Lonely Planet Names Dominican Republic Best In Travel For 2013

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, Nov. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Lonely Planet, the leading travel publisher, has named Dominican Republic as one of its Top 10 Countries for 2013 in its annually published Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2013.   Lonely Planet draws upon the input of its staff, authors and online community for recommendations for the book, with the final list being decided upon by an in-house panel of experts.

Lonely Planet's top ten countries are chosen based on their diverse activities, exciting adventures, rich culture, off-the-beaten-track credibility or overall X-factor. Dominican Republic and the other nine countries are destinations Lonely Planet thinks travelers should go to due to something special going on that year, recent development, a lot of buzz, or that they are up-and-coming and therefore should be visited before the crowds set in.

"We chose the Dominican Republic for Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2013 as the country has all the elements of a perfect vacation destination," said Catherine Craddock-Carrillo, Commissioning Editor for the Americas. "With sun-drenched beaches, ecotourism, a rich culture of music and dance, influential art galleries and museums, and of course a warm and welcoming people, it's no surprise that the Dominican Republic is about to see a new wave of visitors."

"We are thrilled to be recognized by Lonely Planet as a 'Best in Travel 2013' destination. This recognition of our magnificent island nation's pristine nature, unparalleled culture and gastronomy underscores and affirms the growing awareness of the magical beauty and culture found only in Dominican Republic," said Magaly Toribio, Marketing Advisor for the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. "Our famously friendly people, rich arts, museums, and dozens of national parks and protected areas attract new visitors each year who return often to enjoy our world-class resorts and refreshing sun, sea and sand."

With eight international airports, three major cruise terminals and dozens of international marinas, Dominican Republic is closer than you think with direct two- to three-hour flights from most major U.S. gateways. To learn more, visit: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.

About Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic's first tourist was Christopher Columbus in 1492. Today, Dominican Republic is a culturally diverse destination offering both Dominican and European flavors to nearly five million visitors this year. Named #1 Golf Destination in the Caribbean & Latin America by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, Dominican Republic boasts upscale resorts, sophisticated cities, charming towns, 1,000 miles of pristine coastline, and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families alike.  The Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism is the official marketing organization for the country. Visit us at: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com. 

Media Contact: Vanessa Welter, BVK Public Relations for Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism; o: 1(414)247-3803; c: 1(850)980-3760; [email protected].

SOURCE Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism