Dominican Republic and Jamaica sign new agreement; exports and trade will increase

Santo Domingo.- Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson, shared details of her visit to the Dominican Republic, where she had meetings with President Luis Abinader and Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez.

During her visit, Kamina Johnson discussed various aspects, including the upcoming visit of the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, to the Dominican Republic next year. The discussions also covered the cooperation agreements signed between her and Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez, encompassing areas such as agriculture, trade, investment, logistics, culture, and language exchange.

Minister Kamina Johnson expressed her satisfaction with the meeting with President Abinader and highlighted the importance of planning the Prime Minister’s visit. She also emphasized the achievements of her visit, particularly the signing of new cooperation agreements aimed at fostering collaboration in agriculture, culture, and language exchange, and enhancing trade and investment between the two countries.

Kamina Johnson stated, “Jamaica is interested in Dominican products, but we also seek to increase what we can export to your great country.”

Both Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez and Minister Kamina Johnson expressed their commitment to leverage the full potential of diplomatic ties to strengthen trade and investment relations.

The relations between the Dominican Republic and Jamaica are currently in an excellent state, with the upcoming celebration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations next year.

Minister Kamina Johnson emphasized the importance of open and honest discussions between good friends, even on challenging topics, to build stronger relationships.

The agreement signed during Kamina Johnson’s visit aligns with the Dominican government’s strategy to enhance its ties with Caribbean countries and diversify its export offerings to Jamaica. Beyond existing exports of cardboard, plastic, fruits, cement, fertilizers, rods, mattresses, furniture, and edible materials, the Dominican Republic aims to explore new opportunities.

The Dominican ambassador to Jamaica, Angie Shakira Martínez, who also attended the meetings, has previously described Jamaica as a strategic partner of the Dominican Republic. Currently, Jamaica represents the Dominican Republic’s second-largest trading partner in the region and the seventh globally.

In 2021, the Dominican Republic exported goods worth $122 million to Jamaica, marking a 39% growth compared to 2019.

Notably, last month, the Ministry of Defense of the Dominican Republic (MIDE) and the Chief of the Defense Forces of Jamaica signed two collaboration agreements aimed at strengthening aeronautical and maritime search and rescue operations, as well as enhancing joint efforts to combat international organized crime in both countries.

Tourism gives push for reconstruction of the Bullring in El Seibo

Santo Domingo.- The Minister of Tourism, David Collado, marked a significant milestone in the reconstruction of the Plaza de Toros (bullring) or multipurpose arena in the province of El Seibo with an investment of 300,780,963.23 million pesos.

Collado expressed his commitment to promoting tourism in the province of El Seibo, particularly in the municipality of Miches. He highlighted the success of taking Miches to the International Tourism Fair (Fitur), emphasizing the progress achieved through a public-private effort.

The Minister announced that within a year, the reconstructed Bullring would be inaugurated with a 300 million peso investment. The renovated facility will host concerts and various activities aimed at boosting the province’s economy. Collado also pledged to bring the first concert with a renowned artist to mark the Bullring’s inauguration.

He emphasized the importance of supporting the cultural event of bullfighting in El Seibo, considering it a significant part of the country’s heritage.

Local authorities from the province of El Seibo expressed their gratitude to President Luis Abinader and Minister David Collado for making the dream of rebuilding the bullring a reality. Mayor Leo Francis Zorrilla noted that the project would have a meaningful impact on the province’s economy.

Senator Santiago Zorrilla also highlighted the historical significance of the Bullring for El Seibo and expressed his gratitude to President Abinader for making the project a reality.

The construction of the bullring or multi-use arena will accommodate 2,500 people, feature parking facilities for buses and cars, and include a 2,567-square-meter children’s area. The project will also incorporate six sales modules, bull stables for festivities, dressing rooms, a box office, gift shops, and a waiting room.

The construction of the Bullring initially began in 2019 but faced multiple setbacks and delays due to disagreements between authorities and budget constraints. The revitalized Bullring aims to contribute to the economic growth of the region and serve as a venue for various events throughout the country.

Lopesan promotes its megahotel in Bávaro at the World Travel Market in London

Lopesan Hotel Group is actively participating in the World Travel Market (WTM) with a focus on analyzing new challenges and opportunities presented by the United Kingdom, as it has become the most significant source market for Gran Canaria this year. The group is highlighting its commitment to sustainable development, green policies, service excellence, and internationalization efforts, especially its work in the Dominican Republic and the ongoing second phase of the Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa & Casino.

Lopesan Hotel Group is showcasing its avant-garde all-inclusive concept, which has already gained popularity with North American visitors and is poised to attract European travelers to the Caribbean. The WTM provides an ideal platform for Lopesan Hotel Management to establish itself as a leading name in third-party property marketing and management, with the success of the Eden Beach Resort & Spa, Lopesan Collection Hotel, Thailand, since LHM took over its management in June 2022.

The event also offers an opportunity for discussions with partners from various markets, including Germany, other European countries, the United States, and Canada. Lopesan Hotel Group’s complementary offerings, such as its golf courses (Meloneras Golf by Lopesan, Maspalomas Golf, and ANFI Tauro Golf), wellness centers (Om Spa Costa Meloneras and Om Thalasso Villa del Conde by Lopesan), play a pivotal role in attracting potential clients.

More than 90 restaurants will participate in the “Restaurant Week Santo Domingo 2023”

Santo Domingo—As part of the VI edition of the Gastronomic SDQ, the Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic (Asonahores) and the Dominican Restaurant Association (Aderes) announced the return of Restaurant Week Santo Domingo 2023, from Monday, November 13 to Sunday, November 19, with the participation of more than 90 establishments.

To offer new culinary proposals from the most iconic restaurants in the city and hotel restaurants through innovative flavors of dishes prepared exclusively for the week of celebration of the activity, with the same price and the hand of award-winning chefs, who, with local ingredients will highlight native elements of our haute cuisine.

David Llibre, president of Asonahores, expressed his satisfaction in welcoming this new gastronomic encounter, inviting diners to enjoy the new theme that this year will bring; he also stressed the commitment of both institutions to continue strengthening each delivery to continue the process of gastronomic positioning of our destination. He thanked the participation of all the participating restaurants, the collaboration of the Dominican Academy of Gastronomy, and the renowned chefs who, from their disposition, will create delicious experiences for each diner.

Meanwhile, Omar Cepeda, president of Aderes, noted that “Restaurant Week, this year brings a new proposal within its logistics and is the replacement of the passport by a card, which will allow us to reduce the amount of printed paper and the negative impact on the environment. In this way, diners will be able to access their digital passport, where they will be able to see the menus and offers, and a digital stamp will be charged when visiting and commenting on the valued restaurants, all from the reach of their cell phones or devices.”

He added that “implementing a proposal such as Restaurant Week, an activity that is carried out in different countries and that, in addition to boosting the visit of diners to restaurants and thus activating the economy, is an initiative where gastronomic establishments are invited to support local production and innovate through different national dishes, thus generating sustainable gastronomic tourism.”

As a novelty, Cepeda indicated that the activity is already being carried out in three destinations: Restaurant Week Santo Domingo, Restaurant Week Punta Cana, and Restaurant Week Santiago, from Puerto Plata, have asked the association to be included in developing the gastronomic part of the Northern zone.

“Last year 2022 we started with Santiago and it was very successful and as a result of that is that we have had requests from the associations of the Northern region to be included and hold a Restaurant Week there,” he added.

He said that “cruise tourism has helped a lot in the development and positioning of the northern region and more and more visitors are spending the day in Puerto Plata and also Puerto Plata, Cabarete, Sosua, maintain an interest in tourists and as a result, a Restaurant Week makes a lot of sense in the area.”

He indicated that to realize the event in Puerto Plata, they are evaluating the possibilities, including the date “which should be in high season for tourists because that benefits the local investor who has a restaurant to increase the flow during that week.”

He explained that they also hope to create a balance with the local market that wants to explore and discover a new restaurant in the region.

ADN Bachata World Festival 2023 will boost tourism in Puerto Plata

Carlos Rodolí, president of the Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Tourist Enterprises of the North (Ashonorte), announced all the details of the ADN Bachata World Festival.

He explained that “in November of last year, the first version of the first Bachata World Festival was held in Puerto Plata, being a very successful event, which will boost tourism in the destination.”

“This activity was on the front pages of the national press that said Puerto Plata defy the rain and everyone stayed until the end watching the show,” he added.

He indicated that “last year 135 professional dance couples came to compete in this genre and this year there are already 260 registered couples coming from more than 16 countries and the idea is to hold the bachata Olympics where all the events that take place at the international level we can be the home of these events”.

He informed that the ballots will be available at the offices of Ashonorte, in the establishments of Ochosantos, in Santiago, they will be placed in the facilities of the Businessmen’s Association of Santiago and the Puerta del Sol, establishment near the monument, according to Mia Visión TV.

“It is a musical project, it is a project to promote the destination of Puerto Plata, we have seen bachata as an ideal tool to use the fame and the worldwide boom of bachata to promote the destination of the Dominican Republic,” he said.

Marileidy established herself as the most successful Dominican female athlete

Santo Domingo.- In 2023, Marileidy Paulino has achieved unprecedented success in the world of Dominican athletics. While her silver medals at the Tokyo Olympic Games placed her at the top among Dominican athletes, her accomplishments this year have set a new benchmark.

This remarkable year for Paulino saw her achieve a feat that no other Dominican Olympic athlete, male or female, has accomplished. While Félix Sánchez still holds the stratospheric throne with his two Olympic golds, Paulino has secured the second spot, leaving behind competitors like Luguelin Santos, Gabriel Mercedes, and Félix Díaz.

In the history of Dominican athletics, there has never been an athlete who won gold in the Central American and Caribbean Games, the Pan American Games, became a World Champion, and confirmed her dominance in the Diamond League, all within a single year.

The only time the main competitions in the region and the continental ones coincided was in 1959 (in Caracas and Chicago), and apart from baseball, the Dominican Republic did not have athletes at the World Cup level back then.

Paulino’s near-perfect year took her to compete in 11 countries over nine months. She claimed victories in most of her events, rarely needing a photo finish. Out of 20 individual 400-meter dash races, she finished first in all but one, where she secured third place in a Diamond League event in Poland.

Her impressive season kicked off in February with a 100-meter victory in Colombia. In March and April, she triumphed in four 200-meter races in Ecuador, in the Military Games, and in a 300-meter race in Puerto Rico. May saw her debut in the Diamond League in Qatar with a resounding victory, followed by podium finishes in Los Angeles and Paris in July. In El Salvador, she added gold in the 400 meters and silver in the relay mixed 4×400 and women’s 4×100.

The pinnacle of her year came in August when she became the first Dominican woman to win a World Cup on the Olympic field in Budapest, Hungary, joining an elite group of Dominican ladies who have achieved world competition success.

Her outstanding season continued in September, with points earned in the World Athletics elite event in China and a victorious finale in Oregon at the Diamond League, securing her crown. She had missed three of the series’ seven stops in Italy, Monaco, and Belgium.

In Chile, she planned to run only in the 200 meters, an off-season competition where elite athletes typically rest. However, she surprised everyone by joining the mixed 4×400 relay and played a crucial role in securing gold. In Chile, she also won silver with the women’s 4×400 relay and bronze in the 4×100.

Only Félix Sánchez, who dominated the 400 meters hurdles between 2001 and 2004, remains above Paulino in the records. Supersanchez won world titles in Edmonton ‘2011 and Paris ‘2003, the Panam in Santo Domingo, and the Golden League three times, a competition that later evolved into the Diamond League.

Dominican Vice President visits diaspora in New York

New York.-  Vice President of the Republic, Raquel Peña, recently conducted a productive work agenda in the United States, engaging in tours of Dominican businesses, meetings with prominent businessmen, and participation in ceremonies focused on public service and the dedication of Dominicans abroad.

During her visit, Vice President Peña presented awards to three Police Commissioners, including two Dominicans, and over 30 deserving students of Dominican descent. She praised the exceptional careers of Wendy García, Commissioner of Equity and Inclusion, and the highest-ranking Dominican within the New York City Police Department, as well as José A. Gomérez, the first Hispanic Commissioner of Police in the State of New York for the city of Newburgh, both of whom have reached significant positions as trailblazers in their fields.

Additionally, the Vice President recognized the accomplishments of Edward Caban, a Puerto Rican married to a Dominican, who became the first Latino to hold the position of Police Commissioner of the City of New York.

During the event, Vice President Peña shared updates on police reform efforts in the Dominican Republic, emphasizing President Luis Abinader’s commitment to transformative change, including enhanced training and improved remuneration for the National Police.

Peña also acknowledged 38 young Dominicans and individuals of Dominican descent who have excelled abroad. The awards aim to strengthen the connection between the younger diaspora and Dominican culture, fostering a sense of ownership of the country and celebrating their academic achievements. President Abinader considers the children and grandchildren of Dominicans abroad to be vital bridges between both countries, where their talents can contribute significantly.

Furthermore, Vice President Peña held meetings with Dominican businessmen in New York to strengthen ties and discuss the investment opportunities that the Dominican Republic offers. She emphasized the country’s transparent and fair policies, along with its political, social, and economic stability, which have led to sustained annual growth rates.

Abinader inaugurates a fair that seeks to turn Santiago into the capital of innovation and entrepreneurship

Santo Domingo.- The third edition of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fair 2023 was inaugurated with the presence of President Luis Abinader. The fair, organized by the director of the Center for Industrial Development and Competitiveness (Proindustria), Ulises Rodríguez, showcases innovative projects and serves as a platform to empower young people with new skills and knowledge in the field of innovation and industrial creativity.

President Abinader highlighted the importance of innovation in research and its role in driving economic development. He mentioned how innovation played a key role during the COVID-19 pandemic when the government created the first medical insurance for coronavirus to cover treatment for tourists visiting the country.

The fair features around 70 projects, including those related to alternative energy, industrial machinery, automatic packaging lines, and energy consumption reduction. It aims to promote high-impact projects and solutions that contribute to the development of the country’s productive sector.

The event, held in the gardens of the Gran Teatro del Cibao, provides a platform for entrepreneurs and industries from across the nation to showcase their innovative ideas and projects. It serves as an opportunity for participants to network, learn, and contribute to the country’s industrial development.

The Domincan Republic is among the five preferred destinations for group trips from the United States

Santo Domingo.- Marriott International, the renowned hotel chain, has unveiled its “Travel Trends Forecast,” a comprehensive study that provides insights into the anticipated evolution of business travel and event planning in the upcoming year.

Conducted by the research firm 72Point, this survey engaged 1,000 travel agents and event organizers in the United States, shedding light on intriguing trends reflecting the shifting preferences of both agents and guests in the post-pandemic era. Furthermore, it offers a glimpse into what these stakeholders anticipate for the industry by 2024.

One particularly noteworthy revelation is the growing popularity of the Dominican Republic as a preferred destination for both leisure and business trips. This Caribbean gem finds itself high on the list, with Mexico leading the pack at 37%, closely followed by Jamaica (37%), Aruba (35%), and the Dominican Republic (34%).

Louise Bang, Director of Sales and Marketing at Marriott International CALA, extolled the virtues of the Dominican Republic as an ideal destination for group travel, citing its stunning beaches, rich natural resources, and inviting culture, along with excellent air connectivity to major airports in the United States and Latin America. Bang emphasized Marriott’s commitment to this market, boasting 14 operational hotels and 14 more in development.

The study also underscores the significance of authentic cultural experiences for North American travelers. A majority of respondents expressed interest in sampling local drinks and regional cuisines (60%), attending local music or dance performances (59%), and immersing themselves in the local language (58%).

In the realm of wellness activities, the forecast indicates that wellness will remain a focal point in 2024, but travelers will seek experiences that extend beyond the traditional spa offerings. A substantial 65% of respondents expressed interest in active wellness pursuits like jiu-jitsu or kickboxing classes, while 58% showed interest in mindfulness activities such as meditation or yoga. As the concept of wellness continues to evolve, travelers are increasingly drawn to more enriching experiences, encompassing creative fitness classes, educational workshops, and nutritious dining options.

As the preeminent hotel company in the region, Marriott International is leveraging these insights to enhance its offerings throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. Their commitment remains unwavering in delivering on the promise of being where their guests want them to be, offering the right property in the right destination at the right price. With a portfolio of nearly 500 hotels across 37 countries in the Caribbean and Latin America, Marriott is dedicated to providing unforgettable experiences and exceeding guest expectations through exceptional service.

Asonahores tourism investment forum: more boost for the economic engine of the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- The Hotel and Tourism Association of the Dominican Republic (Asonahores) is set to host the sixth Tourism Investment Forum on November 20, with the primary goal of presenting the visions of both the public and private sectors regarding the development of the country’s tourism industry. This forum will convene at the El Embajador Royal Hideaway Hotel, commencing at 9:00 AM.

David Llibre, President of Asonahores, expressed that the organization aims to foster an exchange of perspectives on the critical aspects of the tourism sector. The forum serves as a platform to promote opportunities for both local and international investment in the industry.

Llibre stated, “Through this initiative that brings together key industry stakeholders, we at Asonahores aim to reinforce the dynamism our sector has displayed, showcasing the growth of the tourism industry to further the development of this vital component of the national economy.”

The Tourism Investment Forum will feature the presentation of the study titled “Impact of the Tourism Sector on the Dominican Economy” by the firm Analytica, sponsored by Banco Popular. This study will provide an updated overview of the national tourism industry.

Additionally, a panel discussion on “Regulations Regarding Tourism Investment” will be held, featuring Alejandro Fernández, Superintendent of Banks; Ernesto Bournigal, Superintendent of Securities Markets; and Francisco Torres, Superintendent of Pensions. The discussion will be moderated by Javier Tejada, General Director of United Capital.

Furthermore, a panel titled “New Luxury Tourism Proposals” will take place, featuring prominent figures such as Encarna Piñero, CEO of Grupo Piñero – Cayo Levantado Resort; Frank Elías Rainieri, President & CEO of Grupo Puntacana – Proyectos Miches; Andrés Pichardo, President of Casa de Campo; and Thomas Becker, President of Playa Grande Golf and Ocean Club – Amanera. The panel will be moderated by Andrés Marranzini.

The forum will also include the presentation of important recognitions to companies and allies in the tourism sector for their continuous support in strengthening the local tourism industry.

ALTIO launches the first Investment Fund of Funds in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- ALTIO, the Investment Fund Management Company, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully launching the country’s first “Fund of Funds,” which garnered 100% of its initial tranche’s participation fees, amassing a total of US$6,000,000.00 during the placement period that commenced on October 31.

Raúl Hoyo, President of the Board of ALTIO, explained that this is a closed investment fund that can invest in other funds available in the market, offering investors a convenient way to participate in multiple funds through a single investment.

This groundbreaking fund marks the first of its kind in the Dominican Republic and received approval from the Superintendency of the Securities Market through Sole Resolution R-SIMV-2022-11-FI, adopted on March 31, 2022. It has been registered in the Securities Market Registry since April 13, 2022, under the designation SIVFIC-062.

Eliza Sánchez Lomakina, General Director of ALTIO, highlighted the advantages of the Fund of Funds, emphasizing that by investing in a variety of investment funds with diverse diversification policies related to currency, instruments, issuers, and strategies, it can provide investors with greater diversification and risk reduction compared to investing in a single fund.

The fund is open to the general public, both individual and corporate investors. It is denominated in US dollars, with a minimum investment amount of US $1,000.00. To access the fund, investors must do so through a stock exchange authorized by the Superintendence of the Stock Market.

ALTIO stands as the premier Investment Fund Management Company in the Dominican Republic, renowned for its innovation and the diverse range of investment funds it offers in the country. Year after year, ALTIO consistently surpasses its objectives in delivering excellence in fund administration.

Moreover, ALTIO places a strong focus on creating a significant social and environmental impact on the country’s development and its inhabitants. It serves as a gateway to the best investment opportunities in the Dominican Republic, spanning various sectors that drive the local economy, including tourism, energy, free zones, real estate, and the stock market.

Clean energy project in Saona is nominated Sustainable Initiative of the Year 2023 by Business Intelligence

Isla Saona.- The “Energizing Saona” project, a collaborative effort between the Bayahíbe Electric Company (CEB), a subsidiary of the Punta Cana-Macao Energy Consortium (CEPM), and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MIMARENA), has been nominated for “Sustainable Initiative of the Year” at the prestigious North American Sustainability Awards 2023.

Since its launch in December 2022, the project has installed 1,800 photovoltaic modules and a 5 MWh energy storage system on Saona Island, ensuring a continuous and reliable energy supply for the island’s 600 residents. This initiative represents a significant step towards sustainability and environmental conservation, providing the community with access to basic services and improving their overall well-being.

The project’s impact on Saona Island is profound, as it has become the first and only island in the hemisphere to have clean, 24/7 renewable energy. “Energizing Saona” serves as a model for clean energy projects in the region and is recognized for its commitment to sustainability.

The project is part of the larger “Sustainable Saona” master plan promoted by MIMARENA, focusing on improving the quality of life for Saona Island’s inhabitants while ensuring the sustainability of the protected area within the Cotubanamá National Park.

In addition to the renewable energy aspect, CEB, and its partners are involved in various initiatives on the island, such as waste management, access to clean drinking water, support for sustainable local entrepreneurship, promoting sustainable fishing, and implementing electric mobility solutions to reduce the island’s carbon footprint.

This recognition highlights Saona Island as a shining example of responsible and sustainable energy use, showcasing the commitment of CEB and its collaborators to clean energy solutions that benefit the community and promote regional development.

Arajet inaugurates new route between Montreal and Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo.- Arajet, the low-cost airline serving the Caribbean region, has officially launched a new direct flight route between the city of Montreal and Santo Domingo. This new route further expands Arajet’s network of destinations in the Caribbean and Latin America.

The direct flight connects Montreal through Trudeau International Airport to Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo. Arajet is operating four weekly flights on this route, departing from Montreal to Santo Domingo on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The flight duration is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Victor Pacheco, the founder and CEO of Arajet, expressed pride in this new route, emphasizing that Arajet is the first and only Dominican airline to connect Montreal with Santo Domingo. Pacheco highlighted that this new connection enhances international relations between Canada and the Dominican Republic, making mobility between these regions more accessible.

Frank Hans Dannenberg, the ambassador of the Dominican Republic in Canada, also welcomed the new route’s inauguration, emphasizing its significance in enhancing connectivity between Quebec, the largest French-speaking province in Canada, and Latin America.

Yves Beauchamp, the President and CEO of ADM Aéroports de Montréal, noted that this direct service opens doors to explore the culture, history, architecture, and beaches of Santo Domingo. Arajet has carved out a niche in the low-cost flight market to the Caribbean, making Montreal an attractive destination for airlines.

Arajet aims to transport more than seven million passengers over the next five years and establish Santo Domingo as a robust air connection hub in the region, offering competitive flight options and rates to benefit travelers throughout the Americas.

Punta Bergantín awaits environmental permit to begin its first stage

Puerto Plata.- After the Dominican Government presented Puerto Plata as a revitalized tourist destination, specifically through the Punta Bergantín project at this year’s International Tourism Fair in Madrid (Fitur), progress has been slow. The initiative, which includes the construction of 700 hotel rooms in its first phase, is currently awaiting the issuance of environmental permits.

Andrés Marranzini, a prominent figure in the Dominican tourism industry, revealed that the project is preparing for its first public hearing scheduled for November 21. During this event, the master plan will be presented to the local community, neighbors, and other stakeholders. This public hearing is an essential step to obtain the necessary permits from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, which are required to initiate construction.

Marranzini, who will lead the trust responsible for the Punta Bergantín project, emphasized the importance of these permits. They guide the utilization of different areas within the project and outline the commercial program for each lot. This process also facilitates the raising of funds through the trust, which is currently in the process of formalization. Once these regulatory hurdles are cleared, the project will be presented to potential investors in the first quarter of the coming year.

Despite the project already having established the subdivisions for hotel construction, it is still seeking investors and operators. According to Marranzini, there has been significant interest from potential investors and operators.

Traditionally, Puerto Plata’s tourism market has been linked to Canada and Europe, but there’s a growing interest in attracting investors from the east coast of the United States. The project is looking to diversify its sources of clientele and tourists.

Punta Bergantín is an ambitious endeavor with plans for 6,760 hotel rooms and 13,705 residential rooms, providing a total capacity of 20,465 keys for hotel and residential tourism. The project’s first phase will encompass a vast area of 2.76 million square meters and includes amenities like a sustainable golf course, an academic campus focused on innovation, a film studio associated with the One Race Films Company led by American actor Vin Diesel, and the first hotel in the Planet Hollywood chain. The successful realization of this project could potentially bring in thousands of tourists to Puerto Plata, significantly boosting the local economy.

“Kostas,” the innovative project that seeks to mitigate sargasso in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo—The arrival of sargassum on Dominican beaches is a problem that directly affects the tourism and ecological sector every year between May and September. Faced with this reality, a group of Dominican students have presented a revolutionary project backed by cutting-edge technology to tackle this challenge.

Developed in Huawei’s “Tech4Good” program, the students tackled the environmental problem caused by sargassum in the Dominican Republic with their “Kostas” project. It was presented by ten students selected by Huawei nationwide from different universities to be part of the “Seeds for the Future” program in its ninth edition in the DR.

This year, 2023, the program was held in San José, the capital of Costa Rica, in conjunction with INCAE Business School Costa Rica.

The students explained that, after several ideas and the identification of different challenges in the Dominican Republic, sargassum was the issue they decided to address as the focal point of their project. The problem affects the ecosystem, tourism, and the daily life of Dominicans, as they cannot enjoy the beautiful beaches as they used to.

Until now, the approach to Sargasso has only been reactive, “Kostas” has come to revolutionize the way to tackle this problem by offering proactive solutions using Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Computing, according to El Nacional.

JetBlue slashes prices on flights to Santo Domingo and Punta Cana

New York—JetBlue promotes flights starting at less than US$50 to cities in the United States and Caribbean islands.

The airline offers travel to the Dominican Republic; a flight to Santo Domingo would cost US$166, and to Punta Cana, US$162.

A one-way flight to Grand Cayman from John F. Kennedy Airport is US$99.

To the Bahamas from the same airport, the minimum price is US$82, while to Barbados, the minimum cost is US$133.

To the US territory of Puerto Rico, you can take off from JFK to Aguadilla for US$148 or to San Juan for US$149.

To destinations in South America, the cheapest flight to Bogotá, Colombia, for example, would cost US$152. In the case of Ecuador, a ticket to Quito could cost you US$136 minimum.

Among the cheapest flights to US cities is Nashville, Tennessee, starting at US$45.

To Fort Myers, Florida, the cheapest ticket costs US$69, while to Miami, the cost can rise to a minimum of US$79.

To Chicago, Illinois, the fare starts at US$83 and US$128 to Los Angeles, California.

The winter seasonal offers are for flights between 28 November and January, according to a statement.

Interested parties should note that flight options are subject to availability and may change at any time. In addition, the fare does not include the cost of other services, such as baggage check-in.

The Dominican Republic is approaching the goal of 10 million tourists in 2023

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader has expressed confidence in achieving the goal of welcoming 10 million tourists to the country this year. During an event organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Abinader stated that the countdown has begun toward this objective, emphasizing the positive impact of tourism on the livelihoods of Dominicans and the country’s economy.

The event also showcased an advertising campaign featuring renowned Dominican artists singing together to achieve “10 million smiles.” The Dominican Republic has seen impressive tourism numbers, with 619,204 visitors in October, bringing the total for 2023 to 8,245,189. This represents a 23% growth compared to the same period in the previous year.

The Ministry of Tourism highlighted the role of cruise tourism in this growth, with over 1.6 million visitors arriving via cruise ships in 2023, and emphasized the support for new ports like Taino Bay. To reach the 10 million tourist goal, an additional 1,754,811 arrivals are needed.

President Abinader mentioned upcoming transformative projects that will continue to drive tourism growth and emphasized the importance of tourism for prosperity, development, employment, and improving the quality of life for the Dominican people.

During the event, tourism businesswoman Haydée Kuret de Rainieri was recognized for her contributions to the sector. She received an award for her pioneering and visionary role in the development of Dominican tourism and her active participation in the economic and social development of the Eastern region of the country. Haydée Kuret de Rainieri is the wife of fellow businessman Frank Rainieri.

Dominican Economy now 7th largest in Latin AmericaDominican Economy now 7th largest in Latin America

BY JOACHIM BAMRUD

The Dominican Republic has replaced Ecuador as Latin America’s 7th-largest economy, according to a Latinvex analysis of the latest data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF forecasts that the Dominican Republic will keep that position the next five years as well.

The Dominican GDP now stands at $120.6 billion, above the $118.7 billion of Ecuador.

Earlier this year, Latinvex reported that the Dominican Republic will become the third richest country in the region in per capita terms in 2028 as a result of having the highest growth rate in Latin America during the five-year period from 2024 to 2028.

A decade ago, the Dominican Republic was the tenth-largest economy in Latin America with a GDP of 62.8 billion dollars, behind countries such as Venezuela, Ecuador and Uruguay. In 2014, the Dominican managed to pass Uruguay and in 2019 pass Venezuela.

Brazil remains the largest economy in Latin America, followed by Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Peru and now the Dominican Republic, according to Latinvex.

Dominican Republic emerges as premier medical tourism destination in the Caribbean

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic has solidified its position as the leading medical tourism destination in the Caribbean and ranks second in Latin America, attaining the 19th spot globally, thanks to the arrival of 262,902 patients in 2022. These medical tourists spent six times more than conventional tourists, making a significant contribution to the country’s economy.

This data was unveiled during the Sixth International Congress of Health and Wellness Tourism, a gathering of prominent figures from the medical, tourism, and financial sectors, both local and regional. At the event, Alejandro Cambiaso, President of the Dominican Association of Health Tourism (ADTS), presented the second study on Health and Wellness Tourism in the country, shedding light on the sector’s economic impact and challenges.

The report underscores that international patients seeking medical care in the Dominican Republic spend an average of $7,500. Of this, $5,000 is allocated for medical expenses, while $2,000 goes towards accommodation and transportation. This substantial expenditure significantly surpasses the average spending by regular tourists.

In 2022, the country welcomed 262,902 international patients, with the majority seeking dental treatments (179,085), followed by plastic surgeries (40,000), other surgeries (26,290), and outpatient and preventive medicine (17,527). These health tourists accounted for approximately 3.7% of non-resident tourists arriving in the country by air, totaling 7,163,394 visitors.

The study reveals that 77% of medical tourism services are provided by private clinics, while 23% operate under different management schemes with advanced technology. Some of these centers hold international accreditations, including Joint Commission International (JCI), Accreditation Canada, and Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC). Nineteen establishments were identified throughout the country, with information collected from 13 of them, representing 68% of the sample.

The majority of health tourism services are concentrated in the southeastern region (Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, and La Romana) and the northern Cibao region (Santiago and Puerto Plata).

The study also identifies several challenges, including the need to enhance innovation and establish an effective medical recertification system. It highlights that although medical personnel are highly qualified, technical and nursing staff need improvement. Challenges related to language proficiency, moonlighting, and technological capabilities were also noted.

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