Atlantic Tourist Train, an initiative that will enhance the value of Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata, DR.- The Atlantic Tourist Train in Puerto Plata is a new tourist attraction that will add to the complementary offer of this destination. The private initiative will offer a city tour through the most emblematic places of the city, highlighting the attractions, history and culture, not only of Puerto Plata, but of the entire province and its municipalities.

This goal will be executed through a multilingual, emotional and educational narrative that will create an auditory experience and expectation of the destination, motivating them to know every corner of the province, with the objective that they will long to repeat their visit for a longer period of time.

Carlos Rodoli Conde, promoter of the project, said that “the main tourist and cultural cities of the world have this service, so we are excited that Puerto Plata can also offer it. This will allow us to offer city tours and its most significant and valuable places. In the economic aspect, it will translate into a greater economic benefit for the area, as more cruise passengers will leave the port and new tourists and visitors will come to the city, which will motivate to consume in local businesses in the area.”

He affirmed that all the studies carried out in the destination indicate that more excursion options are required to meet the high demand of visitors that are arriving and those that will be added according to future projections. “The decision to install a tourist train in the city favors the work of existing cab drivers, as well as other sectors, as it will contribute to energize the activities of the area by offering visitors a new and modern possibility to know the cultural and tourist heritage of the Bride of the Atlantic, during a non-stop tour.”

The promoters of the project pointed out that their interest is to contribute to the promotion and tourist development of the area in a sustainable and competitive way, without harming members of the local transportation sector; on the contrary, they understand that there are more possibilities for a client of the train to be a potential passenger of the cab services, since clients who opt for the wide range of attractions offered by the whole destination outside the city center, are less likely to use their services.

“We have always expressed our interest in complementing the existing offers, not replacing them. Any tourist who wishes to hire the services of cabs or any other transportation service will be able to continue doing so, since they are very different products and services, so the demand will not fall in the proportions that have been expressed,” expressed Rodoli.

Highest standards of safety

The project meets the highest standards of safety, quality, accessibility and environmental friendliness, because the city will be the first in the region to have a train of this type fully electric and with facilities for passengers in wheelchairs. Also, this type of train is designed precisely for cities with narrow streets, being able to travel on the same tracks of a small vehicle or sedan type.

“It is time for Puerto Plata to continue growing as a tourist destination. What we are looking for is to incorporate the best international practices of successful destinations, which will allow us to have a renewed, robust, high quality tourist offer with an extraordinary service,” in addition to creating the conditions for new investments,” said Rodoli Conde.

The route

The route will include some streets of the historic center and the Malecon with its main attractions; it will take approximately 45 minutes without stops, with capacity for 30 passengers per train.

Arajet will have Santiago-New York flights after the open skies treaty is signed

Santiago de los Caballeros.- The CEO and founder of Arajet, the Caribbean low-fare airline, announced that it will have the Santiago de los Caballeros to New York route in 2024 if the signing of the open skies treaty between the Dominican Republic and the United States is achieved.

Pacheco made the statement during the business conversation held by the Center for Professional Training and Innovation, Capex, of the Santiago Free Zone Corporation, where he was the guest of honor to present the transformation that the Dominican aviation industry is undergoing with Arajet’s operations and connections in the continent.

“Today I want to commit to Cibao and Santiago that we will continue democratizing the skies so that everyone has the opportunity to fly at low prices, so after the signing of the open skies treaty between the United States and our country, we will be opening routes from Cibao International Airport to North America, starting with New York City.”

Pacheco also indicated that he hopes that in addition to New York, Arajet will be able to fly to other North American cities from Santiago for the benefit of the Cibaeños since the airline is currently flying from Santiago to Medellin in Colombia and will open on October 30 from Santiago to Bogota.

“We have managed to be the airline that connects for the first time the Cibao International Airport with South America directly, and we are also connecting Cibaeños with Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, Santiago de Chile, and Lima through the Caribbean Hub in Santo Domingo,” added Pacheco Méndez.

Miguel Lama, president of Corporación Zona Franca Santiago, highlighted the contributions that Arajet has made to the development of aviation in the Dominican Republic and stressed the importance of increasing the connectivity of Santiago de los Caballeros and the Cibao with the rest of the continent.

The activity was attended by Capex, CZFS, and Cibao International Airport executives, as well as dozens of attendees from the business community of the city of Santiago.

About Arajet

Arajet is the first low-fare airline in the Caribbean region. It began operations in September 2022 from its base at Las Americas Airport in Santo Domingo under its Dominican Republic Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC). Arajet operates a new fleet of Boeing 737MAX-8 aircraft, providing safe and affordable travel to and from the Dominican Republic to 22 destinations in North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean region. For more information, visit www.Arajet.com

Air operations between the Dominican Republic and Venezuela rise to 3,000 this year

Santo Domingo.- Air travel between the Dominican Republic and Venezuela has surged recently, with over 40 weekly flights from six different airlines catering to emigrants using these routes. Data from the Civil Aviation Board reveals that from January to August this year, there were 2,902 air operations, equivalent to approximately 1,500 round trips during that period, averaging around six flights per day.

In August alone, there were approximately 43 weekly flights and a total of 374 separate arrivals and departures. The dominant carriers on this route are Laser, Sky High Aviation Services Dominicana, SA, Avior Airlines, CA, Rutas Aereas, CA (Rutaca Airlines), Turpial Airlines CA, and Rutas Aereas de Venezuela Rav, SA/Ravsa.

Additionally, Copa Airlines offers flights to the Dominican Republic with stopovers in Panama City, operating up to five flights daily. Prices vary by destination; for instance, a flight from Santo Domingo to Caracas costs around $407, and from Punta Cana to Caracas, it’s approximately $689.

Wingo, a Colombian airline, also provides flight options with layovers. In 2022, 74,110 Venezuelans entered the Dominican Republic, while 78,487 left, according to the General Directorate of Migration. The Dominican Republic has become a preferred transit point for Venezuelans heading to the United States due to competitive ticket prices and the limited air travel options directly from Venezuela.

Since 2019, the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has prohibited direct flights between the United States and Venezuela due to political instability and tensions. As a result, the Dominican Republic offers a cost-effective alternative for travelers aiming for North American destinations. Prices for flights to Santo Domingo can start as low as 13,000 pesos, while flights to neighboring Colombia begin at 18,000 pesos for Bogotá. Flights to Panama, a common transit point for Venezuelans heading north, often exceed 22,700 pesos for a round trip from Caracas or other starting points.

National Plant and Flower Festival: a visual and educational feast at the Botanical Garden in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo.- The annual plant and flower festival at the National Botanical Garden (JBN) is set to begin next week, running from October 20 to 22. This year’s program offers an educational experience with workshops, discussions, and talks covering topics such as native and endemic flora of Hispaniola, gardening techniques, pest management, and care for ornamental plants.

On the opening day, there will be a discussion on the “Importance of native plants with ornamental potential,” featuring various experts in the field. The festival, now in its seventeenth edition, will host around 80 exhibitors offering plants and garden tools for sale, attracting visitors looking to add new colors to their patios, terraces, balconies, and gardens.

One of the festival’s unique aspects is the opportunity to find rare or out-of-fashion floral varieties and exotic species, even though they may not thrive in the city’s climate. It’s a challenge that plant enthusiasts embrace, striving to nurture these species “in good hands.”

Aside from the plant sales and educational content, the festival is a family-friendly event that allows attendees to learn about plant care and environmental issues while enjoying direct contact with nature.

The festival runs from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and costs 150 pesos for adults and 75 pesos for children, which includes access to the Garden museum and a train ride. Food areas, inflatable games, and seasonal plants like poinsettias and pine trees will also be available for purchase.

Additionally, the festival features an educational calendar with talks and workshops on various plant-related topics throughout the event, offering visitors the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of botany and horticulture.

Dominican Republic elected member of the UN Human Rights Council

Santo Domingo.- In a historic event, the United Nations General Assembly elected the Dominican Republic as a member of the Human Rights Council for the 2024-2026 term, with 137 votes in favor. This marks the first time the Dominican Republic will serve on the council, joining 46 other countries as a supervisor and protector of human rights worldwide.

With this election, the Dominican Republic commits to upholding and respecting international treaties while setting an example of lawfulness within its territory. President Luis Abinader and Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez celebrated this achievement as a triumph of Dominican diplomacy.

President Abinader emphasized the country’s commitment to promoting and respecting people’s rights and international treaties. Foreign Minister Álvarez highlighted this as a milestone for the nation, recognizing it as a testament to Dominican foreign policy and a reinforcement of its leadership role.

According to Juan José Martínez, a professor and foreign policy expert, the diplomatic victory lies in the fact that the Human Rights Council is the most significant body within the United Nations Organization. As the Dominican Republic assumes responsibilities on the council, it gains the opportunity to defend its foreign policy more effectively. This membership allows the country to take concrete actions that illustrate its genuine respect for human rights, countering unfair campaigns against it. The Dominican Republic reaffirms that it does not have discriminatory immigration policies and exercises its sovereignty like any other nation.

Membership in the Human Rights Council is granted to countries that contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights. It’s important to note that a council member can be expelled if they commit serious and systematic human rights violations, as seen in the case of Russia.

US Federal Aviation Administration audited Dominican aviation system

Santo Domingo.- The General Director of the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC), Héctor Porcella, has confirmed that the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) initially audited the country’s aviation system in just over a week.

According to the IDAC’s press release, they are now in a waiting period of 60 days for the second visit of the auditors, during which they will evaluate the recommendations made.

Porcella expressed confidence that, after this first phase, they will maintain category 1 status, which is crucial for international air operations and instills confidence in the security of national aviation.

The FAA audit is a vital process for maintaining air relations with the United States and is a key indicator of the quality and safety of air operations in a country.

Preserving category 1 status is a priority for the Dominican Republic because it has a significant positive impact on the country’s economy, serving as the fundamental platform for tourism and international trade.

Porcella emphasized that this process demonstrates the Dominican Republic’s ongoing commitment to excellence in aviation and passenger safety. He also highlighted the hard work of the IDAC flight standards staff and the support of President Luis Abinader.

Elton John inaugurates the Cap Cana amphitheater this Friday

Punta Cana.- Global music legend Elton John is returning to the Dominican Republic to inaugurate the amphitheater in the El Dorado Park entertainment complex located in Cap Cana. This marks his second performance in the country, and it’s part of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, which signifies his retirement from touring. The show is scheduled for Friday at 8:30 pm.

Elton John’s illustrious career spans over six decades, during which he has sold more than 300 million records. He has contributed to various music genres, including rock, pop, glam rock, soft rock, R&B, blues, country, and disco. Some of his most iconic songs include “Rocket Man,” “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” “Candle in the Wind,” “Your Song,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” and “I’m Still Standing.”

Known for his eccentric style and love for eyeglasses, Elton John has accumulated over 20,000 pairs of glasses along with wigs and cars. He’s received numerous awards throughout his career, including Oscars for “Best Song.”

This special concert is expected to be an intimate performance by Elton John, with ticket prices ranging from RD$124,115 to RD$47,000. The El Dorado Park amphitheater’s inauguration signifies a new stage for both international and national artists to showcase their talents in the Dominican Republic.

Dominican Republic seeks conservation of 30% of its land and sea surface

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic has launched the “Dominican Republic 30×30” strategy, aimed at conserving 30% of the country’s land and maritime surface as protected areas and protection mechanisms. This initiative aligns with the global goal set during the United Nations Conference on Biodiversity (COP15) to protect 30% of the planet’s surface.

The objectives of the strategy include strengthening the management of protected areas, promoting sustainable practices in fishing and agriculture, enhancing access to financial instruments, fostering sustainable tourism, and generating effective governance and regulatory mechanisms.

The plan also focuses on community and sector awareness, the allocation of financial resources, and effective management plans for all protected areas. This comprehensive approach aims to improve the quality of life in the Dominican Republic while conserving natural resources.

The Vice Minister of Protected Areas and Biodiversity emphasized the importance of this initiative for preserving the country’s natural heritage, especially its protected areas. The Dominican Republic already has 26% of its land territory under protection criteria, and the goal is to increase this to 30%.

Regarding marine conservation, there are challenges, as only around 11% of the marine surface is protected. Efforts are underway to double the marine protected surface to safeguard vital ocean areas.

Banreservas projects financing for the tourism sector for more than US$700 million

Santo Domingo.- During the recent French tourism fair Top Resa 2023, the Reserve Bank announced that its active portfolio for the tourism sector has surpassed RD$40 billion. Ysidro García, Deputy Business Administrator of Banreservas, mentioned that in 2023, the bank is supporting various tourism projects worth US$255.2 million, expected to create over 4,000 direct and 6,000 indirect jobs. Additionally, the bank is financing tourism projects exceeding US$700 million, equivalent to an investment of US$1.5 billion, encompassing over 11 hotels, two thematic activities, two cruise ports, and working capital.

Banreservas aimed to evaluate and establish alliances with tourism sector businessmen during the fair to invest resources across different regions of the country. The bank’s active portfolio for the sector had already reached over RD$40,000 million by August 2023, highlighting its positive impact on supporting the economy in this area. Executives from the bank engaged with hotel company owners, industry executives, and investors attending the significant tourism event, Top Resa 2023.

Second edition of the Dominican Cigar Fest to be held in Tamboril, Santiago

Tamboril.- The second edition of the Dominican Cigar Fest will be held on 10, 11, and 12 November in the municipality of Tamboril, located in the northeast of the province of Santiago and is considered the “Cigar Capital of the World.”

The announcement was made by Robinson Diaz, executive director of the Dominican Association of Cigars and Tobacco (Adocitap), who highlighted the high commitment to the projection and expansion of the tobacco sector that the entity has.

He informed that, on this occasion, during the three days of exhibition and celebration, more than eighty exhibitors and companies linked to the cigar production chain will participate, with emphasis on boutique and emerging brands.

Radhamés Rodríguez, president of the organizing entity and CEO of the tobacco company, said, “In November, we will continue to make history, laying the foundations to consolidate this festival of tobacco and cigars for the next generations.”

Francisco Matos pointed out that almost twenty thousand people will attend the event, which will bring together important companies related to the beautiful world of tobacco, cigars, boxes, rings, cellophane, harvesters, processors, manufacturers of cigars, packages, and rings, as well as all kinds of accessories related to the production and elaboration of cigars in the Dominican Republic.

In addition, he said that several modules will be available to host sponsoring institutions and companies, embassies, banks, and other special guests related to the commercialization of the aromatic leaf.

The fair seeks to promote and highlight the excellent quality of Dominican tobacco and cigars and the importance of the industry in the country’s economy.

It is recalled that Tamboril stands out for having dozens of tobacco factories, mostly of Creole capital. The cigar manufacturing industry is estimated to generate tens of thousands of handmade cigars daily and handcrafted with excellent quality.

Unemployment is 4.7 percent, lowest in years

Punta Cana, Higüey.-  The president, Luis Abinader, stressed that unemployment is 4.7%, the lowest figure in recent years. And that in 2022, 34 % of the new ones were young people in their first job.

He stated that the nominal minimum wage has increased 43 % after two wage hikes, and the absolute minimum wage, discounting inflation, rose 21 percent from August 2020 to October 2023. He said this has boosted the average salary of the entire economy.

The president offered these details while delivering the inaugural speech at the 46th ILO-CINTERFOR Technical Commission (RCT) meeting held in Punta Cana. This event brings together representatives of over 50 technical vocational training institutions from 27 countries.

Abinader called for South-South collaboration among the members participating in the meeting to strengthen training in the branches of technology, as this is the key to increasing productivity and generating more employment.

He highlighted that in 2020, the National Institute of Technical Professional Training (Infotep) had only seven facilities, and today, there are 38 throughout the country, which he considered a revolution since more than two million workers are trained in technical careers and courses. He congratulated Infotep for hosting this ILO-CINTERFOR meeting because it promoted technical and professional training.

At the event, the director general of the International Labor Organization (ILO), Gilbert F. Houngbo, explained that developing competencies and learning skills are fundamental for workers to adapt to changes in technology and the requirements of companies. These are essential to building resilience in businesses, labor markets, and workers in the Americas. He indicated that policies are needed for people to develop their skills further.

Abinader promulgates a law creating a tax incentive regime for commercial, civil aviation

Santo Domingo.- The President of the Republic, Luis Abinader, enacted this October 6 Law No. 57-23, which creates a regime of tax incentives for national and international commercial civil aviation.

The purpose of this regulatory provision is to create a regime of tax incentives for commercial civil aviation in the Dominican Republic to promote and increase the competitiveness of civil aviation in the country, promote the increase of visitors to the national territory by air, establish new domestic and international routes to and from strategic markets of the Dominican Republic.

