Punta Cana Delivers Summer Family Vacations of a Lifetime

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, May 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dominican Republic's (DR) magnificent Punta Cana on the East Coast features top-rated accommodations, world-class golf courses, gorgeous beaches and exciting ecotourism adventures that will exceed the choosiest families' expectations this summer. A recent TripAdvisor.com study found the biggest challenge for family vacations is finding a destination that offers activities for everyone.(1) Today, families seek a destination that has it all, and Punta Cana delivers.

"Punta Cana has something for every family member to explore, from luxurious spas, to a swim with dolphins, to challenging golf or relaxing beach-time," said Magaly Toribio, the DR Ministry of Tourism's Vice Minister of International Promotion. "The captivating destination boasts sumptuous all-inclusive resorts with family-friendly activities, warm hospitality and delicious cuisine that will suit every taste and budget."

Travel is hassle-free with many direct flights from major U.S. cities to Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), the region's most modern and popular airport.  Here are five reasons why you should whisk your family off to Punta Cana this summer to explore the breathtaking island and create memories that will last a lifetime:

Gorgeous Beaches: Grab your beach towels and flip-flops and see why Punta Cana was ranked as the 8th best beach destination in the world by TripAdvisor Travelers.(1) The area features numerous public and private beaches, including "Blue Flag" European certified beach Cabeza de Toro; surfing beach Uvero Alto; parasailing-friendly beach Bavaro; and less populated beaches in the area's smaller villages like Boca de Yuma and El Cortecito-Los Corales.

Unique culture: The DR amazes with sizzling culture and rich history culminating from Spanish, African and Taino Indian influence over six centuries. Learn about history while you enjoy warm Dominican people and rhythmic music. Visit caves where drawings by ancient Taino Indians can be seen or learn to dance merengue and bachata at your resort or local nightclubs. Families of all ages can spend quality time together and experience the authentic Dominican way of life.

Enchanting ecotourism: In addition to relaxing , today families look for memorable vacation adventures they can do together. Punta Cana's eco adventures will satisfy any traveler. Kids can get up-close-and-personal with non-poisonous snakes or swim with the graceful dolphins at Dolphin Island Park; take a walk in the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park and see an exotic fruit-tree garden; watch an animal entertainment show at Manati Park; or ride a 4-wheel beach buggy to one of many secluded beaches.

Top-notch golf: As the unchallenged "It" destination for golf in the Caribbean, Punta Cana boasts nearly a dozen magnificent designer golf courses designed by some of golf's most acclaimed course architects, including Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye and Nick Faldo. Courses are set on dramatic coastlines and graced with year-round warm weather. These elite, full-service clubs provide golfers with exquisite scenery and challenging plays, and with abundant golf professionals and kid's clinics available, everyone will be sure to enjoy hitting the links.

Pocket Friendly: TripAdvisor says 26 percent of parents with children plan to take their family vacation during the school year in order to save money and 39 percent expect to spend more on family travel in 2011.(1) No need to do either if you jet off to Punta Cana, one of the most budget friendly destinations in 2011 according to ShermansTravel.com.(2) With a vast amount of all-inclusive resorts and numerous daily nonstop flights, Punta Cana is more pocket-friendly and accessible than ever. And just a two-hour flight from Miami, it is one of the closest international destinations for Americans.

(1) Source: TripAdvisor.com
(2) Source: ShermansTravel.com

The Dominican Republic'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 28 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 Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism's official Web site at: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.

SOURCE Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism