CEO of Newtown Square-Based Apple Vacations Receives Tourism Award From the Dominican Republic and Announces New $400 Million Development in Cap Cana

NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa., April 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Local entrepreneur John J. Mullen, CEO of Newtown Square-based Apple Vacations, was recently honored by the Dominican Republic's Ministry of Tourism for his outstanding contribution to tourism. Mullen founded Apple Vacations, one of the country's largest tour operators, and holds interests in USA3000 Airlines and AMResorts, a provider of hotel sales, marketing and brand management services to resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100415/CG87410)

A private ceremony in Mullen's honor was held on March 26 in Cap Cana, Dominican Republic. The event was presided over by Francisco Javier Garcia, Minister of Tourism, and attended by many high level dignitaries including Leonel Fernandez, President of the Dominican Republic. Sr. Garcia praised Mr. Mullen for his pioneer efforts in recognizing the enormous potential of the Dominican Republic as an ideal vacation destination for American tourists.

Apple Vacations entered the Dominican Republic in 1990 with charter flights from the U.S. Today, it is the largest U.S. tour operator to the Dominican Republic, operating over 1,000 charter flights annually, in addition to nationwide scheduled airline service. In 2007, the company delivered its millionth passenger to Punta Cana on its flagship airline, USA3000. After accepting the award, Mr. Mullen reiterated Apple Vacations' commitment to the development of tourism and thanked the government and people of the Dominican Republic for their continued support.

Mullen also announced plans for the Gems at Cap Cana, a new US$400 million development. The project will be developed and managed by AMResorts, provider of hotel sales, marketing and brand management services for Zoetry Wellness & Spa Resorts, The Zoetry Collection, Secrets Resorts & Spas, Dreams Resorts & Spas and Now Resorts & Spas. By 2012, AMResorts will manage 10 resorts and 3,300 rooms in the Dominican Republic.

The development will offer a combined 1,100 suites and create 6,000 new jobs. The Gems at Cap Cana will be comprised of the Zoetry Gems at Cap Cana, Secrets Gems at Cap Cana, Now Gems at Cap Cana and Now Preferred Gems at Cap Cana. It will also include "The Promenade," encompassing over 148,000 square ft. of retail and recreational space including a 30,677 square ft. Convention Center, world-class spa, 20,000 square ft. casino, gourmet restaurants and lounges, retail collection featuring boutiques, Explorer's Club for Kids and artist's square. "The Promenade" will be accessible to all guests. Construction will begin in June with completion set for late 2012.

For information about Apple Vacations, log on to applevacations.com.

About Apple Vacations: For over 40 years, Apple Vacations, America's Favorite Vacation Company, has provided vacation packages from all major U.S. cities to the world's most popular sun destinations. Apple Vacations has provided a complete vacation experience to more travelers to the Dominican Republic and Mexico than any other US tour operator, and is continually honored by readers of the leading travel trade magazines in the Best Tour Operator categories. For more information, visit applevacations.com.

SOURCE Apple Vacations