitors seeking medical and wellness services in the city.

Senator Eduardo Estrella, the president of the Senate and a promoter of this initiative, has highlighted the significant investments made in the health sector in the city of Santiago, making it an ideal candidate for health tourism promotion.

By declaring Santiago as a province of health tourism, the government aims to leverage the city’s healthcare infrastructure and services to attract both domestic and international tourists seeking specialized medical treatments and wellness services. The bill’s advancement in the Senate’s Health Commission is a significant step in the process of implementing this policy.

Arajet announces the opening of a new route to Montreal with a rate starting at $155

Santo Domingo.- Arajet, a low-fare airline in the Caribbean, has launched its second route to Canada, offering direct flights between Santo Domingo and Montreal. The new route will begin operating on November 7, with four weekly frequencies on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The initial rate for the flights will be $155 each way, including taxes, and Arajet plans to offer connections to other destinations in North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean.

The CEO and founder of Arajet, Víctor Pacheco Méndez, expressed the airline’s commitment to the growth and expansion of their hub, particularly with Canada being the second-largest source of tourists to the Dominican Republic. The new route will serve the needs of both Canadian nationals with ties to the Dominican Republic and Dominican nationals in Canada, facilitating commercial and cultural exchange and promoting tourism.

Arajet currently offers direct flights to 20 destinations in 14 countries and has established the Dominican Republic as a low-price hub in the region. The airline operates a new fleet of Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft that are environmentally friendly and produce up to 40% less sonic pollution.

Flights for the Santo Domingo-Montreal route are available for booking on the Arajet website, www.arajet.com.

Due to tropical waves, between three and four inches of rain are expected in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- A tropical wave is causing moderate to heavy downpours across the Dominican Republic. The National Meteorological Office (Onamet) forecasts that the rain will continue during the afternoon and night, with an expectation of three to four inches of rain. This amount of rain is likely to exceed the highest recorded rainfall in the past 24 hours, which was 55 millimeters (a little over two inches) in El Catey, María Trinidad Sánchez.

The heaviest rainfall is expected between 12:00 noon and 6:00 pm. Onamet has issued meteorological alert levels against possible flooding of rivers, streams, ravines, flash floods, and landslides for eight provinces and the National District. The provinces on alert are Greater Santo Domingo, Monsignor Nouel, San Cristóbal, La Vega, San Pedro de Macorís, Monte Plata, San José de Ocoa, and Hato Mayor.

On the Caribbean coast, vessel operators have been advised to remain in port from Cabo Beata (Pedernales) to Punta Palenque (San Cristóbal) and from Isla Saona to Cabo San Rafael (La Altagracia) due to abnormal wind and waves. In the rest of the Caribbean coast, caution is advised for navigation due to reduced visibility caused by heavy downpours, lightning, gusty winds, and locally high waves.

The rainfall activity will be concentrated mainly in the provinces of the northern and northeastern slopes, the eastern plain, the Caribbean coast, as well as the Central Cordillera and the border area. The tropical wave is expected to be located west of Haiti on Thursday, maintaining humidity over the country and leading to continued moderate downpours.

Dominican economic activity grew 2.4% in May, the highest rate so far this year

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Economy, Planning, and Development in the Dominican Republic has published the “Macroeconomic Situation Report: Situation Monitoring” for June 2023. According to the report, the Monthly Indicator of Economic Activity (IMAE) showed year-on-year growth of 2.4% in May, higher than the expansions recorded in the previous four months of the year. The accumulated growth of the IMAE for the first five months of 2023 was 1.4%.

The report attributes this positive economic performance to the coordinated implementation of expansionary monetary and fiscal measures, which have contributed to the country’s solid macroeconomic fundamentals.

Regarding growth expectations, the real gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to grow by 4.0% in 2023, and economic agents anticipate a growth rate of around 5.0% for the year 2024, reflecting a positive outlook for the Dominican economy.

In terms of inflation, the report states that it was within the target range established in the monetary program for June, with a year-on-year variation of 4.00%. This rate is the lowest recorded since July 2020. Core inflation, which excludes volatile items, registered an interannual variation of 5.33%.

The report also highlights the groups that contributed to attenuating the variation in the price index for June, particularly in the Housing and Transportation categories, which experienced negative variations and incidences in the overall inflation rate.

Abinader: “It is beautiful to see what is happening with our airlines”

Santo Domingo,- President Luis Abinader has set a target of achieving at least 10 million tourist visitors in the Dominican Republic for the year 2023. To achieve this goal, he emphasized the importance of the country becoming a power in the aviation sector.

According to the President, Caricom members have expressed their desire for the Dominican Republic to strengthen its airlines. By doing so, it would allow travelers from Caricom countries to easily connect to various Dominican airports, such as Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, Santiago, and La Romana. From there, they can further connect to destinations in the United States and Europe.

Abinader emphasized the significance of having strong national airlines and stated that the Dominican Republic would defend its position and the importance of having its own airlines. He highlighted the value of seeing Dominican personnel working in these airlines and how it fulfills the dreams of many young people who aspire to work in the aviation industry and have the opportunity to travel.

Aerodom manages to build a new terminal in AILA

Siglo XXI Dominican Airports (Aerodom), the company that manages and operates six airports in the Dominican Republic, is experiencing a constant increase in passenger traffic and expects this trend to continue in the coming months of the year.

According to the director of corporate communication of Aerodom, Luis José López, they are in talks with the Dominican State for the construction of another terminal due to the significant growth in passenger numbers. He mentioned that the year has been very productive, and future projections are positive.

Aerodom aims to exceed 6 million passengers across all the terminals they manage by the end of the year. In light of this growth, the Las Américas International Airport (AILA) is preparing to accommodate additional operations, such as positioning parking lots for aircraft and transferring passengers to these parking areas.

Despite some specific issues that have been promptly resolved, operations have generally been flowing smoothly. The company is hopeful that this year will set a new record for Aerodom, particularly for the AILA terminal.

It’s worth noting that there have been discussions about the need for a new airport in Santo Domingo, and plans have been mentioned for the construction of a second air terminal in Las Américas by 2026 or 2027. This new terminal would allow for more frequencies and routes, accommodating a larger number of tourists and regular passengers.

Club Med Punta Cana is renewed to provide better quality to its guests

Punta Cana, DR.- Club Med has proudly announced the successful completion of extensive renovations at Club Med Punta Cana, focusing on enhancing guest experiences across various areas of the resort. Notable upgrades have been made to rooms, restaurants, the wedding hall, and the beauty salon.

A major highlight of the renovations lies in the accommodation options. Club Med Punta Cana now boasts 90 recently renovated family rooms, along with 48 brand new Family Superior rooms and 36 Family Deluxe rooms. Each of these family rooms features two bedrooms, ensuring that adults and kids have their own exclusive spaces.

Conveniently located near the resort’s central area and its family-friendly amenities, these rooms have been thoughtfully designed with a fun and modern tropical-inspired décor. The vibrant colors borrowed from the Caribbean’s natural palette add to the overall appeal of the revamped rooms.

The resort’s main restaurant, Hispaniola, has undergone a complete transformation, with an award-winning design that exudes the ambiance of a “Caribbean beach bistro.” Inspired by the tropical open-air concept and the rich artistic, musical, and cultural landscape of Punta Cana, the redesigned restaurant offers an all-day dining experience. The cutting-edge dining concept presents a delightful array of dishes from around the world, incorporating fresh local produce and Club Med’s renowned French savoir-faire, taking guests on a gastronomic journey filled with international flavors.

For couples seeking an enchanting destination wedding experience, the newly introduced Grupo Bisutti Club Med Punta Cana wedding area is a dream come true. With a capacity to accommodate 250 guests, the area features a 3,982-square-foot covered outdoor terrace, offering the ideal space for tropical cocktails, receptions, and wedding ceremonies.

The resort has collaborated with the prestigious Bisutti Group, a renowned wedding planning firm from Brazil specializing in coordinating destination weddings, to create this exceptional on-site wedding venue.

Moreover, Club Med Punta Cana has elevated its spa and wellness offerings by unveiling its completely renovated beauty salon, strategically located at the entrance of Club Med Spa by L’Occitane. The revitalized salon now offers a comprehensive menu of beauty treatments, catering to the diverse wedding and wellness needs of the guests.

With these remarkable renovations, Club Med Punta Cana is all set to provide an even more enriching and immersive experience for its cherished guests, encompassing modern comforts, delectable cuisine, unforgettable wedding memories, and rejuvenating spa services amidst the breathtaking beauty of Punta Cana’s tropical paradise.

Government will invest RD$600 million to guarantee sustainable management of Saona Island

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader recently made a significant visit to Saona Island, where he unveiled the government’s master plan for the area’s development. This plan, backed by an initial investment of 600 million pesos, focuses on sanitation and sustainable management, aiming to preserve the island’s natural beauty and resources.

During his visit, President Abinader proudly highlighted that Saona Island has achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the first and only island in the hemisphere to be powered entirely by 100% renewable energy on a 24-hour basis. The government’s objective with Saona Island is to transform it into a model community that exemplifies sustainability and serves as an inspiration for other regions.

The president emphasized that the projects undertaken on the island aim to improve the quality of life for its residents, focusing on comprehensive healthcare and education initiatives. The vision is to create a sustainable environment where both the local community and tourists can thrive.

Recognizing Saona Island’s status as a popular tourist destination, receiving around a million visitors annually, President Abinader proposed that the island’s resources should be utilized to benefit its own development. This approach aligns with the government’s commitment to invest in the island’s growth and empower its inhabitants.

In support of this vision, President Abinader announced that financial resources from the Government’s Special Fund will be allocated to complete the construction of a ship that will facilitate transportation for the island’s residents.

The Minister of the Environment, Ceara Hatton, shared insights into the master plan, which requires an investment of RD 592,917,777. The plan’s implementation began in the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona in September 2022, with a rapid assessment to identify the island’s primary needs and devise an intervention strategy.

The visit to Saona Island marks a significant step towards creating a sustainable and thriving community, embracing renewable energy and eco-conscious initiatives. With the government’s support and investment, Saona Island is poised to become a shining example of environmental stewardship and sustainable development for the entire region.

Tropical wave, trough and post-tropical cyclone move in the Atlantic

Santo Domingo.- As of Monday, there are three weather systems moving in the Atlantic Ocean, as reported by the United States National Hurricane Center. One of the systems is a tropical wave that formed last Thursday and is currently located east of the Lesser Antilles. It has a 20% chance of cyclone formation in the next 7 days. Local heavy rain and strong gusty winds are possible in parts of the Lesser Antilles over the next day or two. Environmental conditions are expected to become unfavorable for its development by mid-week.

Another system is a weak low-pressure trough located south of Bermuda. It has a low probability of formation (close to 0 percent) in the next 48 hours and a 20 percent chance in the next 7 days. Environmental conditions are expected to become marginally conducive to its gradual development as it moves toward the southeastern United States coast later in the week and through the weekend. However, this system does not pose a direct danger to the Dominican Republic.

The third system is a post-tropical cyclone named Don, located east/northeast of Cape Race Newfoundland, Canada. As of now, it does not offer any danger to the Dominican Republic due to its position and displacement.

The National Meteorological Office (Onamet) is closely monitoring the tropical wave and its effects on certain provinces in the Dominican Republic on Tuesday, bringing cloudy patches, local downpours, and isolated thunderstorms. However, there is no immediate threat to the country from any of these systems.

Dominican Republic’s Energy demand increases 12.1%

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic has experienced an unprecedented energy demand in recent months. Data points out that, to date in July 2023, the maximum hourly power demand was recorded on Tuesday, July 11, reaching a value of 3,440.80 MW, an increase of 12.10% compared to July 2022, when the maximum demand was 3,069.35 MW.

In addition, the maximum energy availability registered so far in July has been 3,900.46 MW, according to the Dominican Electricity Industry Association (ADIE).

The entity highlighted that it maintains the availability of energy necessary to satisfy the demand of the Electricity Distribution Companies (EDE) – responsible for supplying power to the population – and non-regulated users, including companies, industries, and businesses with high energy demand.

ADIE reiterated the sector’s commitment to constantly support the development of productive activities and the daily tasks of the users who receive energy from the EDEs.

It endorsed the statements made by government authorities regarding the significant progress the country has made in generation capacity in recent years, in line with the Dominican Republic’s growth and development indicators.

Sunwing to increase flights to Puerto Plata next winter

Santo Domingo.- Sunwing Vacations unveiled its 2023/2024 winter schedule with flights operated by Sunwing Airlines from 23 airports coast-to-coast in Canada to 26 sun and beach destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and the United States. The schedule will serve the continued strong demand for travel to vacation destinations.

Specifically, the leisure airline’s total capacity increases by 15% over the 2022 winter season, including more travel options to destinations such as Cuba, Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Florida. Also, Sunwing will provide Canadian travelers with packages to more than 700 hotels, the most extensive assortment of any vacation provider in Canada.

In the case of the Dominican Republic, Sunwing will increase its presence in Puerto Plata with additional flights. Also, Sunwing will offer nonstop flights to Orlando for $252 roundtrip for the U.S. schedule.

The airline has scheduled two new services for Cuba to Cienfuegos and Manzanillo; both routes will be operated from Toronto – Pearson and Montreal. The new connections complement the airline’s Cuban network with nonstop flights to Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo del Sur, Holguin, Santa Clara, and Varadero.

In the Mexican Pacific, the airline is expanding its operations to Puerto Vallarta and San José del Cabo and adding additional service to Mazatlán, according to AviacionOnline.

In that regard, Andrew Dawson, president of Tour Operations, said, “As Canada’s leading vacation provider, we are thrilled to offer more vacation packages and flights to Canadians this winter season, including expanding our commitment to serve our customers in key regions such as Atlantic Canada and the Prairies.”

“We are increasing capacity over last winter and are thrilled to return to pre-pandemic travel levels, with more fantastic packages and affordable travel options available to our valued customers this winter, including Cuba’s Cienfuegos and Manzanillo which are new for this year, as well as offering more flights to key areas within the Mexican Pacific, Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic and Orlando in Florida,” he added.

Puerto Plata: The recipe to reactivate its hotel industry

Puerto Plata, DR.- After Puerto Plata presented a drop in tourist arrivals by air that has caused concern in the hotel sector and incoming operators, what remains is to take measures to ensure the reactivation of the destination in every sense of the word.

The factors affecting the increase in tourist arrivals are causing the “catch 22 situation”; that is to say, more hotels are not being built due to the deficit of flights, and more flight programs are not being produced due to the reduction of the inventory of hotel rooms.

Oscar Lora indicated this, an experienced hotelier in the northern zone, has made a series of recommendations to be considered and to create synergies between the public and private sectors to attract investment back to Puerto Plata.

In a document to which arecoa.com had access, the executive details that to be able to receive a more significant number of international tourists, it is necessary to:

1. Establish a daily flight from Panama. With these connections with the Central American country, Puerto Plata would be connected to South America.

2. Two weekly flights from the United Kingdom. This will resume the England – Puerto Plata route, which has been paralyzed for over four years. Traditionally, the British market was of utmost importance for Puerto Plata.
Puerto Plata destination.

3. A daily flight from San Juan (Puerto Rico). This way, Puerto Plata would be connected to all the Caribbean islands.

4. To also open new routes from the United States to Puerto Plata to compete and, thus, eliminate the monopoly that American Airlines (with its routes from Miami and Charlotte) and JetBlue (from Boston and New York) have.

He added that “the creation of new routes and the arrival of more flights will motivate the owners to open the currently closed rooms, as well as attract investors interested in building new hotels.”

“Private investment is needed to develop more hotels and tourism infrastructure in the destination,” he said.

For the above, Lora said that to achieve the goal: -the Government should be the driving force. President Luis Abinader, who is very involved in tourism and in the development of the North Coast, should become the “Chief Negotiator Officer” to attract investors; and he should also transmit this task to his Minister of Tourism, his foreign ministers and ambassadors, and to all the tourism offices abroad (OPT). Apart from their promotional role, these should also be responsible for “attracting” new investors in Spain, Germany, the United States, Canada, etc.

He indicated that, in addition, -the Government must create the necessary conditions to encourage the investment of new world-class hotels through the enactment of new incentive and attraction laws to attract the interest of new investors, airlines, and tour operators to the tourist pole, declaring this initiative a national necessity that all the main actors and citizens support and motivate.

Also, -modify the distribution of tourism promotion resources. The Ministry of Tourism should implement a new form that assigns a more significant percentage of promotion to emerging destinations and those still struggling for survival, as is the case of Puerto Plata and Samaná.

And finally, -provide equal exposure to all the defined poles and destinations. Following up on the previous topic, it is required that, in the participation as a country in international fairs, the Ministry of Tourism highlight with images each tourist destination equally, with a description of the benefits of each one. Thus, avoiding a particular zone obtains greater prominence in images and publicity.

“The duty of the Ministry of Tourism is to highlight the whole country with all the benefits offered by each of the destinations that are part of the great destination of the Dominican Republic,” said Lora.