Hollywood's Hottest Names Get a Taste of Dominican Republic

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, Feb 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism took center stage at the 2012 Red Carpet Celebrity Style Lounge on Feb. 22, 2012 at the L'Ermitage Hotel in Beverly Hills. Distinct Dominican flair for fashion was highlighted to celebrities who attended the lounge with the designs of Dominican-born Lucia Rodriguez, while unique Dominican culture was celebrated with delicious products native to Dominican Republic.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120224/CG59443)

Celebrities and VIPs in attendance entered to win free airfare for two to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and received a taste of lavish gift bags highlighting Dominican Republic's coveted Arturo Fuentes cigars and Godiva's rich Santo Domingo chocolate. Dominican Republic is known as the breadbasket of the Caribbean since its fertile valleys produce some of the world's best sugar, tobacco and cocoa, which is then developed into uniquely flavorful Dominican rum, cigars and chocolate.

"Dominican Republic is becoming a major presence in Hollywood with a newly inaugurated Dominican Republic Film Commission office in Los Angeles and many new incentives for producers to film in our magnificent country. Because many Dominican celebrities call the Los Angeles area their second home, we are especially pleased to share the tastes and styles of our large island nation at the Academy Awards Gifting Suite," said Magaly Toribio, Vice Minister of International Promotion, Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism.

Dominican-born designer Lucia Rodriguez was at the Celebrity Lounge event styling celebrities with her stunning, yet delicate gowns. Rodriguez's delightfully Dominican-inspired designs are high-quality finesse, made to perfection – a stunning combination for any leading lady's award-winning ensemble.

Home to some of the world's most beautiful beaches, elegant upscale resorts and golf courses, sizzling fashions, gastronomy, thrilling music and more, Dominican Republic is a popular destination for Hollywood's elite, as well as the perfect film location for international television and movies. In 2011, the government of Dominican Republic announced the new, state-of-the-art Pinewood Indomina Studios, which will further enhance the growth in film and TV production in the country.

The Red Carpet Celebrity Style Lounge was held in honor of the 84th Annual Academy Awards, Hollywood's celebration of the biggest names in the film industry hosted by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). Nominees, celebrities, press and more attended the event, which raised money for The Humane Society of the United States.

To further explore Dominican Republic, visit www.GoDominicanRepublic.com. For more information on Lucia Rodriguez and her designs, visit http://LuciaRodriguezNY.com. 

About Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic's first tourist was Christopher Columbus in 1492. Rich in history, Dominican Republic has developed into a diverse destination offering both Dominican and European flavors to nearly one and a half million U.S. visitors and 4.2 million global visitors in 2011. Named #1 Golf Destination in Caribbean & Latin America by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, Dominican Republic boasts 28 designer golf courses, upscale resorts, pristine nature and sophisticated cities and quaint villages filled with warm Dominican people.  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 
Vanessa Welter: (414) 247 3803 / [email protected]

SOURCE Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism