SEPTEMBER 2010

Hurricane Earl moves away and loses strength

Tropical Storm Fiona intensifies and approaches

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- Hurricane Earl lost intensity today en route to East Coast of the U.S. and became a category three hurricane, with winds of 205 mph. At the same time tropical storm Fiona intensified en route to the north of the Lesser Antilles.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) of the U.S. stated in its 12:00 GMT bulletin today that Earl is approximately 295 kilometers east of the Bahama Islands and 1,255 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.

It is moving in a northwesterly direction at a speed of 26 kilometers per hour and it is expected to maintain this path with a gradual turn toward the north-northwest, said forecasters.

The eye of Earl is now located to the east and northeast of the islands of the Bahamas and could hit the North Carolina coast early on Friday, said the NHC.

A hurricane warning has been issued for the U.S. east coast from north of Surf City, North Carolina, to the border between this state and Virginia, including Pamplico and Albemarle Sounds. A tropical storm watch is in effect from Cape Fear in North Carolina to Surf City. A tropical storm warning is still in effect for San Salvador Island in the central Bahamas.

The NHC said tropical storm Fiona has maximum sustained winds of up to 95 miles per hour and possibly will strengthen during the next 24 hours followed by little change in intensity.
It is located 110 kilometers northeast of Barbuda and about 235 kilometers north of the Lesser Antilles and moving west-northwest with a speed of 24 kilometers per hour.The hurricane center reported that it has issued a tropical storm warning for St. Martin and St. Barthelemy, as well as for Antigua, Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitts and las Nieves, Anguilla, St. Martin, Saba and St. Eustatius.

Fiona , the sixth tropical storm of the hurricane season in the Atlantic, formed on Monday in the east of the Lesser Antilles. Of the six tropical storms, three have been hurricanes, two of which, Danielle and Earl reached Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson intensity scale. The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1^st and ends Nov. 30^th.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA, for its acronym in English) updated its forecast and predicted the formation of 14-20 storms and 8-12 hurricanes, which could affect the United States, the Caribbean, Central America and the Gulf of Mexico.Forecasters predicted it will be a" very active" season because of these hurricanes, four to six of which could be intense, with winds over 177 mph.

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

Las Terrenas Live, 01.09.10

The work to expand the power grids in Las Terrenas is suspended

Luz y Fuerza Company receives an order from the Superintendent of Electricity

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The Superintendent of Electricity formally ordered the power company, Luz y Fuerza of Las Terrenas, to suspend expansion work, which was given by the SAR, on April 22nd, 2008, concerning the extension of electricity networks without consultation being conducted by the company in the communities of La Barbacoa, Camino Playa Estillero, and El Limón, in the province of Samana.

The decision was adopted by the SIE by the act No. 1306/2010, on August 19th of this year. The company has to dismantle the grids within ninety days from the date of the summons.

The Superintendent of Electricity referred to the Light and Power Company brought an action on August 26th, 2009 before the Administrative Court against the order of suspension. This action was rejected by the court on January 12th, 2010, in Case 002-2010, giving cause to the SIE to maintain the order of suspension.

The electricity sector regulatory body, said through a press release that the electrical installations which were built in violation of that order, are considered an insult to the instructions of the regulator and a clear violation of Article 20 of the Act 125-01, which is punishable under Article 126 of the General Electricity Law.

The intervention by the SIE came in response to complaints by the Electric Company’ El Progreso del Limon, which stated that Luz y Fuerza performed electricity network expansion work without proper authorization.

Las Terrenas Live, 02.09.10

Workshop focusing on tourism issues held

As part of World Tourism Day

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The crisis as a challenge to the transparency of information and journalistic integrity: the case of tourism was the title of the workshop held by Marcelo Risi, from the World Tourism Organization (WTO), a group of journalists dedicated to covering tourism issues in the Dominican Republic.

The event, which took place at the Dominican Fiesta Hotel as part of World Tourism Day was sponsored by the Dominican Association of Tourist Press (ADOMPRETUR), and the Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR).

During the seven hour program, Mr. Risi shared with participants the tools and information strategies recommended by the WTO to overcome the critical moments that occur in the tourism sector.

There was also a time for local journalists and public relations experts to analyze and debate the issues with the vice minister of MINTUR, Luis Simó.

Adompretur President, Quiterio Cedeno, invited more than a dozen young journalists from different parts of the country to discover in depth the tourism business and to overcome any prejudices they may have had on the subject.

