Expo Construcción Puerto Plata fosters business opportunities

Puerto Plata.- The fourth edition of the Expo Construcción Puerto Plata kicked off on Friday at the Blue Jack Tar Convention Center in Playa Dorada. Professionals and over fifty brands from the construction sector across the Dominican Republic will gather there until Sunday.

Dedicated to the distinguished career of engineer Rafael (Kuky) Silverio, the event aims to showcase industry trends, promote knowledge sharing, and foster business opportunities. It also seeks to enrich the participant experience by presenting the current landscape of the construction sector, which continues to gain prominence within the Dominican economy.

Aneury Pilar, the Expo president, expressed his gratitude to all the brands supporting the initiative to promote Dominican productive dynamism. He also presented several awards, including one to the Minister of Public Works, Deligne Ascención Burgos, Andrés Marranzini (director of the Punta Bergantín project), Isely Almanzar (real estate advisor and businesswoman), and Daniel Fernández Delgado (director of Green One, a socio-commercial project launched during the ceremony).

The event drew the participation of prominent figures, including provincial governor Claritza Rochtte de Senior, Senator Ginette Bournigal, and Mileyka Brugal, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Free Zone of Puerto Plata. These authorities and influential personalities from both the public and private sectors acknowledged the importance of continuing to support the development of the North region through specialized events like Expo Construcción Puerto Plata.

On Saturday and Sunday, starting at 10:00 AM, the Expo will offer master classes featuring specialized training and workshops provided by participating brands and institutions.

The fourth edition of Expo Construcción Puerto Plata enjoys the support of numerous companies, including Autozama, Reidco Equipos Pesados, IMCA CAT, Teselta RD, Grupo Bonanza RD, Equimax RD, PanelDom, Tecnimetro, Lanco Dominicana, Plásticos Comerciales, Grupo KSI, Opal Project, Colchones del Yaque, Constructora Dualma, Cype Dominicana, Grupo Grabo Estilo, Constructora MAR, Ministry of Public Works and Communications, Green One, Constructora Incsa, APROCOVICI, ASODAGRIM, CODIA, AEI Zona Norte, and Kinoxx.

Tourism leads in attracting foreign direct investment in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo—Tourism and energy activities represent the main sources of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the Dominican Republic. FDI reached US$4.39 billion in 2023, surpassing Costa Rica’s leadership in 2020, 2021, and 2023.

Statistical data from the Export and Investment Center of the Dominican Republic (ProDominicana) show a growth in foreign investments in the tourism sector between 2022 and 2023, going from US$1,050 million to US$1,182.1 million.

The energy sector increased significantly from US$749 million to US$1,071.1 million between 2022 and 2023.

The growing sectors are commerce, real estate, free trade zones, mining, and finance.

The most significant foreign investments in the country come from the United States, followed by Spain, Mexico, and Canada.

The Foreign Investment Law 16-95 is applied in the country. The total amount of FDI reached by the government in 2023 was US$4,390.2 million, equivalent to a growth of 7.11 % in 2022.

Costa Rica registered an amount of US$3,921 million of foreign investment, for a growth of 131 % concerning the US$3,000 million obtained in 2022, according to Listín Diario.

INFOTEP certifies 35 to fuel Pedernales’ tourism boom

Pedernales, DR.- The National Institute of Technical and Vocational Training (INFOTEP) and the Genera ITM Foundation joined forces to certify 35 participants in six training programs designed to equip them for the burgeoning tourism sector in Pedernales.

These newly certified professionals completed courses in areas like “5S Techniques for Continuous Improvement,” “Development of Essential Skills for Customer Service,” and “Hygiene, Handling, and Food Safety,” ensuring they possess the skills necessary to meet the rising demand for qualified labor in the province.

Elvis Céspedes, deputy head of INFOTEP’s Southern Regional Directorate, emphasized that these training initiatives directly support President Luis Abinader’s vision for the Enriquillo region, encompassing the provinces of Barahona, Pedernales, Bahoruco, and Independencia.

The collaboration with Genera ITM specifically aims to prepare the local workforce for the job opportunities emerging from the development of Cabo Rojo and the overall growth of Pedernales’ tourism sector. Lludy Terrero, director of the Genera Foundation, expressed confidence that these graduates possess the necessary qualifications to be competitive in the local job market, including potential employment with the Port Cabo Rojo project.

INFOTEP’s commitment to Pedernales extends beyond this recent certification. Between 2021 and 2023, the institute has delivered over 350 training programs, impacting more than 6,480 participants and providing over 38,454 hours of instruction. The areas of greatest focus have included Hospitality and Tourism, Administration, Food Preparation, and various technical skills.

Furthermore, a comprehensive training program was developed in 2023 in partnership with ITM, the company leading the construction of Cabo Rojo Port. This program specifically targeted individuals from local communities, equipping them for various port-related roles and complementing the existing workforce. Training modules included Bar and Restaurant Management, Food and Beverage Preparation, and essential safety certifications.

The Genera ITM Foundation, a non-profit organization, plays a crucial role in these initiatives. Their mission centers on environmental and cultural preservation, alongside promoting economic development and fostering decent employment opportunities within the communities they serve. Their strategic programs prioritize human rights with a cultural focus, while also encouraging the creation of small and medium-sized businesses.

With a skilled and prepared local workforce, Pedernales positions itself to thrive within the Dominican Republic’s growing tourism sector.

How does the Dominican Republic find National Coffee Day?

Santo Domingo — The director of the Dominican Coffee Institute (INDOCAFE), Leonidas Batista, reported that 49.3 million coffee plants have been planted in this administration, 18.43% more than in the 2016-20 period, when 40.7 million plants of that crop were planted.

He said that this increase in coffee plantations, 9.3 million plants, was supported by the loans granted by the Agricultural Bank to coffee growers at zero rates and 6% and 8%, just in time to plant, fertilize, and fumigate.

Leonidas Batista
That allowed 168,958 tareas to be planted in this government administration, up from 129,678 tareas in the 2016-20 administration, an increase of 23.25%, Batista indicated when interviewed on National Coffee Day.

He noted that during this period, 1,382,583.55 quintals of coffee were produced, an increase of 42.64% compared to 2016-20 when production was 791,782 quintals.

The official stated that during the last government, 120,061.97 quintals of coffee were exported, and during this administration, 281,891.89 quintals have been exported, an increase of 54.22%.

He added that in terms of foreign exchange income from grain exports, US$31,106,817.98 entered the country in the previous period, while US$65,413,849.68 entered the country in this administration.

Batista indicated that, in support of coffee production and commercialization, 2,051 loans were granted in the September 2020-23 period for a total of RD$1,337,844,448, while in the previous period, 1,146 loans were given for RD$817,318,609, with an interest rate of over 12%.

The head of the department pointed out that other relevant social achievements are the repair of 3,585 km of roads and bridle paths, the support of the children of coffee-growing families with 286 scholarships in different areas of knowledge, 108 solidarity pensions, and 5,754 families, including in Senasa Insurance.

He said that to strengthen the coffee value chain, President Luis Abinader has developed activities aimed at articulating, coordinating, and implementing effective policies and actions to increase production, generate wealth, and improve the quality of life of coffee-growing communities.

Leonidas Batista said that coffee production is characterized by being mostly in the hands of small producers. It constitutes the main economic activity in the mountain zone, which is distributed in 26 provinces and 68 municipalities of the country’s main mountain ranges.

PUCMM launches degree in Gastronomy and Culinary Arts

Santo Domingo.- In an effort to enhance specialized academic training in the development of tourism within the country, the School of Tourism and Gastronomy at the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra launched the degree program in Gastronomy and Culinary Arts this Thursday, marking the first of its kind in the country.

Directors of the School of Tourism in Santo Domingo and Santiago, Ina Percival and Kenia Rodríguez, respectively, presented the details of this innovative degree program, which has already enrolled approximately 60 students across both campuses.

The program addresses the growing demand for skilled professionals in the field of gastronomy and emphasizes the preservation, promotion, and enhancement of local culinary heritage, which plays a crucial role in the Dominican tourism industry. Available for both in-person learning at the Santo Domingo and Santiago campuses, the degree program spans four years and comprises 188 credits.

Percival highlighted that the curriculum is designed to provide students with theoretical and practical training, covering fundamental cooking techniques and exploring the history and evolution of gastronomy, as well as its societal impact. Unlike technical courses that focus on middle management, this degree aims to cultivate leaders capable of planning, organizing, supervising, and directing gastronomic operations at all levels.

“Gastronomy not only nourishes the body but also the soul, forming an integral part of the tourist experience that travelers seek when exploring a destination,” Percival remarked. “As an academic institution, we bear the responsibility of elevating our gastronomy and preserving our native dishes, which are intrinsic to our identity and culture.”

Meanwhile, Kenia Rodríguez emphasized that the degree program will foster further research and innovation in the field of gastronomy.

The curriculum encompasses specialized courses in both national and international cuisine, restaurant management, certifications, oenology, nutrition, and other relevant areas.

“The University’s aim is to internationalize local gastronomy by offering academic programs aligned with global trends,” Rodríguez stated.

To showcase the practical aspect of the program, university students organized a gastronomic experience featuring typical Dominican dishes. The event took place in one of the state-of-the-art kitchen laboratories available to the School of Tourism and Gastronomy.

Sur Futuro and Ministry of Tourism welcoming cruise passengers to Pedernales

Santo Domingo.- The Sur Futuro Foundation, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and local organizations in Pedernales, played a key role in preparations to ensure exceptional hospitality for visitors during the arrival of the second cruise at the port of Cabo Rojo.

This endeavor holds immense significance for Sur Futuro as it represents an opportunity to uplift the living standards of a region that has long endured poverty and neglect. The arrival of Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam cruise ship, carrying 2,666 visitors and 874 crew members, illuminated prospects of progress and prosperity for Pedernales and the Enriquillo region.

Tourists were treated to an array of eco-friendly and artisanal destinations, promoting sustainable tourism in the area. Over 250 individuals, including tour guides, musical bands, folkloric ensembles, baton twirlers, and carnival performers, actively participated in activities organized by MITUR and Sur Futuro. These events offered visitors insights into the cultural and environmental richness of Pedernales, Juancho, La Colonia, Barahona, Bahoruco, and Cabral.

Sur Futuro also undertook the responsibility of enhancing facilities at the Pedernales Sociocultural Club. This included restroom renovations, door and lock repairs, painting, installation of new water connections, and placement of trash bins along Duarte Avenue. Additionally, municipal bathrooms along the boardwalk were cleaned and refurbished, thereby enhancing local infrastructure for the benefit of both the community and tourists.

Moving forward, Sur Futuro, in collaboration with various stakeholders such as the Ministry of Tourism, the Directorate of Public-Private Alliances, the ITM Foundation, and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Mypimes, will continue to focus on educational and training programs in tourist culture for the local community. Moreover, efforts will be made towards watershed restoration to ensure sustainable water sources, aligning with the region’s development goals.

These programs will engage artists, folklorists, schools, artisans, and tourist guides, imparting valuable life skills and promoting climate change adaptation. Ultimately, the aim is to enrich the cultural and tourist offerings of the region, fostering its growth and resilience.

Dominican Republic enhances air connectivity with France

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader and Minister of Tourism David Collado convened with Cristine Ourmieres, CEO of Air Caraïbes, reaffirming the imminent launch of a direct flight from Paris to Santo Domingo. Additionally, they coordinated the continuation of the seven weekly flights to the tourist hotspot of Punta Cana, aiming to fortify the country’s tourism sector. The meeting, hosted at the National Palace, also saw the participation of Paola Rainieri, Chief Marketing Officer of the Puntacana Group, to ensure the continuity of the aforementioned flight operations through the Punta Cana airport.

Collado shared the developments on social media, stating, “Today, alongside Air Caraïbes, with whom we are bolstering our tourism efforts in the French market, we engaged in productive discussions with its leadership team, committed to exploring new avenues to enhance our air connectivity with France.” He reiterated the significance of strengthening air connectivity with France in boosting tourism in the Dominican Republic.

Marella Cruises chooses Dominican Republic as home port

Santo Domingo.- Minister of Tourism David Collado announced that Marella Cruises has selected the Dominican Republic as its home port in La Romana, with weekly visits planned during the winter season. This decision will result in the arrival of four flights from England each time the Explorer 2 docks in Dominican ports.

The agreement was reached during the Dominican Republic’s participation in the Seatrade Cruise Global 2024, which Minister Collado described as highly successful.

“Another milestone towards our goal of becoming the top destination for cruise tourists,” remarked Collado on his social media platforms. “Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) at this event, where we showcased the dynamism, culture, and warmth of our people to the world.”

Collado emphasized, “Let’s continue to strive for more tourism opportunities for our country and its people!”

Médico Express leading medical tourism certification

Santo Domingo.- Through an inter-institutional agreement with Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA), the Médico Express San Isidro outpatient health center is set to become the first healthcare service provider in the Dominican Republic and the wider Caribbean region to attain GHA Certification for Excellence in Medical Tourism Patient Experience.

This certification, facilitated by GHA, will equip the clinical and administrative staff of this center with training and tools necessary for enhancing its standards of excellence in quality and experience for both local and international patients. By optimizing their medical tourism programs, the center aims to bolster confidence in the country as a secure health tourism destination.

The agreement signing ceremony saw the participation of Renée Marie Stephano, Executive President of GHA and founder of the Medical Tourism Association (MTA), Alejandro Cambiaso, Executive President of Médico Express, Vice President Francesco Fino, and other key executives including Felipe Amador, CEO of Advanced Capital Group.

Dr. Alejandro Cambiaso expressed his commitment to ensuring world-class care with state-of-the-art technology through this partnership, emphasizing the center’s dedication to the Dominican and tourist populations. Médico Express San Isidro, renowned for its innovative preventive, diagnostic, surgical, and emergency services, is poised to lead in accessibility, medical tourism, and the digital transformation of the Dominican health sector.

The center will soon inaugurate a modern international department aimed at facilitating medical evaluations and procedures for tourists promptly and affordably, thereby contributing to the growth of health tourism in the country.

Medical tourism is a vital economic driver for the Dominican Republic, creating jobs and facilitating knowledge and technology transfer. The eastern region, previously lacking medical services with such standards, stands to benefit significantly from this development.

Renée Marie Stephano highlighted the Dominican Republic’s ranking in the Medical Tourism Index (MTI), where it stands 19th globally and second in Latin America, underscoring its prominence as a premier health tourism destination in the Caribbean.

GHA’s training and certification services will impart essential skills and protocols to Médico Express staff, positioning the center as a hub of excellence and regional reference in medical care and patient experience.

Médico Express will soon launch in the eastern zone, offering a wide range of services including emergency care, clinical laboratory, vaccinations, advanced imaging studies, and various specialized consultations spanning gynecology, pediatrics, psychology, cardiology, dermatology, and more.

Global Healthcare Accreditation, endorsed by the International Society for Quality (ISQua), focuses on improving clinical and administrative processes, prioritizing patient experience and medical care safety in medical tourism.

Portuaria participates in the Seatrade 2024 fair

Miami, US.- Jean Luis Rodríguez, the Executive Director of the Dominican Port Authority (Apordom), is currently attending Seatrade 2024, an event taking place from April 8 to 11 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. This marks the fourth time that the Dominican Port Authority is representing the country at Seatrade, aiming to bolster the cruise industry in Dominican territories. The event attracts national and international authorities, tourism stakeholders, travel enthusiasts, exhibitors from over 100 countries, as well as cruise industry experts and professionals.

“In this fourth edition, our country is proudly participating in Seatrade, the world’s largest cruise trade fair and conference in Miami. Here, we showcase the Dominican Republic’s ports to the global audience. We are making history by transforming our destinations through new cruise terminals. Our goal is to promote these new projects, particularly Cabo Rojo, Barahona, Arroyo Barril, and Samaná Bayport, to further solidify our position as the Cruise Hub of the entire Caribbean,” remarked Jean Luis Rodríguez.

The opening day saw the presence of Geanilda Vásquez, the Consul General of the Dominican Republic in Miami, who accompanied the executive director and his team on a tour of the fair and the Dominican Port Authority stand.

Over the course of three days of exhibitions, business engagements, and virtual tours, representatives and executives from ports, tourist destinations, and cruise service companies in the Dominican Republic will engage with attendees at the fair.

Seatrade Cruise Global focuses its program on conferences featuring key figures in the cruise sector, providing opportunities for negotiations with new cruise lines, exploring destinations worldwide, and enhancing performance in tourist destinations.

The agenda for Seatrade Cruise Global includes a welcome event followed by discussions, private meetings, panel sessions, exhibitions, and more, aimed at fostering collaboration and advancement within the cruise industry.

The potential of electronic and arrival visas for the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- Efforts to position the Dominican Republic as a premier destination for travelers continue, yet the nation still grapples with the absence of facilities for issuing arrival visas and electronic visas, setting it apart from other tourism powerhouses it competes with.

This deficiency contributes to the country’s low score in facilitating tourist visas, as highlighted by the UN Tourism Index. While 29% of countries grant visa-free access, the majority, constituting 71%, mandate traditional visa requirements for entry.

In 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mirex) processed 107,066 visas through its consular offices globally, predominantly comprising Multiple Business (84,236), Simple Tourism (10,282), and Multiple Tourism (5,666) visas. However, despite the availability of electronic visa (e-Visa) processes for certain categories, applicants are still obliged to conclude the process in person, as reported by Diario Libre.

The e-Visa represents a crucial inclusion in the draft of Law 875-78 on Visas, currently under Mirex review. This category aims to align the Dominican Republic with international standards and streamline visa acquisition processes. According to Mirex’s 2023 reports, the adoption of e-Visas would bring the country on par with other nations.

Senator Franklin Romero, representing Duarte province, emphasizes the significance of digital advancements in visa issuance, particularly in bolstering initiatives like his proposal to promote digital nomad tourism. Romero identifies the current bureaucratic hurdles of in-person visa processing and advocates for electronic alternatives to enhance efficiency.

While awaiting deliberation in the Senate Tourism Commission, Romero underscores the necessity of e-Visas, especially for digital nomads who may require work visas with tailored privileges. The potential adoption of electronic visa systems stands to enhance the country’s tourism competitiveness and attractiveness to a global audience.

North American and Canadian visitors dominated January-February 2024 tourism influx

Santo Domingo.- Between January and February, the Dominican Republic welcomed a total of 1,498,061 tourists hailing from various corners of the globe, with North Americans and Canadians dominating the visitor demographics, comprising 67% of the total influx during this period.

Leading the pack were visitors from the United States, with 540,911 arrivals, constituting 41.5% of the overall tourist count, followed closely by Canadians, with 331,974 arrivals, representing 25.5%.

Other notable nationalities included Argentines, accounting for 45,304 visitors (3.5%); Colombians, with 44,688 arrivals (3.4%); and French tourists, numbering 39,856 (3.1%).

Remarkably, in 2023, the Dominican Republic outpaced larger nations such as Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina in attracting air travelers, according to data from the Central Bank.

Emerging and secondary markets also contributed significantly to the tourism landscape, with notable arrivals from Mexico (3,891), Chile (2,929), Puerto Rico (2,166), and other regions.

The Monthly Tourist Flow Report by the Central Bank revealed that 86.8% of visitors arrived in the country for leisure or vacation purposes, with 80% opting to stay in hotels.

Demographically, nearly half (48.5%) of these tourists fell within the 21-49 age bracket, with women comprising 51.3% of the total arrivals, while men accounted for 48.7%.

Expanding Santo Domingo’s hotel scene: 1,500 new rooms in 2024

Santo Domingo.- The tourism sector in Santo Domingo is on an upward trajectory, with the city set to welcome 1,500 new hotel rooms this year, further enhancing its appeal to tourists. Among the new additions are hotels like Marriott, Courtyard Piantini, Hyatt Centric, Kimpton Las Mercedes, and a yet-to-be-revealed American hotel chain, as outlined by Mónika Infante, president of the Santo Tourism Cluster, CTSD.

Infante foresees continued growth in the tourism sector in Santo Domingo, especially with the imminent establishment of a large convention and events center.

The General Director of Aeropuertos Dominicanos Siglo XXI (Aerodom) highlighted the strong collaboration between the public and private sectors and Las Américas International Airport (AILA). He noted a significant surge in air traffic this year, with a growth rate of 12.5%, a substantial increase from the previous 2 or 3%. This surge has prompted new investments in the airport infrastructure to meet the escalating demand.

Plans include the construction of a second terminal, requiring an investment of US$250 million and slated for completion by the summer of 2025. Preliminary work, including soil studies, terminal design, and scheduled demolitions, is already underway.

In addition to the terminal expansion, ongoing renovations at the airport include upgrades to baggage handling systems, expanded parking facilities, and enhancements to the check-in and arrival areas, with an estimated investment of $16 million. These developments are expected to accommodate the surge in passenger traffic, doubling the airport’s capacity to accommodate 11 to 12 million passengers by 2023, according to El Hoy.

Skyhigh plans to connect Miami with Puerto Plata

Miami, Florida—During the trade show, the possibility of connecting Miami and Puerto Plata with a direct flight was raised.

Skyhigh Dominicana Airline plans to open a new flight route from Miami International Airport to Gregorio Luperón International Airport in Puerto Plata after receiving a request from Miami travel agencies and tour operators.

The possibility of connecting the cities of Miami and Puerto Plata with a direct flight was raised during the Dominican Republic Trade Show in Miami, organized by the Ministry of Tourism.

At the event, the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, urged the vice-president of Skyhigh Dominicana, Cesarina Beauchamp, to respond to the request of the travel agencies and expressed that he would offer all possible support to achieve this direct flight and increase the arrival of tourists to Puerto Plata.

Currently, the airline connects Santo Domingo and Punta Cana with several Caribbean islands and from the United States with Miami, Providence, and Tampa; and in South America with Caracas, Venezuela, connecting the Caribbean with North America, Central America, and South America.

Mitur seals agreement with four airlines to increase Canadian arrivals by 20%

Dominican tourism authorities signed four agreements with an equal number of airlines, which dominate the flow of passengers from Canada to the Caribbean, to increase the number of seats available on their flights by 15-20%.

The agreements were signed between the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, and representatives of the airlines Air Transat, Air Canada, Sunwing Airlines, and WestJet during the Trade Show Miami 2024, a tourism exhibition fair held by Mitur in Miami at the JW Marriot Marquis Hotel.

“When we make these agreements, we ask the airlines to add more seats to the Dominican Republic, and they can tell you. And if I run out of seats, well, we tell them that Dominican will back you up if that happens. But the seats are filling up, and the demand is growing. That is why Canada is an extremely important market for our country,” said the minister.

Collado also signed an agreement with Voyage en Direct, an online travel agency based in Quebec, Canada. It offers a variety of travel and tourism-related services, including booking flights, hotels, vacation packages, cruises, car rentals, and tourist activities.

He explained that in 2023, 1.1 million tourists arrived in the country from Canada, and he expects that after these agreements, the figure will increase to more than 1.25 million Canadians in 2024.

He indicated that, for this reason, the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) is seeking to consolidate this market and is strengthening all agreements with airlines, travel agencies, and tour operators.

Air Transat is a Canadian airline based in Montreal, Quebec. According to Hoy, the new 2024 agreement estimates a projection of 500,000 passengers.

Agency agreements
Other agreements were with Expedia, a global online travel company offering a wide range of planning services; Signature Travel Network, a network of luxury travel agencies operating globally; Internova Travel Group, a travel agency, and tourism-related service provider; and Virtuoso Travel, a network of luxury travel agencies and high-end tourism service providers worldwide.

In addition, agreements were signed with Despega Travel Agency, a leading online travel company in Latin America; Price Travel, an online travel agency and tour operator based in Mexico; El Corte Inglés, which is known for providing customer service in the travel industry; WestJet, a low-cost airline based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada; and JetBlue, a U.S. airline focused on offering affordable fares.

At the beginning of the negotiations, Collado said that more than 30 agreements were signed through 1,100 meetings scheduled and held between representatives of 70 Dominican companies, considered the most significant tourism operation ever in Florida.

Hundreds of tour operators from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and other Latin American countries participated in the event, which has become an attraction for those involved in the tourism sector.

Cabo Rojo prepares to receive its second cruise

Santo Domingo.- Jean Luis Rodríguez, the executive director of the Dominican Port Authority (Apordom), announced that the province of Pedernales is gearing up to welcome the arrival of the second cruise ship through the Cabo Rojo port on Monday, April 8.

The vessel, named Nieuw Amsterdam, belonging to Holland America Line, has a capacity for up to 2,106 visitors and 929 crew members. They will have the opportunity to explore a range of ecological destinations in the province and the Enriquillo region.

Rodríguez emphasized the significance of cruise passenger traffic for Pedernales, attributing it to the visionary leadership and commitment to the country by President Luis Abinader.

Additionally, Rodríguez confirmed that Puerto Plata, Samaná, La Romana, and the National District will welcome hundreds of tourists this April, arriving on 67 high-level cruise ships.

According to Apordom’s report on port activities, from April 1st to April 30th of this year, Taíno Bay, Amber Cove, Sans Souci Tourist Terminal, and Catalina Fondeadero I will host foreign visitors, stimulating the economies of these regions.

The arrival of ships commenced on April 1st with vessels like the Norwegian Prima, Carnival Venezia, Norwegian Escape, and Adventure Of The Seas. The list includes upcoming arrivals such as Nieuw Statendam, Liberty Of The Seas, MSC Seascape, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Vista, Caribbean Princess, Explorer Of The Seas, Valiant Lady, Carnival Mardi Gras, Celebrity Apex, MSC Meraviglia, among others.

The data presented corresponds to the projected calendar of port and cruise anchorage impacts for the Dominican Republic in April 2024. It is noted that certain variables, such as changes in cruise routes, weather conditions, and other factors, may result in adjustments to the schedule.

Las Américas Airport reopens after repairing “hole” in runway

Santo Domingo.- The Las Américas International Airport (AILA), José Francisco Peña Gómez, is operating normally after the repair of the asphalt detachment on runway 17-35 that caused its temporary closure.

The information was offered by Aeropuertos Dominicanos Siglo XXI (Aerodom), through a publication on its account on the X platform, where it indicated that since 12:35 a.m. today, Monday, April 8, all flights at AILA have been taking place without incident.

Likewise, the entity thanked “everyone for their understanding in this extraordinary situation.”

It should be noted that the “hole” in the runway as mentioned above caused delays in the arrival and departure of flights. Several flights had to be diverted to alternate airports.

Banreservas: Punta Bergantín hotels to boost Puerto Plata tourism

Santo Domingo.- Samuel Pereyra, the administrator of the Banreservas, highlighted the significance of a new hotel chain’s commitment to Puerto Plata, expressing optimism that it will revitalize tourism in the northern region. Following an agreement with the Dominican Republic, the hotel chain is set to commence operations in Punta Bergantín.

Pereyra emphasized the efforts of President Luis Abinader’s government to stimulate tourism in Puerto Plata, welcoming the participation of a fourth hotel chain in Punta Bergantín.

He provided details, stating that Karisma Hotels & Resorts, renowned for its luxury properties across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe, has signed an agreement of understanding with the Punta Bergantín Trust. The project entails the development of a hotel with 300 rooms and a water park, with an investment totaling US$209 million dollars, as reported by Nuevo Diario.

The hotel chain’s portfolio includes notable brands such as Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts, Margaritaville Island Reserve, part of the Island Reserve Inclusive Collection by Karisma, and Azul Beach Resorts by Karisma.

The Epicure by Paradisus: a culinary extravaganza at Paradisus Palma Real

Punta Cana.- Destination Inclusive®, the luxury resort brand of Meliá Hotels International, is set to host the third edition of “The Epicure by Paradisus” from April 26 to 28 at the Paradisus Palma Real hotel. This gastronomic event aims to continue celebrating Dominican cuisine, featuring renowned chefs Antonia Lofaso and Alan Vargas as special guests.

Francisco Camps, Managing Director of Meliá Hotels International in the Dominican Republic, revealed that the weekend will kick off on Friday, April 26, with a master class led by Chef Alan Vargas. Attendees will learn the art of correctly cutting fish for raw dishes like sushi and ceviches, as well as garnishing and seasoning techniques using premium oils.

Camps expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “The Epicure by Paradisus has become an important fixture in both national and international gastronomy, bringing together esteemed chefs on a single platform. We trust that this third edition will be an unforgettable experience for our guests.”

On Saturday, April 27, Chef Lofaso and Chef Vargas will collaborate to present an eight-course dinner at the resort’s Mina restaurant. Combining Vargas’ American fusion style with Lofaso’s Italian culinary background, the menu will feature dishes such as fresh seafood ceviches, appetizers with local fruits and spices, crispy duck breast with orecchiette pasta, and rum-braised short ribs.

The culinary weekend will conclude on Sunday, April 28, with a culinary class led by Chef Lofaso, focusing on the art of making authentic Italian ravioli.

Luis Cancela, Food & Beverage Partner of Meliá Hotels International in the Dominican Republic, expressed gratitude for the participation of Chef Lofaso and Chef Vargas, anticipating a memorable culinary experience for guests. Cancela highlighted that “The Epicure by Paradisus” series is part of the resort’s commitment to providing guests with innovative and interactive experiences, enhancing the all-inclusive vacation experience.

“The Epicure” series, held once a month at a Paradisus location with rotating chefs, offers guests an interactive culinary experience centered around unique themes. Visiting chefs share industry insights and showcase their culinary specialties, enriching guests’ dining experiences.

300 rooms hotel set for Punta Bergantín

Miami, US.- Karisma Hotels & Resorts has inked a significant agreement with the Punta Bergantín Trust, marking a pivotal moment in hospitality development. The collaboration sets the stage for a groundbreaking project featuring 300 rooms and a captivating water park, backed by a robust investment of US$ 209 million.

In addition to the extensive lodging options, the project will boast an array of amenities, including restaurants, bars, meeting spaces, wellness centers, and fitness facilities. It aims to create a holistic experience for guests, blending leisure with opportunities for relaxation and social engagement.

Jorge Luis Feliz, President of Karisma Dominican Republic, expressed his enthusiasm for the venture, highlighting its significance for both the company and the Dominican Republic. He emphasized the project’s uniqueness, poised to redefine hospitality in the region and beyond.

The development’s design reflects a thoughtful fusion of condominiums and hotel accommodations, tailored to cater to the needs of families. Feliz underscored the project’s commitment to capturing the essence of Puerto Plata, promising unforgettable experiences for visitors while fostering social and economic growth in the Punta Bergantín area.

The investment in Punta Bergantín serves as a testament to Karisma’s dedication to advancing tourism in the Dominican Republic. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to showcase the country’s diverse attractions on the global stage.

The Punta Bergantín Trust outlined a comprehensive vision for the project, envisioning not only new hotel rooms and residential units but also a golf club, beach clubs, and a thematic town. This multi-dimensional approach aims to honor Puerto Plata’s rich heritage as a pioneering tourist destination while propelling the region into a new era of innovation and sustainability.

The announcement of this transformative endeavor took place at a trade show in Miami, underscoring its significance on an international scale. Key figures from the tourism sector, including Minister of Tourism David Collado and representatives from banking entities, participated in the event, signaling widespread support for the project’s success.