MAY 2010

Dominican - European Humanitarian Association invites you to a meeting

¿What happened with the donation you made to Haiti ?

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- To explain it, to show how we used it, to tell you how humanitarian aid could reach those who needed the most your generosity, and, first of all, to thank you publicly, the team of Dominican - European Humanitarian Association invites you to attend the official presentation of all our experience in Haiti, extensively documented by photos and film, to be held on Tuesday May the 4^th at 7:00 _PM, in the sports center of Las Terrenas.

Las Terrenas Live, 04.05.10

Premium products affect the development of tourism

Real estate tourism in the country reflects the sophistication in the tourism sector

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The sustained global growth in consumption of premium products and services are reflected in the tourism sector by creating offerings that meet the expectations and needs of a consumer committed to exclusivity and quality, as explained the chairman of United Brands, Jose Jimenez.

Mr. Jimenez said that the development of real estate tourism in the Dominican Republic is a display case of sophistication in the tourism industry, with millions invested in the creation of projects that have helped to attract the attention and capital of renowned personalities from the world of entertainment, sports and international politics.

He also highlighted that the dynamism achieved in recent years by the modality of luxury real estate tourism and sports represented a clear demonstration of what marketing specialists have called the culture of sophistication.

In the Dominican Republic this trend is reflected in the increased consumption of premium and super premium whiskey category which went from a 10.45% market share of Scotch whiskey in 1999 to take up 41.72% in 2008 stated Jiménez.

The chairman of United Brands makes a direct link between the change in consumption patterns and the process of sophistication with the development of new niche markets which are attractive options for the local tourism industry.

In this regard, he cited the increase in golf courses number, that passed from 16 fields in 2000 to 25 fields in 2009, a situation that helped Dominican Republic to become a great golf destination in the Caribbean.

Las Terrenas Live, 05.05.10

Rock & Roll in Zingaro Café

This Friday May 7^th, 2010

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- This Friday, Zingaro Café in the Colonial plaza in the Carmen Street of Las Terrenas, presents a Rock concert, with two spectacular bands.

Beyond

A gang of crazy youngsters, taking modern music back to the age of screaming guitars and thundering drums.

Beyond band is composed by:

Joanny : Guitar and vocals, the band’s songwriter

Lucas : Guitar

Howlin’ Loup : Drums

Metal Mania Philippe : Bass

Tora Bora

Yes, it really happened: Sergio got another band together ! This time something completely new: a French, Italian, Dutch project with a very different kind of repertoire, new songs and he even found a singer (kinda crazy, but OK, he does sing…).

Tora Boraband is composed by:

• Matteo: Vocals

• Serge: Guitar

• Philippe: Bass

• Mario: Drums

So, now you know: be there or be square !

Friday the 7^th in Zingaro Café, We’re gonna start early: at 08:30_pm… So don’t be late !

Las Terrenas Live, 06.05.10

Dominican Republic with large presence in the Italian market

60 articles and news published in different media

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The tourism sector in the Dominican Republic has achieved significant progress thanks to the wise policies pursued by the current Minister, Francisco Javier Garcia, who has made many efforts to promote the country abroad, according to the Italian press.

The Tourism Office of the Dominican Republic in Italy under the direction of Neyda Garcia, has a broad agenda of activities with presence in major media in this nation .

During the months of February and March these activities generated 60 publications in print media, radio and television, which emphasizes the participation of the Dominican delegation, headed by Minister of Tourism Francisco Javier Garcia, to the ITB tourism fair in Milan 2010.

At that time the national newspaper, Internazionale, published an interview with the minister of tourism, which highlighted the correct strategy followed by the country to keep positive tourism numbers in times of global crisis and the importance of Italian market for the Dominican tourism.

While the newspaper for tourists Travel Trade Caribbean, headlined The Dominican Republic returns to growth, stressing the infrastructure works being conducted by the tourism ministry in the country and the over 70 thousand rooms available in the various tourist destinations.

One of the most interesting articles, following the earthquake that struck our neighbors in Haiti, was published in the journal Turismo e Actualita, showing Dominican solidarity with Haitians, without neglecting their main source of foreign exchange earnings, tourism. The magazine titled Dominican Republic tourism development and solidarity.

Weddings in the Dominican Republic, a complimentary attraction in tourist service, where individuals from around the world go to the major hotels to get married, is also promoted in Italy, so Internazionale dedicated an article on its page 59 of the twenty-fifth of March.

Las Terrenas Live, 10.05.10

Construction of tourism project Colinas al Mar starts on the Cosón beach of Las Terrenas 

The project has the services of the firm Stewart Title

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- Abdel Investment Company began the construction of the building project Colinas Al Mar, a resort located on the Cosón beach, in the Samaná province, for an investment of RD $ 300 millions.

Xiomara Alba and Vanessa Cambiaso, executives of the company, stated that Colinas al Mar is a low density project with 60 dwelling units, distributed in 15 blocks located strategically.

They announced that the work will be executed to the highest international quality standards and the guarantee of a management agreement with Viva Residence, which will operate the services and facilities of the complex.

Las Terrenas Live, 12.05.10

Municipal elections on Sunday in Las Terrenas

Results will be published Monday on Las Terrenas Live

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- This Sunday, May the 16^th, in Las Terrenas and throughout the rest of the country, municipal elections will be held to elect the mayor of the Municipality of Las Terrenas.

This time, candidates for mayor are:

• Jose Alexis, current trustee of the town of Las Terrenas, for the Dominican Liberation Party and the Revolutionary Social Christian Party;

• Camilo Medina, for the Dominican Revolutionary Party;

• José Bourget, for Dominicans for Change Party;

Candidates aspire to become next Las Terrenas mayor, from 2010 to 2016.

It is the only period of six years for municipal representatives : typically period lasts four years, but Article 237 of the constitutional reform project approved last year, unified the presidential elections with the congressional and municipal elections in 2016, as contemplated in the agreement signed by President Leonel Fernández and Miguel Vargas Maldonado.

Las Terrenas Live will keep you informed of the electoral process, with a report of the results on Monday, May the 17^th.

Las Terrenas Live, 14.05.10

José Alexis reelected with 52.48% of suffrages in Las Terrenas

Camilo Medina wins 46.75% of votes, José Bourget 0.77%

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The Central Electoral Board emitted this Monday may 17^th, in the morning the official results of municipal and congress elections that took place yesterday in all the country.

In Las Terrenas, the Party of Dominican Liberation, PLD and its allies obtained 52.48% of suffrages, while the Dominican Revolutionary Party, PRD and its allies won 46.75% of votes, for a total of 5,572 voters.

It represents 2,924 votes in favor of PLD candidate and actual mayor, José Alexis Martínez, and 2,605 votes for the PRD candidate, Camilo Medina. José Bourget, in representation of the party Dominicans for change, DXC, obtained 43 votes in Las Terrenas, it is to say 0.77% of total.

The elections of this May 16^th, 2010, led to the reelection of José Alexis Martínez as mayor of Las Terrenas, who will take office on next August 16^th, and will direct the town hall until 2016.

Results of the report number 11 of JCE

Las Terrenas Live, 17.05.10

Tourist Atlantic Boulevard, the best financed project of the year

It four multilateral financial institutions

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The Tourist Atlantic Boulevard Project (BTA), which will equip the entire peninsula of Samaná with road infrastructure that will help it to complete its international development, received an external recognition.

The Tourist Atlantic Boulevard was rated as the best financed project of the year, as it is the first project that brings together four multilateral financial institutions such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the Andin Development Corporation (CAF) and the French financial institution, Proparco.

According to a press document released yesterday, financial institutions gave loans to the company Atlantic Tourist Boulevard C. por A., which is an entity of Dominican-Colombian capital, whose shareholders are the Consortium Remix S. A., S. Odinsa Group A. and Grodco SCA, that through the project, is constructing and will ensure the maintenance of the road network Nagua - Sánchez and El Limón, Samaná - Las Terrenas - El Catey.

Las Terrenas Live, 18.05.10

Dominican Republic economy grows despite global crisis

Gross Domestic Product increase of 7.5%

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- President Leonel Fernández has stressed that despite the global economic crisis, the Dominican Republic experienced a growth of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 7.5% in the first three months of the year.

After he pronounced a speech on Constitutional Reform in the Dominican Republic at the University Carlos III de Madrid, Leonel Fernández said that the positive handling of the economy in the context of the global crisis has been expressed in a sustained Gross Domestic Product growth.