Likewise, to strengthen the positioning of the Dominican Republic as a connection point for transportation, passenger and cargo logistics, trade, and international investment.
The regulation above contemplates the following tax incentives in favor of the national and international commercial air transportation operating companies that comply with the requirements outlined in the law:

President Luis Abinader seeks to increase the country’s competitiveness in aviation. PHOTO External source

1) Total exemption from withholding tax on foreign income payments for the lease of aircraft or aircraft engines and aircraft maintenance and repair services; engine parts and other aircraft parts;
2) Single and definitive withholding of only five percent (5%) of the tax on payments abroad for training and qualification of crew personnel by non-residents; use and maintenance of computer programs and software related to the operation of the aircraft and for the insurance of the aircraft;
3) Exemption from the payment of the Tax on the Transfer of Industrialized Goods and Services (ITBIS) on the sale of complete flights by Dominican operating companies to companies abroad (charter), as long as the flights originate abroad and are destined for the Dominican Republic;

4) Exemption from the payment of Tariff and ITBIS on the importation of ships and aircraft of the subheadings 8802.30.00 corresponding to airplanes and other aircraft of weight in emptiness superior to 2,000 kg, but inferior or equal to 15,000 kg and the subheading 8802.40.00 corresponding to airplanes and other aircraft of weight in vacancy excellent to 15,000 kg;
5) Exemption from paying the Tax on Assets declared in the General Directorate of Internal Taxes (DGII).

The enacted law confers to the Civil Aviation Board the function of receiving the applications and evaluating the files of the companies interested in availing themselves of the tax incentives of said regulation, as well as to recommend to the Executive Power the approval of the granting of these benefits, prior no objection from the Ministry of Finance.
The regulation above, which will become effective from its publication in the Official Gazette, promotes the development of international civil aviation within the context of the guidelines issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which contain the standards, recommended methods, and international procedures for the benefit of the sector.

Dominican Republic in the catalog of luxury residences

Santo Domingo.- A luxury mansion in the Dominican Republic is currently listed for sale at a staggering $45 million USD, equivalent to 2.5 billion Dominican pesos. This spectacular property, situated on the coast of La Romana within a Dominican resort complex, is being sold by Sotheby’s International Realty, a subsidiary of the renowned auction firm Sotheby’s.

The mansion was purchased by a retired Canadian couple, Stanley and Conchita Meek, in 2017. It offers an array of lavish features, including a trained staff of eleven people, six kitchens, and even a Range Rover vehicle. The mansion spans approximately 25,000 square feet, primarily across two floors.

This price tag makes the mansion one of the most expensive residential properties currently listed in the Dominican Republic. It surpasses the recent purchases of other celebrity homes, such as Leo Messi’s $11 million property in North Miami, Shakira’s $16 million residence in Florida, and the $24 million home of Ivana Trump and Jared Kushner in the southern United States.

The journey of this mansion’s transformation from an uninhabited property to a luxurious and highly serviced estate is also featured in the story. The Meeks, upon visiting the property when it had been uninhabited for 18 years, saw an opportunity despite its challenging terrain and a previous decline in real estate interest. They decided to purchase it in 2017.

After demolishing the original structure and enlisting architect Arturo Despradel, they began the construction of the mansion. The irregular terrain was addressed by building the house on the slope, resulting in a two-story structure with ten guest bedrooms, 13.5 bathrooms, and three bedrooms and bathrooms for service personnel.

Although the Meeks initially intended for this mansion to be their “last home,” they recently discovered a new opportunity through Conchita’s son, Sergio Llach, a broker with Sotheby’s International Realty in the Dominican Republic, who showed them a slightly smaller property nearby.

Arajet launches training program for Dominican pilots with Boeing

Santo Domingo.- Arajet, the Dominican airline, has unveiled its scholarship program for cadets as part of its commitment to social responsibility and promoting local aviation talent among Dominican pilots.

Arajet has announced that this initiative will leverage Boeing’s training tools and services to provide educational opportunities that meet global standards. The goal is to contribute to the growth of the aviation sector in the Dominican Republic and establish the country as the preferred hub for connections in the Caribbean.

In the program’s initial phase, Arajet will offer 10 scholarships for the first course in the Dominican Republic. This course will include a theoretical module, and the two most outstanding cadets will have the unique opportunity to receive training in the Boeing flight simulator located in Miami. Subsequently, they will be eligible to apply for positions as first officers with the airline.

Victor Pacheco, CEO and founder of Arajet, expressed the airline’s commitment to nurturing Dominican aviation in all aspects. He emphasized the importance of having highly trained pilots who are native to the country, thereby ensuring that they become world-class professionals.

Pacheco also highlighted that these actions underline Arajet’s dedication to creating employment opportunities for Dominican talent and equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to the growth of the aviation sector in the nation.

Arajet has specified the eligibility requirements for candidates interested in applying for the Pilot Cadet Program. Applicants must be Dominican citizens of legal age, possess a commercial pilot’s license, and have a minimum of 250 hours of flight experience, including dual aircraft motor or multi-motor experience. According to ICAO standards, they should also hold an American visa and have at least a level 4 proficiency in English.

The application period for the Pilot Cadet Program scholarships will be open from October 6 to October 13. Detailed information about the eligibility criteria and the application process can be found on the official Arajet website, specifically in the “Work for Arajet” section.

AILA plans to attract more than 600,000 passengers next December

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic is anticipating a significant influx of visitors for the Christmas holidays in 2023, with Las Américas International Airport (AILA) expected to receive over 600,000 passengers in December. Luis José López, the Communications Director of Aeropuertos Dominicanos Siglo XXI (Aerodom), provided these preliminary estimates, emphasizing that the actual numbers will depend on various factors.

December brings diverse traffic to the airport, with a large number of visitors coming from the United States, particularly the Dominican community living abroad. European visitors, mainly from Spain, also contribute, albeit to a lesser extent. Additionally, the introduction of Arajet flights to various destinations has increased traffic from Mexico and Colombia. The holiday season sees an increase in visitors from Canada as well.

To accommodate this surge in visitors at AILA, preparations are underway in coordination with various authorities that have an impact on the airport. This includes collaboration with the General Directorate of Immigration (DGM), Customs, Cesac, and other relevant agencies to ensure a smooth holiday season.

Aerodom is actively expanding long-term parking facilities at the airport, adding 150 new spaces in the first phase. The new parking area is expected to be ready in the first week of December. Further expansion is planned for 2024, with the goal of creating an additional 300 long-term parking spaces to complete the project.

Tourism in Cada Rincón shows the attractions of the northern region at Expo Cibao 2023

Santiago.- The Tourism Stand at Expo Cibao 2023, organized by the Ministry of Tourism, showcased the main tourist attractions of the Monseñor Nouel, Espaillat, and Santiago provinces, infusing dynamism, festivity, and vibrant colors into the event. Expo Cibao 2023, held from September 27 to October 1, is the largest multi-sector exhibition in the Dominican Republic and adopted the motto “Santiago Investment Hub.”

The Tourism Stand attracted visitors on the closing day of the event, offering a lively display with dancers from the Son de Keka and characters from the Santiago Carnival, creating an enticing atmosphere. The attendees also received samples of Santiago’s iconic attractions, including Mural routes, tobacco production, the León Center, monuments, churches, and the hotel offerings of the Hodelpa chain.

Ramón Paulino, President of the Santiago Tourist Destination Cluster, expressed his satisfaction with the promotion of Santiago’s potential and the diverse offerings of the Cibao provinces through Mitur at Expo Cibao 2023, appealing to both local and international tourists.

Martín Duquela, Director of Internal Tourism at Mitur, highlighted the immense acceptance of the Tourism platform in Cada Rincón and Mitur at Expo Cibao 2023. He emphasized that the stand showcased the richness of the region, encompassing art, culture, rivers, beaches, mountains, gastronomy, and history, all chosen from the best of the “Tourism in Every Corner” program in the Cibao provinces.

On Saturday, the spotlight was on the Espaillat province, with dynamic presentations and creative tastings of appealing products from Moca, including exclusive coffee, Responsible Fish, dulce y rodao, mofongo mocano, and artisanal ice creams. The event also featured information and promotion of natural and ecotourism attractions, with the support of the Ecotourism Cluster of the Espaillat province.

Expo Cibao 2023 provided a platform to showcase the rich cultural and tourist offerings of the Cibao region, fostering interest among visitors and promoting the beauty and diversity of these provinces.

Vice Minister of Tourism sees it as key to push the emergence of local lines

Santo Domingo.- Jacqueline Mora, the Vice Minister of Tourism, highlighted that the Dominican Republic has surpassed a significant group of 14 countries in terms of tourist arrivals. This achievement comes after Saudi Arabia, which has aggressively pursued tourism and made a strong entry into the sector.

Mora explained that when comparing tourist arrivals by air in the first seven months of 2023 with the same period in 2022, the leading countries are Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Albania, El Salvador, Andorra, Armenia, Ethiopia, Colombia, Jordan, Virgin Islands, Tanzania, Liechtenstein, Curacao, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic.

She emphasized the importance of promoting the development of local airlines in response to these trends.

Mora pointed out that many of the countries in this group heavily rely on land-based tourism, with several being small in size and experiencing a tourism recovery that began in late 2022 and continued into 2023. Notably, countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Colombia have national airlines, which has been an effective strategy. In the case of Colombia, its tourism was still at 50% in 2022.

She noted that countries such as El Salvador and Honduras have a significant share of land-based tourism due to their continental location, as do Albania, Jordan, Andorra, and Armenia.

Mora stressed that the current fuel and aviation crisis poses a challenge for long-distance air travel, making it crucial to compare the Dominican Republic’s performance with countries of similar configurations. She highlighted that many of the countries in this comparison are quite small.

As an example, Mora mentioned Colombia, which has a strong focus on tourism, and multiple local airlines like Avianca and Wingo. Qatar also stands out in this group, with a robust tourism focus and the presence of its flagship carrier, Qatar Airways.

She concluded by noting that among the comparable countries, the Dominican Republic and Qatar stand out prominently, with the Dominican Republic receiving three times as many tourists as Qatar.

Cultural and sustainable tourism attracts Dominican banks

Santo Domingo.- With the rise of cultural and sustainable tourism in the entrepreneurial landscape, the three major Dominican banks are exploring the financial solutions they can offer to their clients. Luis Molina, the Senior Vice President of Corporate and Business Banking at BHD, emphasized the need to enrich the tourism experience beyond the traditional sun and sand, focusing on cultural tourism.

During the Caribbean Orange Forum 2023, Molina expressed BHD’s interest in understanding the risks, opportunities, and multiplier effects of cultural and sustainable tourism. The bank aims to categorize businesses in this industry to provide more targeted products and services.

BHD Bank’s loan portfolio for the tourism sector totals around $400 million, with a distribution of approximately 65% for large companies and 35% for SMEs. Despite this allocation, SMEs constitute the majority of clients in terms of numbers.

Banreservas also recognizes the importance of SMEs in the tourism ecosystem. Kenneth Martí, the Senior Business Director, highlighted the support provided to artisans, farmers, taxi drivers, tourist guides, and tour operators through various programs. The bank also focuses on supporting tourism projects that create employment and stimulate the local economy.

Banco Popular, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of viable business plans for the success of orange ventures in the creative industry. Francisco García, Vice President of Investment Banking, mentioned their commitment to providing guidance to business owners and supporting new projects. The film industry has received significant financing from Banco Popular, contributing to its loan portfolio, which currently represents 40% of the bank’s total.

These efforts were discussed during the panel “Banking as a Driver of Cultural and Sustainable Tourism” at the Caribbean Orange Forum 2023, where financial institutions expressed their support for the creative industry’s role in enhancing cultural and sustainable tourism experiences. The event showcased the contributions of the orange economy to this sector through national and international presentations.

World Bank hopes to normalize Dominican Republic-Haiti relations; highlights stability attracts investment

Santo Domingo.- The World Bank’s Chief Economist for Latin America and the Caribbean, William Maloney, expressed hope for the normalization of the situation on the Dominican-Haitian border, which has been closed due to a binational conflict over the use of water from the Massacre River. He emphasized that stability in the region is an attractive factor for foreign investment.

Maloney mentioned that the Dominican Republic, like many other islands in the area, has the potential for nearshoring, which can be harnessed to attract foreign investment.

In terms of economic growth, the World Bank’s projections for the Dominican Republic indicate a growth rate of 3.1% in 2023 and 4.6% for the following year. While these growth rates are positive by regional standards, they represent a slight reduction from previous estimates. The World Bank had initially projected a growth rate of 4.1% for 2023 and 4.8% for 2024 in June of the same year.

Maloney highlighted that the Dominican Republic has shown sustained growth in productivity compared to many other countries in the region.

On a regional level, the World Bank estimates that Latin America will experience stronger-than-expected growth in 2023, with a projected GDP growth rate of 2%, up from the previous estimate of 1.4%. However, this growth rate is still below that of other regions in the world. The report suggests that higher-than-expected GDP growth in the United States and the performance of the G7 nations are helping the region’s economic prospects.

In terms of individual countries in the region, Mexico is expected to grow by 3.2%, Brazil by 2.6%, Peru by 0.8%, and Colombia by 1.5%. Argentina is projected to experience a 2.5% decrease in GDP, while Chile is expected to see a 0.4% decrease.

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