Meanwhile, Mr. Simó stressed that, given the importance of tourism for the social development of the Republic, the media, the private sector and the Government need to maintain a harmonious relationship.

Las Terrenas Live, 03.09.10

Foreign investment in the country continues to grow

Expected to reach US $2.4 billion in 2010

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The director of the Center for Export and Investment of the Dominican Republic (CEI-RD), Eddy Martinez Manzueta, revealed that foreign investment in the country this year is expected to reach US $2.4 billion.

Mr.Manzueta Martinez explained that despite the fact that countries are still recovering from the global economic crisis the Dominican Republic remains attractive for capital investment.

The official pointed to mining, the agro-industrial sector, free zones, tourism, real estate, telecommunications and infrastructure, as the areas where this year’s major capital investments have been made.

He mentioned that he would be participating as a speaker in a series of discussions and panels that will seek to position the Dominican Republic as a safe and innovative destination for foreign investment. I can assure you that the Dominican Republic is now one of the most attractive countries or perhaps the most attractive, for foreign investment, in an atmosphere of security and confidence.

Las Terrenas Live, 06.09.10

Protests in Las Terrenas against the increase in electric rates

Businesses closed in order to cut the consumption of electricity

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- On Tuesday, protests were staged around the village of Las Terrenas to complain of the rising electricity rates imposed by the power company, Luz y Fuerza.

A few days ago Luz y Fuerza notified its customers of rate increases, indicating that the government measure to increase fuel taxes had forced the company to raise electricity prices in August anywhere from 1 peso to 7.25 pesos per kilowatt.

The prices already stood between 11.50 and 14.25 pesos per kilowatt of energy, meaning that with the increase some custumers could pay up to 21.50 pesos per kilowatt.

This caused widespread discontent among the populace of Las Terrenas, who called for the closing of businesses and offices, as well as the shutting down of the breakers in residential homes, so as not to consume electricity.

Although Luz y Fuerza stressed that the increase was not their fault and is the sole responsibility of the authorities, the population began a series of protests claiming residents and businesses in the area could not bear the burden, and that such an increase would threaten the future of Las Terrenas.

Las Terrenas Live, 07.09.10

A way is found to suspend the electricity rate increase

A communication of Luz y Fuerza of Las Terrenas

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- We are pleased to inform users of electrical service in Las Terrenas, Las Galeras, El Limón, and Samaná, that yesterday, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, signed a resolution that will take out of effect the collection of taxes on fuels used in electricity generation during the month of August, the first step necessary in eliminating the rate increase for this month.

We must clarify that the procedure described by the Hydrocarbons Law and its regulations, requires that the resolution go to the Ministry of Finance who will in turn, communicate the decision to dispense fuel without tax to distributors.

Expiry of the process contemplated in the Hydrocarbons Law and its regulations without further problems, there is a high possibility that Luz y Fuerza will formally announce in the coming hours the suspension of the increase applied for the month of August.

If all goes as expected, we will send a credit note to each user that will include the value of the deduction for tax cuts. Users who have already paid their bill will be credited with the difference on their bill for the month of September.

We appreciate the solidarity and the comprehensive support offered by the representative sectors of Las Terrenas, Las Galeras and El Limón, and the President of the Republic and authorities of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and Finance for the understanding shown in this situation.

Luz y Fuerza is committed to continuing to give our best efforts to ensure the stability of electric service that has maintained uninterrupted for more than 15 years, and has been the engine of economic development, tourism and trade in our communities. We will continue our efforts to keep energy prices low, and we are now more hopeful that the government of President Fernandez has shown that support us in this goal.

Las Terrenas Live, 07.09.10

Nabila Tapia is crowned Miss Dominican Tourism 2010

Rachelly Duarte Torres is first runner up

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- Nabila Tapia, from the Hermanas Mirabal province, was elected Miss Dominican Tourism 2010, in a beautiful show held last night at the teatro Máximo Avilés Blonda del Palacio de Bellas Artes.

The first runner up, representating the Duarte province, was Rachelly Torres. Paloma Gómez de la Hoz, from Santiago, was the second runner up.The third runner up was Yhamillez Valdez, of Monte Plata. Fourth was Ariella Rodriguez Guzman, of Santiago, and in fifth was Rosanny Medina Tejada.

The event included the contestants parading in swim wear and evening gowns and also several videos of the activities in which they participated during the event.

Las Terrenas Live, 09.09.10

Luz & Fuerza Company begins to distribute credit notes

The sums will be deducted from August electricity bills

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- In light of the approval of the resolution by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, which revokes the fuel tax that would have forced the company to increase the price of electric service 10 to 50 percent, the company Luz & Fuerza in Las Terrenas, has informed its users that they will be handing out credit notes for August electric bills.

The company announced that customers will be receiving a note of credit that will be subtracted from the previously issued bills, so that customers will be aware of the amount that they have to pay.

This news should alleviate the tension, especially for owners of hotels, restaurants and other businesses that did not support the price increase from 15 to 22.5 pesos per kilo of electricity.

Las Terrenas Live, 10.09.10

Hotels increase demand for Dominican agricultural products

According to a survey by ASONAHORES

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- According to a consumer survey, imported products consumed by the hotel industry were 21.63% in 2008, while in 2009 the number dropped to 17.60%, which demonstrates that the demand for imports is decreasing.

The results of this study were reported by Arturo Villanueva, Asonahores executive vice president, during his presentation, Consumption of Agricultural Products in the hotel sector given during the just completed Asonahores Commercial Exhibition 2010.

According to Villanueva, in 2003 the hotel sector consumed RD $3,032.69 million pesos in agricultural and agroindustrial products, of which Punta Cana-Bavaro made up 35.49%, the north coast accounted for 22.59%, the city of Santo Domingo10.90%, La Romana-Bayahibe 9.53%, Juan Dolio 7.77%, Samaná 6.57%, Boca Chica 3.11% and the rest of the country 4.05%.

For that year, the demand for agricultural and agroindustrial products was headed by fruit, which had a 28.56% share, followed by meat 16.10%, groceries 13.43% and vegetables 13.66%., Etc.

In 2005 new items were added to provide better coverage, such as, alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic beverages, eggs, and cigarettes, among other products, said the executive.

For that year the hotel sector demamnded RD $8,654.79 million pesos of these products, the results were led by the Punta Cana-Bavaro (4,901.46 million), followed by Puerto Plata (1,509.81), Romana -Bayahibe (745.52 million) and Santo Domingo (579.47 million), he said.

The greater consumption was reflected in the demand for eggs 19.05%, followed by alcoholic and nonalcoholic 17.68% and fruit 17.61%.

Las Terrenas Live, 13.09.10

Between 181,800 and 250,900 British tourists visit the Dominican Republic each year

There is great potential to development tourism

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- Between 181,800 and 250,900 British tourists visit the Dominican Republic each year, as reported by the Ambassador of the United Kingdom, Steven M. Fisher, who said that although this is a high number, there is great potential to bring this development to a higher level by adding different activities, which would contribute to more British visitors coming to this Caribbean island.

Up until now, most visitors just come to spend a week or two weeks on the beaches, but there are tourists who are looking for other experiences and the Dominican Republic offers enormous potential to enjoy oneself in other ways, he said.

The ambassador reported that about 500 Englishmen live in the country, mostly in the north coast, specifically in Sosua and Puerto Plata. But you never know, Britons are everywhere, said the diplomat referring to the growing presence of English residents in the Dominican Republic.

Las Terrenas Live, 14.09.10

Tourist arrivals increase by 2.22% in August

The country received 7,247 additional tourists

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The nonresident passengers arrivals in the country recorded an increase of 2.22% in August as compared to the same month last year, which meant 7.247 additional tourists, for a total of 333,110 visitors in August this year.The information was released by the Central Bank.

The institution said that this rise is due to 5,443 more nonresident aliens entering, reversing the decline of -6,155 visitors during the same month of 2009, as well as an increase of 1,804 Dominicans non-residents, an increase of 3.54 percent.

The country received in the first eight months of this year, at different international airports, a total of 3,260,014 passengers, an increase, in absolute terms, of 119,243 passengers. Comparing this number to the same period last yearwe see an increase of 3.8%, reversing the negative rate of -4.62% during the same period last year, the report said.

The report claims that the arrival of the foreign non-residents during January-August showed a growth of 2.32% which in absolute terms equals an increase of 57,835 visitors. Furthermore, the report states that, the improvement comes from; North America (up 54,710), South America (up 51,639), and Central America and the Caribbean (up 16.858), which offset the decline in visitors from mainland Europe, which were down -66.993.

The Central Bank noted that the countries of greatest increase in absolute terms were the United States (60.706), Argentina (18.314), Puerto Rico (14.246), Brazil (9.939), Chile (9.014), Peru (6.515) and Venezuela (4.175)…

Las Terrenas Live, 16.09.10

The Vice President meets with Mexican businessmen

Emphasizes foreign investment in the country

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The Vice President of the Dominican Republic, Rafael Alburquerque, speaking to a group of Mexican businessmen, said that the country has become, in recent years, one of the best destinations for foreign investment due to the climate of legal certainty, the sustained economic growth and macroeconomic stability, among other factors.

Mr. Albuquerque spoke during a meeting with a group of Mexican businessmen and investors interested in expanding their operations in the Dominican Republic. The vice president said in that meeting, the Mexican entrepreneurs explored the possibility of opening the window of credit from the San Jose Agreement, which has about 100 million dollars available to be used in social work.

Mr. Alburquerque said that the Dominican Republic has an advantageous geographical position, as it is located in the center of the Caribbean. It can also provide duty-free access to markets in the United States and Central America, through the Free Trade Agreement, known as DR-CAFTA. Furthermore, he indicated that the Dominican Republic has tariff preferences in the markets of CARICOM and the European Union, which places the Dominican at the forefront of countries in the area.

There is not another country in the region that can offer the advantages that the Dominican Republic can, such as, the guaranteed legal certainty and access to major markets, said Albuquerque, who was accompanied during the meeting by the Dominican ambassador to Mexico, Fernando Pérez Memén, and his personal assistant, Ramon Ramirez.

Las Terrenas Live, 17.09.10

Specialist aims to promote health tourism in the Dominican Republic

The medical centers of the country have no reason to envy those of any other nation

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The president of the Institute of blindness from glaucoma, Thomas Vargas Martínez, has proposed to the Ministry of Tourism a promotional campaign centered around health tourism in the Dominican Republic, given the number of foreigners that come to take advantage of the quality medical facilities and health insurance coverage.

Mr. Martinez explained that residents of Puerto Rico, Jamaica, St. Maarten, Antigua, El Salvador, Honduras and U.S. cities like New York, Boston, Miami and Atlanta, travel to undergo medical treatment in the DR.

He added that for patients from outside the country, the specialized centers in the Dominican have no reason to envy those of any other nation in the area, including cities in the United States.

He cited the case of plastic surgery, a specialty in high demand among foreigners, thanks to the self promotion of some Dominicans surgeons who travel abroad in search of customers.

Las Terrenas Live, 20.09.10

Fransisco Javier Garcia urges that resources remain devoted to tourism

Will sign an agreement with the Ministry of Tourism of France

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- At a time when authorities debate the National Budget, the Minister of Tourism Francisco Javier Garcia has made a plea to increase or maintain the amount of resources received by his ministry and that they be invested in tourism advertising and agreements with international tour operators.

He mentioned that tourism is the main economic activity in the Dominican Republic, pointing to last year´s US $ 4.1 billion dollar contribution to the economy.

He announced that today he would sign an agreement with the Ministry of Tourism, Economy and Commerce and Employment of France to enhance cooperation between the two entities.

According to the official, the Dominican Republic is the preferred destination of the French, which is why the Ministry has signed an agreement with the airline Air France. RD is investing about US $60 million in promotion worldwide.

It has been suggested that the Caribbean countries, including Cuba, Puerto Rico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, would benefit from a joint promotional effort said the minister.

He further reported that in October the country will meet with the major cruise lines. To capture a share of the Asian market, the Ministry of Tourism will open a promotional office in the coming months.

The Tourism Minister said that there are already contacts with tour operators in the Asian region, and that he was appointed by the President to chair the delegation that will visit Shanghai Fair 2010. It is estimated that 15 million Chinese go sightseeing a year and that by 2020 the figure could rise to 100 million.

Las Terrenas Live, 21.09.10

The tourism industry must keep innovating

According to Julio Llibre, president of the Association of Hotels and Tourism

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- Julio Llibre, president of the Association of Hotels and Tourism, said that now that the World Tourism Organization (WTO) has recognized the Dominican Republic as the leader in the Caribbean, the Dominican tourism new goal should be to improve the quality of its offerings and solve the problems of land and Haitian immigration.

During the opening day of the International Tourism Fair Top Resa 2010, Llibre, who assumed office on July 7th, said the companies must keep innovating so that tourists find something new every time they make their visits. This is the purpose of the fair. To show businesses and tourists the newest and latest we have to offer, he added.

For European tourism, Top Resa is considered the third largest fair because it captures the attention of the French market and the countries of central Europe. According to statistics from the Dominican Ministry of Tourism, during the three days, the fair will have more than 26 thousand visitors, 1,200 exhibitors and a thousand members from the media.

Las Terrenas Live, 22.09.10

The Ministry of Tourism formalizes strategic alliance with several institutions

Contemplates the creation of a program to promote rural agricultural and ecological tourism

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The Ministry of Tourism, the Hotel and Restaurant Association and the Dominican Agribusiness Board, entered into a strategic alliance to launch joint actions that will seek to strengthen the country’s tourism sector and expand business opportunities between the sectors.

The three institutions agreed to promote the consumption of agricultural products and agro Dominicans by the member of ASONAHORES.

In addition, they promised to design a program to promote rural agricultural and ecological tourism, incorporating initiatives for agricultural plantations to be visited by tourists.

The agreement was signed by the Minister of Tourism, Francisco Javier García, President of ASONAHORES , Julio Llibre and Gustavo Florentino, chairman of the Agribusiness Association.

The programs will be under the supervision of Maria Villalona, director of the Department of Planning and Projects of MITUR , Arturo Villanueva, Executive Vice President of ASONAHORES and Osmar Benitez, Executive Vice President of the JAD.

At the conclusion of the signing of agreements Francisco Javier Garcia highlighted the importance of these for the development of tourism and agriculture in the Dominican Republic.

This collaboration will have a very favorable impact not only for agricultural development but also for tourists who come to the Dominican Republic, who wish to experience, apart from our beaches, our mountains, waterfalls and our cuisine, the unique farmland that is in our country, said Mr. Garcia.

Las Terrenas Live, 23.09.10

Dominican Republic and France sign a cooperation agreement to promote tourism

Francisco Javier Garcia invites the French minister to visit Las Terrenas

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The governments of France and the Dominican Republic signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen the promotion of tourism, improve services and create a cultural tourism package.

The agreement was signed by the Ministers of Tourism, Francisco Javier, and Herve Novelli, during the 32nd. French International Travel Fair Market - Top Resa 2010. The fair took place in Paris, and promoted the exchange of ideas on how to train staff and make better use of historical attractions found in the Dominican Republic, suchas, the Colonial Zone, the cathedrals and other historical monuments that many tourists would like to visit.

This is a very important agreement for us because it will allow us to learn from about cultural and heritage tourism, there is no other destination in the world that does it better than the French do, said Minister Javier García.

The official pointed out that France is the perfect example of a country that treats tourists in a way that leaves them wanting to return, and the Dominican Republic needs to learn from their experience.

Francisco Javier Garcia took advantage of the opportunity to invite the French minister to visit the country and promised to take him to Las Terrenas, Samana, which has the peculiarity of having a French consul and more than 70 restaurants that sell French food, and everyone who goes saysis the best place to eat in the world.

The Dominican ambassador in France, Laura Faxas, who participated in the signing of the agreement, said that this agreement is one of the concrete results of the visit of President Leonel Fernandez in 2009, during which he established a bilateral cooperation mechanism and included an agreement on tourism.

Las Terrenas Live, 24.09.10

Celebrate International Beach Cleaning Day in Dominican Republic

67 beaches cleaned around the country

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The Ministry of Environment commemorated the World Beach Cleaning Day by cleaning-up the beaches of 17 coastal provinces of the Dominican Republic.

The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, along with a group of companies and institutions, had made an appeal to the general public to join the cleanup actions that were begun on 67 beaches.

The institutions and companies that support the cleaning of beaches are : Claro, Cemex, Banco Popular, Propagas, Vida Azul and the Navy.

The provinces that were cleanes were: La Romana, Puerto Plata, María Trinidad Sánchez, Samaná, Peravia, La Altagracia, San Cristobal, Barahona, Montecristi, Santo Domingo, Azua, San Pedro de Macoris, El Seibo, Hato Mayor, Pedernales, Espaillat and the National District.

Hundreds of volunteers and people who were enjoying the beaches on this day joined the cleanup, which took place between 8 am and 12 noon. Volunteers were given materials and equipment which included rakes, plastic bags and gloves.

On the selected beaches, there was a team of instructors who guided the volunteers to effectively perform the cleanup. The zones were divided into sections with a coordinator, who recorded the results on a form.

Once the waste was collected and classified, the corresponding records were made on the form designed for this purpose and were sent to the Deputy Minister of Coastal Marine for the final report.

The bags of waste were loaded into trucks and sent to municipal landfills

The Ministry of Environment launched the National Network of Beaches and Coastal Cleanup in 2008, in order to ensure their cleanliness. The ministry also conducts an ongoing program of restoration of disturbed coastal ecosystems and coastal reforestation.

In 2009, from January-through August, there were carried out cleanup activities at several coastal provinces, where about 17,678 tons of solid waste were collected, especially plastics.

Las Terrenas Live, 27.09.10

Tourism Minister aims to double the number of foreign visitors to the country

Will invest US $30 million annually to promote the country

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The Tourism Minister Francisco Javier Garcia said that, although the Dominican Republic is already the leader in the Caribbean region in terms of tourists arrival, he hopes to double the number of visitors to the country over the next few years

The official stressed that his ministry invests US $30 million annually to promote the country as a tourist destination and estimated it needed US $200 million in order for the nation to become number one in Latin America.

We invest $60 million annually worldwide, compared with countries like Mexico, which invests more than that amount in New York alone, the ideal investment for the Dominican Republic would be 200 million a year, but we are a country with many needs, he said.

He said that today (Tuesday), in connection with the inauguration of the International Tourism Fair Top Resa 2010, there will be an agreement signed between the Dominican Tourism Ministry and the Ministry of Tourism, Economy, Trade and Employment of France, which will be of great importance given the significance of the tourism sector, which contributed US $ 4.1 billion last year to the country’s economy.

Mr. Garcia added that because of this importance it is necessary to increase the amounts intended for the international promotion of the country, not only for advertising, but also for signing agreements with major tour operators.

He mentioned the strategies implemented by the Ministry of Tourism through its development offices located in different countries and said it continues to work with different markets ’without discrimination’ because everyone has their contributions and importance.

He also said that contacts are being made to open a tourism promotion office in China, as the flow of Chinese tourists to the Dominican Republic is very low.

He added that about 15 million Chinese travel every year and by 2020 this number could surpass 100 million, which represents a challenge for the country. He his ministry will use all the experience of having offices in the United States, Canada, South America and Central America.

Las Terrenas Live, 28.09.10

A group of businessmen from the Movement of French Enterprises will visit the country next year

To hold meetings with local authorities

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The Dominican ambassador to France, Laura Faxas, reported that in January a group of businessmen from the Movement of French Enterprises (MEDEF), will visit the Dominican Republic to strengthen trade ties and explore the possibility of investing in the country.

He explained that on the first of October, MEDEF´s Vice President for Latin America will make an official visit to Haiti, and will stop in the Dominican Republic to meet with the Centre Export and Investment (CEIRD), the Association of Free Zones (Adozona) and the Association of Hotels and Restaurants (Asonahores).

Telecommunications and aviation are two lines in which French companies have investments in the country. After the visit tourism numbers are expected to increase.

Las Terrenas Live, 29.09.10

The National Association of Hotels and Tourism calls for increased budget for tourism

Stating that tourism plays a major role in the Dominican economy

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The National Association of Hotels and Tourism, citing the leading role played by tourism in the local economy, suggested that the executive branch and Congress place it on its list of priorities and allocate a larger budget consistent with its contribution.

The organization said that the budget for next year shows that the fiscal policy design of the government’s economic team does not match the reality of an economy in which tourism is the main engine.

In a press release, Asonahores explained that the budget submitted by the Governing Council shows that of the 350 billion pesos budgeted, only 961 million was allocated to the Ministry of Tourism, similar to what has been recorded since 2005. This indicates that although the tourism economy contributes directly and indirectly to over 20% of gross domestic product (GDP) it will receive only 0.25% of the national budget, very low on the scale of priorities.

From 2005 to 2009, the budget implemented by the central government rose from 192 billion to 378 billion pesos in 2009, an increase of 70% , while the budget implemented by the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) increased from 711 million in 2005 to 837 in 2009, an increase of 17%.

In addition to assigning a shoestring budget, the agency is not given the approved amount. In 2005 MITUR received only 711 million of the budgeted 979 million pesos, and last year received837 millionof the approved 961 million.

This attitude is an economic absurdity considering that tourism revenues, which last year totaled over US $4 billion dollars, are vital to the functioning of the country.

Tourism is essential for the proper functioning of the Dominican economy, and to achieve it requires many more resources than are being engaged, says the report. Asonahores says that we must invest more in promoting the country’s institutions, if the Dominican is to maintain leadership in the Caribbean region.

Las Terrenas Live, 30.09.10