Leonel Fernández has said that while most countries in the world and the region experienced an economical decrease because of the global crisis, the Dominican Republic has remained solid.

The Head of State pointed out that good economic management by the Government is the first element to explain the official candidates triumph in the past congressional and municipal elections.

On the other hand, Leonel Fernández praised the great importance of the Summit on Haiti and the European Union which begins today with the participation of the representatives and heads of government of various countries.

The president has indicated that it is the penultimate in a series of meetings held prior to culminate with the World Summit Haiti Solidarity beyond the crisis to be held in the Dominican Republic on June the 2^nd.

Las Terrenas Live, 19.05.10

Increase of foreign investment strengthens Dominican economy

Imports grow during the first quarter

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The confidence of Dominican entrepreneurs, and other productive sectors of the country and the increase of foreign investment, show that the Dominican economy is taking the right path, said the director general of Customs, Rafael Camilo.

The official said that the Dominican economy presents an extraordinary dynamism, an increase in the foreign market, doubling the proceeds in payment of fees in the first months of the year compared with the same period of 2009, as informed the general director Customs Rafael Camilo.

Mr. Camilo also higlighted the good management of the global economic crisis by the economic team of President Leonel Fernández.

Las Terrenas Live, 20.05.10

Dominican Republic is a clear example of how tourism can benefit the society

According to the World Tourism Organization

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The secretary general of the World Tourism Organization (WTO), Taleb Rifai, said Dominican Republic was playing an extremely active role in the for the reconstruction of Haiti, and welcomed the progress that has been developed in the tourism industry in order to improving the living conditions of its citizens.

During the visit of Dominican President Leonel Fernández, at WTO headquarters in Madrid, Mr. Rifai conveyed his deep gratitude for his effective and generous support to Haiti. What is good for a neighbor is also good for oneself, he added.

The responsible for the organization also qualified the Dominican Republic as a clear example of the benefits that tourism can transmit to society, especially with the creation of jobs.

Along with this, Mr. Rifai stressed the importance of tourism as a tool to achieve peace, calling it a key activity in building links between different cultures.

Las Terrenas Live, 21.05.10

The arrival of Brazilian tourists to the Dominican Republic quadruples

Reflection of bilateral cooperation between the two nations

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The number of Brazilian tourists visiting the Dominican Republic has increased fourfold between 2004 and 2009, increasing from 5,000 to 20,536, the Dominican ambassador in Brazil, Hector Dionisio Perez announced today.

The goal for 2013 is that the Caribbean country will receive between 45000-50000 Brazilians a month, said the diplomat, who stressed the importance of strengthening the ties between the two countries as reflected in bilateral cooperation agreement between the two nations.

Another goal of the agreement is to reach by 2013 a volume of trade between nine and one billion dollars per year, said the ambassador.

Las Terrenas Live, 24.05.10

Tourist routes, symbols of achievement

Atlantic Boulevard on the Samaná peninsula

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- Roads have always been a sign of progress. However, not all roads to be constructed are of equal importance to tourism development.

The criteria for their prioritization must be in order so that public spending on them is relevant.

Bávaro-Punta Cana is the destination that produces the greatest volume of tourist movements, especially if connected to the new Santo Domingo-Samana Highway. Hence, this area stands out in importance when compared to other tourist destinations.

The flow of tourists could be increased substantially if new routes were added. This would contribute to a higher economic activity from tourism, which justifies the necessary investment.

Currently two major roads are being constructed whose main justification is tourism. These are the Autopista El Coral which will shorten the journey between Bávaro and Santo Domingo and the Atlantic Boulevard, a road with private sponsorship that will link the main points of the Samaná province with the road that connects it to Nagua. Also, the Ministry of Public Works is working on the reconstruction of the road that connects Nagua with Gaspar Hernandez and Puerto Plata.

Las Terrenas Live, 25.05.10

Samaná, a rapidly developing tourist destination

Commission encourages training of 210 young and women in Las Terrenas

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- Samaná is a new destination that is on a rapid upswing and now seeks to capitalize on the momentum generated by the recent inauguration of Juan Bosch International Airport, located in El Catey.

Large hotel chains, increased tourist arrivals and above all, millions in real estate investment, made Samaná in a short period of time into a great tourist destination.

As part of this plan committees are being formed to monitor tourism development in each of these locations in order to give way to activities that promote sustainable tourism in the province. So far there have been such commissions created in Las Terrenas, Las Galeras and Sánchez.

According to Undersecretary of Tourism in Las Terrenas, Luis Simo, the Commission promoted the training of 210 young men and women in hotel reception, technical trades, waitressing and English with the aid of the Institute of Technical and Vocational Training (INFOTEP).

Las Terrenas Live, 26.05.10

Touristic Atlantic Boulevard will increase tourism in the area

Elsa de Leon believes that the destination will be more accessible

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The Deputy Minister of Tourism for the province of Samaná, Elsa De León Tool, has estimated that the construction of Tourist Atlantic Boulevard will cause a significant increase in hotel occupancy in the area, increase the growth of local tourism and bring it even closer to the capital and the international airport Las Americas.

This work will give the boost to the area that the Professor Juan Bosch airport (El Catey) lacked, due to the poor condition of the roads and the fact that the expected repairs have yet to begin.

Other direct beneficiaries of this work are the tour operators, who, because of the distance find it difficult to sell this destination, despite the high level of interest.

Hotels profits will also increase, taking into account that the majority of tourists arrive at the Las Americas terminal and in order to transfer to the hotels must pay a minimum $200, one third the price of airfare, which almost always is included in the hotel package.

Large and small businesses in the area could also benefit significantly.

Other direct beneficiaries would be the transportation companies, who must, due to the roads current state of disrepair, invest many resources in spare parts and tires.

Las Terrenas Live, 27.05.10

Public Works construction of Atlantic Touristic Boulevard progresses

With an investment of $160 million dollars

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The Ministry of Communications and Public Works construction of Atlantic Touristic Boulevard continues to make progress. This work, that is being built with an investment of $160 million dollars, will complete the development of this international tourist destination.

The work will connect the road network- Nagua-Cruce Rincón de Molinillos -Sánchez-Samaná-El Limón-Las Terrenas-Aeropuerto Internacional del Catey-Cruce Rincón de Molinillos.

The Atlantic Touristic Boulevard will stretch 123,648 kilometers and will consist of the rehabilitation of the roads of the peninsula. Nagua - Sánchez - Nagua – Sánchez – Cruce del Limón – El Limón – Cruce de Abra Grande – Las Terrenas – Balatá y El Catey , and the construction of a new link between El Catey Airport y Las Terrenas.

The construction of the road will cover all destinations in the Northeast region, solving the needs of communities in the province of Samaná and tourists visiting the area.

The work consists of reconstruction of 99 kilometers of the Sánchez Nagua - Samana - Las Terrenas highway and reconstruction of 24 kilometers from Las Terrenas to the Catey airport.

The stretch Balata- El Catey airport is more than 70 percent complete. More than 500 thousand cubic meters of mountain were cut to make this seven kilometer stretch.

They will then proceed to implement the sub-base and the base in order to lay asphalt on the road. The second line of work that runs from Catey Airport is two miles from the work advancing from Balata to join Las Terrenas-El Catey Airport. The section that goes from Abra Grande to Balata is 15 kilometers long.

At this point the stabilization for asphalting work is being done on 3 km, another 7 kilometers are ready to pave. Within this section mining equipment is being placed to shape the base and backhoes are working on excavation and discarding of useless materials, after this process the causeway will be shaped to form the base of the road.

In the section that goes from Balata to the El Catey Airport progress is being made in the cutting of the Balata Mountains with bulldozers and placement of excavation material to fill and prepare the sub-base. This part of the Boulevard is missing just 2.3 kilometers to connect to the section that arrives at El Catey.

This work has been in demand for years in order to have a real road connection that would allow greater economic development in this part of the country. On the Nagua-Sanchez road the reconstruction of 72 sewers has been completed, while the rehabilitation of the road is 80 percent finished.

The reconstruction of the Nagua-Sanchez road was stabilized with cement and is sound along its entire 34 km base.

As part of the reconstruction of sections consortium Atlantic Touristic Boulevard will strengthen the bridges over the natural streams along the road leading from Sanchez to Nagua.

The Atlantic Touristic Boulevard is funded by a voucher scheme, whereby the state does not have to provide resources to implement it.

Las Terrenas Live, 31.05.10