AUGUST 2010

World Bank highlights developments in Dominican Republic

Advises giving better-paying wages in the tourism sector

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The World Bank noted that the Dominican Republic has made progress in policy, but still requires a cultural and institutional change at all levels and also needs to provide higher paying wages in export-oriented sectors such as tourism.

The bank made available yesterday at a ceremony held at the Hotel Meliá, a study called The Dominican Republic: from international financial crisis to growth for all, a text of 150 pages containing nine research sections and policy recommendations.

The document was prepared at the request of the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development (MEPyD) to be used as input for the proposed National Development Strategy (END) 2010-2030.

The investigation was carried out by the World Bank team, led by Roby Senderowitsch, under the guidance of the Director for the Caribbean region, Yvonne Tsikata.

The context of this study was from the middle of 2008, a period when the country recorded a reduction in international trade, a decline in tourism, remittances and a lower than expected economic growth.

The event was attended by Ministers of Economy, Temistocles Montas, and Finance, Vicente Bengoa, and Magdalena Lizardo, Director of the MEPyD Analysis Unit.

Las Terrenas Live, 02.08.10

Dominican Republic needs to develop sustainable tourism

Without tourism, the country would be 25 percent poorer

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The coordinator of the Dominican Tourism Competitiveness Consortium (CDCT), Luis Omar Fernández, claimed that the growth in tourism that the country made in five years, in the future could take 11 years, which requires the implementation of policies that make sustainable the tourism development in the Dominican Republic.

Mr. Fernández explained that according to a study by the World Tourism Organization, if the tourism sector of the country disappeared, it would make the country 25 percent poorer, hence the importance of developing sustainable tourism in a timely manner. It also pointed out that there are indicators that show that while we have made progress in this regard, some problems could easily arise.

He mentioned that it took the Dominican Republic 20 years to reach the level of four million tourists, ie, an average of one million every five years. However, if current trends continue, reaching the next million visitors will take eleven years.

For Fernandez the theme of tourism expenditure in the country is related to the vertical movement of the sector due to business competitiveness, since a company can be the owner of the travel agency and hotel, among others. In his opinion this reduces the level of spending of the tourists who visit the country. He added that is why there is a need to identify new market niches that allow visitors to get out and make additional expenditures.

He indicated that achieving the diversification of the money spent by a tourist and stay in the vertical chain will pass the benefits on to the country. He mentioned that 90% of tourists come through the all-inclusives, so it is necessary to diversify tourism and increase spending.

Las Terrenas Live, 03.08.10

The National Association of Hotels and Restaurants incorporates other institutions

Changes its name to Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The National Association of Hotels and Restaurantsof the Dominican Republic (Asonahores) is a private entity that defends and promotes tourism in the country. It recently gained strength by adding to its roster other industry associations, such as the Association of Airports, Cruise Ports and Real Estate Projects (ADETI).

hese associations will become part of the Board of Directors of Asonahores, and henceforth Asonahores will be known as, the Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic, Inc.

Furthermore, Julio Llibre will assume the office of president of the Association following the conclusion of the Business Expo, which is being held from the 25^th to the 28^th of August at the Dominican Fiesta Hotel in Santo Domingo. Asonahores was officially founded as a private entity on June 18^th, 1962.

It assumed the leadership of the private tourism sector, and undertook significant actions to address the public and private agencies which focused their efforts on the importance of tourism in the economic and social development of the country, as well as the influence of the hotel and gastronomy sector as service and support systems of tourism in the Dominican Republic.

Las Terrenas Live, 04.08.10

Tourism Office of Brazil hosts a workshop on the Dominican Republic

Emphasizing the beauty of Samaná

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- Tourist Promotion Office (OPT) in Brazil hosted a seminar on the Dominican Republic, aimed at tour operators, airline representatives and travel agents who work in the promotion and sale of the country.

About 150 tourism professionals met in the Circulo Italiano, in São Paulo, to learn more about the diversity offered by this destination, which is the leader in the Caribbean, and has maintained sustainable growth so far this year.

Nodalia Arias, a representative for the Dominican Republic in Brazil, highlighted the country’s natural beauties and various options that would appeal to all types of tourists, such as, Punta Cana, one of the major destinations, Samaná and Las Terrenas, Puerto Plata, and all areas in the south, as well as the central parts of the island, which have incredible mountain scenery.

The main purpose of this event was to publicize the new tourism packages and provide materials to travel agents and tour operators, so that they would have more information for their customers, said Arias.

According to the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic, during the first four months of 2010, the country has received 9,704 Brazilians, 86.6% more than during the same period last year, when there were only 5,201. In April alone, there were 2,005 Brazilians, which represents an increase of 111.3% over April 2009.

Five years ago, when we installed the office in Brazil, onlyfive thousand Brazilians were visiting the Dominican annually, today the figure exceeds 20 thousand. One of the goals that we have this year is to increase the number of Brazilian tourists to over 24,000 Arias said at the conclusion of the activity.

Las Terrenas Live, 05.08.10

Summer Party with the Grupo Herradura, Paco Cabana, Las Terrenas

Sunday August 8^th, 2010

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- This weekend, one of the most famous restaurant/bars in the area, Paco Cabana, will host a musical event for the enjoyment of its patrons.

This Sunday August 8^th, starting at 7 _p.m., the Latin Jazz- Reggae group, Herradura, from the city of Santiago de los Caballeros, will give a concert on the beach.

This sunset summer party promises to be an event not to be missed !Admission is free, and you can call 809 602 0406 for reservations.

Las Terrenas Live, 06.08.10

US $15 fee waived for cruise ship tourists

To encourage visits by cruise ships

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The Executive office issued a decree exempting the payment of the $15 airport entrance fee for passengers in transit on cruise ships, which cost the state about US $7.4 million in revenues.

This law comes into effect by Decree No. 375-10, dated July 26^th of this year, and was issued by President Leonel Fernández, with respect to document ICAO 9562, in the Handbook of Economics of Airports, which states that the aeronautical tax should not be applied to passengers in direct transit

Cruise tourism accounts for about US $80 million per year, and each cruise that docks in a Dominican port contributes about US $200 thousand to the country´s economy. the number of ships currently stands at about 400 annually.

During the first four months of the year more than 350,900 tourists entered the country from cruise ships. Magaly Toribio, vice minister of Tourism, recently claimed that at the ports of Santo Domingo, Samana and La Romana; 303,000 cruise passengers disembarked in 2007, some 400,000 in 2008, and 498,000 in 2009, and the projected growth for this year was 5%.

If the 498,000 cruise passengers who arrived in the country paid the US $15 airport entrance fee, the amount collected would be US $7.47 million.

For the issuance of the decree, the Executive office looked to the request made by the Ministry of Tourism to the Civil Aviation Board, in which it was stated that the airport tax, as applied to tourists from cruise ships, adversely affects the ability to successfully promote and foster the arrival of cruise ships to the country.

A request was also made by the Civil Aviation Board itself, in the form of a request by the Ministry of Tourism, adopted by resolution 145-2010 of July 21^st, 2010, recommending and requesting that the Executive office issue a decree exempting passengers from cruise ships.

Las Terrenas Live, 09.08.10

Hoteliers in the province of Samaná welcome road construction

Increased accessibility allows the development of tourism

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- Representatives of Samaná hotel sector expressed their satisfaction with the progress of the work being done on the stretch of highway that leads to Las Galeras, believing that easier access will allow further development of tourism in this destination.

Luis Lopez, president of the hotels Amhsa Marina, noted that the roadways built by the Government in the area supports the investments made by the hotel sector and boosts the economy of the peninsula.

The works are part of the Tourism Atlantic Boulevard, a US $160 million dollar project to modernize the road network running Nagua- Sánchez - Samaná - Las Terrenas, and touching all the tourist destinations in the northeast.

The work involves reconstruction of 99 kilometers of road from Nagua to Las Terrenas and another 24 kilometers from this point to the Airport El Catey.

Mr. Lopez explained that in addition to progress in the longitudinal aspect, ditches have been built to contain specific sections, and areas have been cleaned where the road crosses. Also maintenance work is being implemented to ensure transit conditions.

The hotel executive was optimistic with the progress of the works and said that they complement investments made by the private sector for the final take-off of the tourist region of Samaná, which he considered one of the most complete and attractive of the Caribbean. We are building a service infrastructure that is in tune with the requirements of this region, where ecotourism meets the sun and beach.

Las Terrenas Live, 11.08.10

Good management of the global crisis maintains stability in tourism

The sector is the main generator of foreign currency for the Dominican economy

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The government of President Leonel Fernández has done well with the global banking crisis and this has helped maintain stability in the country’s main production lines, such as tourism, according to the former Secretary of Finance, Fernando Alvarez Bogaert.

The tourism sector is the main generator of foreign currency for the Dominican economy, so that its progress directly affects the creation of new jobs and the development of major regions of the Dominican Republic.

Mr. Bogaert stressed that the local economy has the problem of an overly expansive fiscal policy whose weight has fallen on the Central Bank, which means that the country has to focus on export-oriented productivity.

The Economist shared his views at the Balance of economic reforms in the Dominican economy Conference, held in the Ravelo de la Fuente Hall of the Instituto Tecnologico de Santo Domingo (INTEC). In attendance were: the Dean of the Academy, Miguel Escala, dean of the business school, Christopher Diomedes, Eduardo Estrella, Luis Abinader, the vice president of the UASD, Nino Feliz, economists Magdalena Lizardo, Rolando Guzman, Atahualpa Domínguez, and the coordinator of the School of Economics, Apolinar Veloz, among others.

During his presentation on The international economy and the Dominican competitiveness, Bogaert emphasized the effects of economic policies implemented by developed countries on underdeveloped countries in avoiding the undesirable effects of the global economic crisis.

Las Terrenas Live, 13.08.10

Investors are increasingly placing their focus on luxury projects

All Inclusive are generating less interest

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- A report by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) on the situation of tourism in the region has revealed that hotel companies are moving away from low-cost hotels and all-inclusive to capture customers with in the high end market, which has undesirable side effects for mass tourism.

Many new ventures are aimed at what ECLAC called real estate tourism, which is aimed at frequent travelers who begin to feel attracted to a particular destination and consider the possibility of investing there in the long term.

Local entrepreneurs are also paying more attention to the residential model. Luis Jose Asilis, CEO of Metro Group, which is developing a massive residential project about 45 minutes east of Santo Domingo, stated that every day our country is gaining in reputation as an exclusive market and it is among the best options for tourists.

There are still large projects aimed at the all-inclusive clientele, but I think everyday more real estate projects are being built in tourist areas that offer more benefits to the country, such as shops, restaurants and supermarkets, added Mr. Asilis.

The emphasis on specialized offerings has helped the tourism industry to recuperate from sluggish growth in recent years.For the six month period ending in June, there were 2.2 million visitors, an increase of 9%, which puts the country on pace for its best year ever, according to statistics from the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

Alvaro Diago, chief operating officer for the Caribbean region for Inter Continental Hotels Group, a UK based hotel chain, sees the untapped potential of the Dominican Republic, in terms of luxury hotel development.

We’re at the analyzing stage with a group of investors who are exploring various opportunities to develop new hotel projects or possibly rename some existing properties.We are very optimistic about the present and, certainly, the future of Dominican Republic , stated Mr. Diago

Las Terrenas Live, 17.08.10

Ministry of Tourism assures that the sector continues to consolidate

6.16 percent growth of tourism in July 2010

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- Minister of Tourism, Francisco Javier García said that strengthening of the tourism sector is evidenced by the 6.16 percent growth for the month of July.

He said tourism has grown steadily over the past twelve months and ensured that the year will close in blue numbers, like 2009.

The development strategies that we have implemented in the European, U.S., Canadian, and South American markets, as well as other countries and regions have been the correct ones, pointed out Mr. García Fernández.

The official announced that the Ministry of Tourism will support swimmer Marcos Diaz on his journey, The Swimming of the Continents, noting that the swimmer has become a goodwill ambassador for the Dominican Republic.

He claimed that Marcos Diaz is a symbol of Dominican youth and a true expression of a people who only wish to serve its visitors. He added that the feats achieved by the swimmer help to promote the country as a tourist destination, and strengthens the lead role the Dominican Republic has in the Caribbean.

For his part, Marcos Diaz acknowledged the work done by the Ministry of Tourism and was thankful for the support he has received during his current crusade.

Las Terrenas Live, 18.08.10

Vehicular Tax Sticker renewal begins today

Available at the Internal Revenue collector in Las Terrenas

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The Directorate General of Internal Taxes (DGII) began the process of renewal of the motor vehicle traffic tags that will extend over the next three months with 268 service points.

With a copy of vehicle registration, the taxpayer may acquire the new label in the savings and loan associations, banks BDI, BDA, ADEMI, Vimenca, Banco Federal, Las Américas, Multipago Expreso, Adopem and collectors of Internal Revenue Las Terrenas, Pedernales, Jimaní, Villa Vasquez, Samana and Sanchez.

The details of the initiation of the process were offered during a press conference led by Germania Montás Yapur, acting director of the DGII, Major-General José Aníbal Sanz, director of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (AMET) and Virginia Gomez, from the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Mr. Yapur noted that this year the range of prices presents a segmentation that benefit the vehicle owners. Those with vehicles predating 2005 will pay RD $ 1,200, while those from 2006 onwards will pay RD $ 2,200.

He reported that the revenue projection for this year is RD $1.382 billion.

Last year DGII collected RD $930 million. The vehicle fleet grew 10% last year.

In addition to the points raised, taxpayers can renew their tags at the website: www.dgii.gov.do. Entering the 2010 label option, place the number plate of the vehicle and the credit card number.

Las Terrenas Live, 19.08.10

The Hotel and Restaurant Association supports tourism growth

In Samaná real estate tourism is promoted

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- Directors of the Association of Hotels and Restaurants (Asonahores) yesterday endorsed the statistics published by the authorities, which stated that the national tourism grew 6.16% in July this year, compared with the same dates as last year.

Arturo Villanueva, executive vice president of the association, said that reports of the Civil Aviation Board corroborate the growth, registering an increase in flights to the country from different destinations, such as Russia.

The increase, he explained, is the product of a joint policy aimed at facilitating tourist-generating markets, coordinated between the authorities and the Ministry of Tourism.

In recent years, real estate tourism has also been a factor, for example in Puerto Plata and Samaná. The fact is not all tourists stay in hotels, but many go to their homes, he said.

The statements were offered to complete the signing of a cooperation agreement between Asonahores and the Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE).

Las Terrenas Live, 20.08.10

Tourism Minister points out the high level of safety in the country’s tourist destinations

New director of the Tourist Police, Pedro Antonio Cáceres Chestaro, is introduced

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The Minister of Tourism, Francisco Javier Garcia, said that the various tourist destinations of the nation will continue to be safe under the direction of the new director of the Tourist Police (POLITUR), Major General Pedro Antonio Cáceres Chestaro.

Mr. Garcia stated that the new director is considered extraordinarily moral and civic minded, and attached to the rules and regulations, as is required by the institution.

We are confident that General Caceres Chestaro will do an excellent job as the head of the POLITUR, and will be supported not only the Ministry of Tourism, but also within the private sector, said the minister.

Mr. Garcia praised the former director, General Henry Gomez Bueno, saying that in the two years that he led POLITUR he did a great job that deserves recognition. We are convinced that this work will not only continue, but will improve in the person of Cáceres Chestaro.

General Cáceres said, I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the support provided to us by the Minister for Tourism and the confidence that has been placed in me the supreme head of the armed forces, the president of the republic, in this very important and delicate area that is the security the tourism sector.

Las Terrenas Live, 23.08.10

Afro-Cuban Night, Dinner and Show

This Friday at Cafe Zingaro, Las Terrenas

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- This Friday August 27^th, one of the best culinary establishments in Las Terrenas, Café Zingaro, will present a dinner show featuring Afro-Cuban atmosphere, starting at 8 _p.m.

Come and enjoy a night of dancing led by Professor Pipo and his salsa dancers.

The Zingaro Cafe is located in the Colonial Center, in the heart of Las Terrenas, between the traquility of the sea and the excitement of downtown, and is characterized by its round shape and numerous entries that allow customers to enjoy the outdoors.

Dinner will be served for $650 RD, and you can make reservations by phone at 809 707 1948.

Las Terrenas Live, 25.08.10

The tourism industry needs long-term policies

According to the National Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The National Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic (Asonahores) claims that the government needs to understand that tourism, which is a long term investment, also need policies and regulations that are long term.

Haydee Kuret de Ranieri, who concluded his term as president of this organization, spoke at the opening ceremony of the XXIV Exhibition of that entity, which is scheduled for Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the Dominican Fiesta hotel.

Many times during these two years, when new projects and unpredictable consequences arose one after the other, I wondered if our authorities understood what the tourism industry is, its competitiveness and its international projection, although we enjoyed the unqualified support of our Minister of Tourism, with whom we defended hand in hand, the development and strengthening of the tourism industry .

The official noted that although we have made great strides in promoting road infrastructure, and have worked on the environment, « the reality is that we have not confronted other issues that affect our competitiveness." He cited as outstanding issues on the agenda, the high cost of energy, tourism taxation, management of tourist areas, public safety and legal security for investment.

Mr. Ranieri put his comments in the context of the global economic crisis, indicating that despite these difficult circumstances, the country has achieved and maintained positive numbers and continued to be the industry leader in the Caribbean. But he warned that if we wish to maintain this position, to restore the profitability of hotels and attract new investments, we must develop a strategic development plan and work it with conscience.

Las Terrenas Live, 26.08.10

Work progresses on the road between Las Terrenas and El Catey - The Majagua

Part of the Atlantic Touristic Boulevard project

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- Work on the road joining the communities of Las Terrenas and El Catey, on the Samaná peninsula, is progressing at a good pace.

This road construction is part of the Atlantic Touristic Boulevard project, which is being built at a cost of US $160 million dollars

The Tourism Atlantic Boulevard will stretch 123.648 kilometers and consists of the rehabilitation of the road network on the Samaná peninsula, with plans of making it one of the most important tourist destinations in the country.

The road network will link Nagua - Sanchez - El Limon - Cruce de Abra Grande - Las Terrenas - Balata and El Catey. This roadwork will link the El Catey airport with Las Terrenas.

See the pictures of the road El Catey - Las Terrenas, La Majagua Here

Las Terrenas Live, 27.08.10

Francisco Javier Garcia emphasizes the importance of tourism

We must remain fully aware of what tourism means to the country

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The Minister Tourism encouraged all sectors of the country to understand the importance that the tourist sector has for the economy and the development of the Dominican Republic.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the XXIV ASONAHORES Exhibition 2010, Francisco Javier Garcia highlighted the joint work of the public and private sectors to achieve significant progress in the sector over the past two years, despite the global crisis of this period.The official said that thanks to these efforts, tourism has shown steady growth over the past twelve months.

He added that the Dominican Republic should develop an awareness campaign on the importance of tourism, what he called the backbone of the economy.

It should be clear that tourism is essential for the development of multiple sectors of the national economy, said Garcia. If the tourism industry of the Dominican Republic is given the opportunity for further development, we will not be only the leader in the Caribbean, but in all of Latin America, he said. He compared the country with other markets in the Americas, including Brazil and Colombia, who have geographies and populations much larger than the Dominican Republic, but attract less tourists.

We have not reached the level of awareness that is required for this sector, which generates more than 200,000 jobs and about four billion in foreign exchange currencies per year, he said.He added that the Dominican Republic should maintain its promotion in international markets, and that this promotion should be considered an investment not an expense.

Las Terrenas Live, 30.08.10

The Emergency Operations Center perform preventive evacuations in the coastal area of Nagua

Samaná is on yellow alert

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The Emergency Operations Center (COE) initiated precautionary evacuations in the coastal area of Nagua, Matancita, Cabrera and San Pedro de Macoris due to strong waves caused by Hurricane Earl.

The relief agency activated the emergency committees in the provinces of Monte Cristi, Puerto Plata, María Trinidad Sánchez, Espaillat, especially Gaspar Hernandez, which were all places on yellow alert.

Meteorologists warned that the effects of Hurricane Earl could start being felt here this afternoon with abnormal waves and possible penetration of the ocean in the coastal areas of Nagua, Cabrera and Matancita

Manuel Méndez, director of the COE said the yellow alert for the tropical storm stretches from La Romana to Cape Engaño and from Cape Engaño to Samaná including Saona Island and the provinces of Altagracia, El Seibo and Hato Mayor. He said the rest of the country is outside the danger areas.

The director of Onamet, Gloria Cevallos, explained that the hurricane is now classified category three. It could travel a path between 300-350 kilometers northeast of Punta Cana, causing strong waves on the north and east coast. Medium and small craft should remain in port and water sports are prohibited.

Stay informed of the progress of Hurricane Earl on our special page : Hurricane Season 2010

Las Terrenas Live, 31.08.10