Dominican Republic Tourism Officials Announce Samaná Updates and Developments

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, May 4, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Tourism industry experts at the Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (DATE) conference expressed great enthusiasm toward the changes and updates coming to the Samaná peninsula, one of Dominican Republic's most lush and verdant areas frequented by travelers looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Representatives of the Association of Hotels and Tourism Companies of Samaná (AHETSA) noted a growth in tourism traffic to the area through local El Catey International Airport (AZS) – which welcomes approximately 57,000 annual visitors – and projected an increase of 5.5% in the number of travelers this year. Samaná has also become more accessible by land to multi-destination travelers within Dominican Republic thanks to a stunning panoramic highway connecting it to the remainder of the country, with most other key destinations now within a 2-hour drive. To further connect the area, Dominican Republic infrastructure development officials are considering the construction of a new port to facilitate ferry arrivals, connecting Sabana de la Mar to the peninsula of Samaná, bordering a part of the treasured protected area of Los Haitises National Park.

Officials also presented the high-value ecological destination's hotel statistics, announcing that 1,000 new rooms will be added to the area's existing portfolio of more than 3,650 rooms by 2017, with an additional 1,000 to come between 2017 and 2018. Samaná prides itself on ensuring that hotels in the area create the lowest possible impact on the environment, taking great care at even the smallest levels to put specialized services in place to protect natural surroundings, such as the use of green-certified cleaning services, solar power, locally sourced construction materials and locally grown organic foods. Various projects supplementary to hotel construction – such as new marinas and golf courses – are also underway.

Two hotel and real estate development companies voiced their support of Samaná's ongoing development, announcing plans for continued investment in Dominican Republic's northeastern corner. Amhsa Marina hotel officials released news of their development of a 5-star, 386 room Kaaeni Beach Hotel after a $50 million investment. Kaaeni is projected to open in September of 2017 and will be the largest luxury hotel in the Las Galeras area of Samaná. Similarly, Xeliter announced the success of its luxury units in the area, highlighting that they have seen great value in Las Terrenas, calling out its Balcones del Atlántico property, recently acquired into the brand's property portfolio.

Dominican Republic tourism representatives speaking on behalf of the National Hotel & Tourism Association (ASONAHORES) announced at DATE a growth of 5.8 percent in overall tourism to the country – a number alone growing faster than the Caribbean's overall rate of 3.7 percent. Dominican Republic is projected to reach 6 million total visitors in 2016 – based on numbers thus far, the country is on track to meet the targeted 7 percent growth needed to achieve this.

AHETSA, in collaboration with the Tourism Cluster of Samaná (CTS), is pleased to launch their new www.GoSamana.com website – a tourism-oriented showcase of activities and a full catalog of hotels in Samaná, presented in English, Spanish and French.

For more information on Dominican Republic, visit www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.

About Dominican Republic
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the north and the Caribbean Sea on the south, our lush tropical and paradisiacal country boasts nearly 1,000 miles (1,609 km) of coastline, 250 miles (402 km) of the world's top beaches, magnificent resorts and hotels, and a variety of sports, recreation and entertainment options. Here you can dance to the pulse pounding thrill of the merengue, renew in our luxurious and diverse accommodations, explore ancient relics of centuries past, delight in delicious Dominican gastronomy or enjoy ecotourism adventures in our magnificent national parks, mountain ranges, rivers and beaches.

Known for our warm and hospitable people, Dominican Republic is a destination like no other, featuring astounding nature, intriguing history and rich cultural experiences like music, art and festivals, plus uniquely Dominican specialties such as cigars, rum, chocolate, coffee, merengue, amber and larimar.

Dominican Republic features the best beaches, fascinating history and culture, and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families alike.  Visit Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism's official website at: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.

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CONTACT:
BVK Public Relations for DR Ministry of Tourism
Annie Holschuh, US PR Director
(414) 247-2140 / [email protected]

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SOURCE Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism

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