Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism Reports Increasing Visits and New Developments at the 2010 Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange

BAVARO, PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, April 21 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (DATE), held at Moon Palace in Punta Cana from April 19-21, drew hundreds of international tourism buyers, tour operators and media to the Dominican Republic (DR) to conduct business and book future travel from around the world.

During the week's events, the DR Minister of Tourism Francisco Javier Garcia noted that non-resident visits to the DR have increased each month since September 2009. "This year alone, DR tourism was up 3.2 percent in March (including a 12 percent increase in U.S. visitors), 2.14 percent in February and nearly six percent in January," he said.

"Visits to the DR held steady throughout the global economic crisis and recent data shows a continued and increasing surge of arrivals since last fall. Our strong marketing outreach and continued investment in DR tourism infrastructure has built momentum from our key markets and is creating new markets," he added.

The DR Ministry of Tourism underscored the country's strategy to develop tourism infrastructure, announcing an investment of over $12 million into 58 new projects. Other important developments include the Atlantic Boulevard in Puerto Plata that will connect the North Coast to the Samana Peninsula, the revitalization and development of major highways and roads, and new flexible facilities among the DR's eight international airports for receiving major airlines and charter flights.

In addition, the DR Ministry of Tourism's new territorial ordinances include a five-year plan that will help develop rural tourism throughout the country's 31 provinces. The plan calls for developing friendly guest houses that will have a minimal eco-impact on small villages and towns, but allow visitors to explore the areas' delights. Growing in popularity, rural agri-tourism in the country includes chocolate tours of cocoa plantations and other trips to coffee, tobacco and sugar cane fields that often end with visits to coffee roasters, cigar factories and rum distilleries.

Several tourism projects from around the country were announced at DATE, including:

• Development of the new Vista Cana Resort in Punta Cana.
• July 2010 opening of the Hard Rock International Luxury All-Inclusive in Punta Cana.
• Development of two new Blue Malls in Punta Cana and Santo Domingo.
• A new La Romana Bayahibe Hotel Association website: www.exploreLaRomana.com, premiered at DATE and will help visitors explore the idyllic and history-filled region.
• Opening of the highly-anticipated Tom Fazio-designed Corales Golf Course at PUNTACANA.
• Opening of the new ELITE guest rooms at Casa de Campo, in addition to a stunning new reception and lobby area and the new La Cana Restaurant and Lounge by Il CIRCO.
• Development of four condominiums, villas and apartments from Coral Hospitality Corp in Cap Cana. The Cap Cana Marina Fundadores will include 258 new villas and apartments.
• Development of the new Beach Club & Restaurant at Nikki Beach Resorts in Cabarete, with a new hotel soon to follow.
• Announcement of the International Billfish Tournament that will take place at the Cap Cana Marina, from June 1-6, 2010.

In 2009, the DR Ministry of Tourism reported steady tourism numbers in-spite of the faltering global economy and U.S. visits surpassed one million arrivals for the fifth consecutive year. The most popular destination in the DR continues to be Punta Cana on the East Coast. Its international airport received over 1.9 million arrivals in 2009 and so far in 2010, arrivals have increased by 9.4 percent.  The second most visited airport is Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo with over one million arrivals, followed by Puerto Plata International Airport on the North Coast, El Cibao International Airport in the Central region, La Romana International Airport, also on the East Coast, El Catey International Airport on the Northeast Coast and La Isabela International Airport, also in Santo Domingo.

The DR's first tourist was Christopher Columbus in 1492. Rich in history, the DR has developed into a diverse destination offering both Dominican and European flavors to more than one million U.S. visitors each year. Named #1 Golf Destination in Caribbean & Latin America by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, the DR boasts 25 designer golf courses, upscale resorts, pristine nature, and sophisticated cities and quaint villages filled with warm Dominican people. The DR features the best beaches, fascinating history and culture, and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families alike. Visit the DR Ministry of Tourism's official Web site at: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com or call 1-888-374-6361 for more information.

SOURCE Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism