Abinader: open skies agreement with U.S. would be ready in 60 days

President Luis Abinader stated that negotiations for signing an Open Skies agreement with the United States are advanced, a process that could be completed in about 60 days.

“We are discussing the Open Skies agreement with the United States and they are very interested. It is very possible that in 60 days we will be reaching an agreement. We have 90 percent of the points agreed,” Abinader explained that such an agreement would make air operations between the two countries easier.

“What is needed here is competition between airlines and that will help us,” he said.

Abinader met on Sunday with representatives of Dominican airlines, among them the newcomer Arajet. The meeting resulted in the government’s commitment to send to the National Congress a “hub” law, which will allow the establishment of special conditions for those airlines that establish themselves in the country.

“We are going to submit the law to establish the Dominican Republic as an airline hub, that will give us competitiveness,” he said, explaining that Arajet and other groups have expressed their interest in using the country as a regional hub, as Copa does in Panama.

Central Bank governor assures tourism is the “backbone” of recovery

Santo Domingo, DR.
The governor of the Central Bank (BCRD), Héctor Valdez Albizu, specified that foreign exchange earnings from tourism, which reached US$5,759.1 million in January-August 2022, together with the inflow of US$6,518.8 million from remittances in the said period, contribute significantly to maintaining a sustainable balance in the current account of the balance of payments and to maintaining exchange rate stability, an essential element for generating certainty in economic agents.

He added that 31% of foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2021, or some US$960 million, went mainly to the expansion and remodeling of tourism infrastructure, with an expected value of close to US$1 billion for this concept in that sector by the end of 2022.

The governor of the BCRD met with a delegation of the board of directors of the National Association of Hotels and Restaurants (Asonahores), headed by its president Rafael Blanco, in which he emphasized that this sector has made the most significant contribution to the growth of the Dominican economy this year, thus becoming a backbone of the excellent recovery process that the country is experiencing after the pandemic and the effects of the current war in Ukraine.

Tourism activity
Valdez Albizu indicated that the tourism sector contributed 1.8 percentage points in the average expansion of 5.5 % registered by the economy in January-July 2022, one-third of the growth experienced in the first seven months, with an increase in its real added value of 32.9 %.

The governor pointed out that this remarkable performance responds to the arrival of 4,282,207 million travelers in January-July of the current year, for an increase of 1,820,577 passengers (74.0 %) concerning the same period of 2021, highlighting, in particular, the historical record for a month with the arrival of 735,064 tourists in July 2022.

It is noteworthy that this favorable trend was again reflected in the non-resident passengers received in August 2022, reaching the remarkable figure of 621,953 tourists, being the best month of August in the entire statistical series, according to data announced by the Minister of Tourism, David Collado. In this way, 4.9 million non-resident travelers have accumulated in the last eight months of this year.

Asonahores
The directors of Asonahores described as ‘surprising’ the recovery of tourism in the Dominican Republic ‘due, to a great extent, to work carried out by the Government, and more specifically to the strategy developed in all markets by the Ministry of Tourism, headed by David Collado.’

They also highlighted the importance of the monetary measures implemented during the pandemic to offer facilities to the private sector and households through the financial system.

The representatives of the sector stated that foreign investors, especially hoteliers, praised the treatment received in the Dominican Republic by the Government and the credit facilities granted by the Central Bank through the financial system to support the sector in difficult times.

Governor Valdez Albizu recalled that, through the measures established by the Monetary Board, US$600 million in financial resources were made available at an interest rate of up to 8% for the tourism sector, which was a great help for the maintenance of its businesses and the preservation of jobs.

Valdez Albizu pointed out that preliminary estimates of the National Continuous Labor Force Survey (ENCFT) for the April – June 2022 quarter showed that the total number of employed persons in the economic activity of hotels, bars, and restaurants reached 363,334 persons, a level higher than the 300,996 net employed persons of the same period of 2021.

Hoteliers
Representatives of the sector stated that foreign investors, especially hoteliers, praise the treatment received in the DR by the Government and the credit facilities granted by the BCRD.

Construction material prices must reflect reality

President of Codia says that price speculation must be avoided and calls on Proconsumidor to play its role.
Leaders of the construction sector advocate that the local prices of construction materials should be sincere and by the reductions that these inputs are having at the international level, so that they are reflected in the final costs of the houses or projects.

Cristian Rojas, president of the Dominican College of Engineers, Architects, and Surveyors (CODIA), said that the entity will evaluate these prices and if they correspond to reality. However, exogenous factors influence such as freight and oil costs.

He said that this reduction in inputs arose last week, among them the rebar, which dropped 11.7%, will not be reflected immediately in the final costs because there are housing units that are already being built with the old price of steel, so the new houses that begin to be built now will have a reduction.

We invite you to read: Price of rebar dropped 11.72%, Iglesias reports.
“All price reductions should be reflected in the domestic market and avoid price speculation. And in this Proconsumidor must play an important role and adjust these prices to reality,” he warned.

Meanwhile, Teodoro Tejada, former president of Codia, affirmed that the price decrease of the bundle of sticks is derisory and should have dropped RD$20,000 and is still overpriced, given that the November 2020 price already had intrinsic the high freight costs and the dollar rate. He pointed out that a bundle of rods is 22.25 quintals of rods.

He explained that in December 2019, the cost of a bundle of rods was RD$19 thousand, stressing that in November 2020, a bundle of rods cost RD$57,850, and now in September 2022, that price was RD$82 thousand pesos and went down to RD$75 thousand.

While freight went up from US$2,500 before the pandemic in February 2020 to RD$14,000 and up to RD$18,000 a month in September 2020. “And now it dropped considerably to between 8 to 12 thousand dollars and the dollar rate has decreased 5 points, therefore the price of tied rod that had risen from November 2020 to the month of August 2022 an alarming figure of RD$34,150, the fact of lowering RD$7 thousand is an absurdity,” he said.

Real estate experts say that the time to invest is now

Santo Domingo, DR.
Despite the uncertainty created by the post-pandemic stage with its inflationary wave and the recessionary trend of the economy, the real estate sector struggles to maintain its dynamism by creating new proposals for investors of any income level.

According to experts, as in other economic sectors, there is a before and an after Covid-19; however, they do not hesitate to affirm that “the time to invest is now.”

“The time to do it is now, no matter the rise and instability you feel,” says Eduardo Navarro, expert and real estate advisor of the company Mr. Home, who says that there are “extraordinary changes in the projects that are being developed in the country.”

“We had seen an extraordinary change in the projects that are being developed since they involve a new mentality in projects that before were residential, now we have a great diversity, family products, family and investment products that coexist together and investment products only but that bring new variables,” says Navarro, consulted by Listín Diario.

The expert affirms that it is interesting to visualize how new real estate proposals are being developed thanks to technology, security, coexistence policies, and market studies. The new residential and investment products have areas of coffee, laundry, restaurants, coworking, commercial premises, hotel, children, and social areas with swimming pools, jacuzzis, sauna, gymnasium, cinema, and basketball court, among others.

Navarro agrees with Gisselle Ventura, advisor of the company Oferta Inmobiliaria RD, who explains that the economic stability that the country has had in recent years and the facilities offered by the State have favored those who are interested in acquiring housing, either to live or to invest.

“There will always be a risk factor when making the decision (…) but what we do know is that prices are increasing,” said Ventura, emphasizing that the money invested in real estate is always profitable because everyday real estate acquires more value.

He said digital platforms, such as AIR BNB, have generated a great interest in dual-use housing projects. Currently, there is an “explosion” of projects, especially in tourist communities and metropolitan areas.

He pointed out that the current trend of developers is very marked in projects of one- or two-bedroom apartments for second homes and villas in areas with high tourist potential.

Construction is on the rise.
Although at the end of last week, a decrease in the prices of some construction materials began to be felt, the truth is that since the middle of 2021, the construction cost of real estate construction has increased considerably.

According to the expert Gisselle Ventura, the construction meter, both for low-cost housing and other real estate projects, has increased between 35 and 40%, which people corroborate consulted who indicate that an apartment in low-cost projects, which a few years ago cost RD$2.4 million today cannot be obtained for less than RD$3.5 or RD$3.9 million.

However, Navarro estimates that the price of real estate is becoming more and more regularized and that contracts are stipulated with clear formulas to ensure the success of the projects for the developer, the investor, and the country.

Recommendation
A recommendation that Navarro and Ventura also agree on is that when deciding to invest in real estate, seek the advice of experts, who will help you define the best opportunity based on the purposes, amounts to invest, and the offer presented by the real estate market.

Innovative offers
Eduardo Navarro, the real estate advisor of the company Mr. Home, highlights the innovative offer of projects such as:

Murales
Conceptualizes a mixed vocation project with commercial, corporate, and residential components in a 41,500 m2 block located in Gazcue.

World Trade Center Santo Domingo
This will be a mixed-use complex, comprising what is now BlueMall Santo Domingo, JW Marriott Santo Domingo, and Torre Empresarial BlueMall, and new buildings that will consist of two business towers under the WTC brand and two apartment-hotel towers.

The arrival of flights does not coincide with Collado’s forecasts

The aeronautical operations are not coinciding with the forecasts of the Minister of Tourism. On the contrary, the performance in August has been lower than David Collado’s predictions. And the arrivals of flights in these days of September only confirms a downward trend.

The figures do not deceive; they have no ideology. They are what they are, and that’s that. The official said that we would have the best August in history, and the data contradicts him. Playing with figures according to convenience usually has a “boomerang” effect.

And that is what is happening; the data is turning against Minister Collado. So you must be careful with these things, selling occupancies that do not match reality. Just look at the flight arrivals at the airports.

Month after month, the official has been presenting at the Ambassador Hotel the benefits of the high occupancy increase in flights. And that is a strategic error because not every month tourism would go from increase to increase.

That is why Collado and the Government have resorted to the global computation of tourist arrivals so far this year to emphasize the excellent fortune of tourism in the DR. A very favorable situation but with a downward trend if compared with the forecasts made by the Mitur.

There is no need for the minister’s monthly self-promotion at the Hotel El Embajador, although it should not surprise us because politicians are permanently campaigning. Business people and executives know this and should be made to see that they cannot play with their food.

The union between the Government and the tourism business world is exemplary, which does not happen in Mexico or Spain. The year, I insist, will be very good, but everything is in its place.

Announced flights between Santiago de los Caballeros and Madrid, Spain

The Cibao International Airport, Grupo Consolidador Aéreo y Mayorista de Viajes VDT and the Plus Ultra airline announced for next December flights from Madrid, Spain, to Santiago de los Caballeros.

The operations will be carried out between the Adolfo Suarez terminal of the European country and Cibao.

According to what was explained, the companies are planning two special departures in December, with the intention of a weekly frequency.

Félix M. García, president of the Board of Directors of the air terminal, thanked the executives of the Plus Ultra airline for their confidence. He assures that this is an excellent boost for the Dominican community in Spain and all of Europe and tourism in the north of the Dominican Republic.

Ultra and Grupo VDT have joined forces to offer the Dominican diaspora to Santiago de los Caballeros for the first time in history. With the operation, Grupo VDT and Plus Ultra reinforce their commitment to connect the Dominican Republic further and join forces to open a new destination.

Both the CEOS of Grupo VDT and the management of Plus Ultra are happy to be the first to launch this destination and to bring to all Dominicans in Europe the possibility of arriving directly from Madrid to Santiago.”

The sale is already available through the platforms of Grupo VDT – Consolidador Aéreo.

Dominican Republic boosts shopping tourism with tax refunds

The Senate of the Republic approved on second reading the bill on the Refund of the Tax on the Transfer of Industrialized Goods and Services (ITBIS) to foreign tourists, thus promoting the country as a tourist shopping destination and making it more competitive.

According to the bill, the piece of legislation will stimulate and increase the consumption by tourists of products made in the Dominican Republic since the tourism sector is one of the sectors with the greatest potential in the country.

The regulation, presented by the vice-president of the Senate, Santiago Zorrilla, aims to refund ITBIS to foreign tourists and non-residents in the country who make purchases of nationally produced or imported goods and to establish sanctions for those who falsify information for such refunds.

Likewise, the Senate approved on second reading the bill of Incentive to the Nautical Tourism of Recreation, an initiative of senators Alexis Victoria (María Trinidad Sánchez) and Ginnette Bournigal (Puerto Plata).

The legislative piece aims to promote nautical tourism through the regulation of navigation in boats and nautical devices that, for recreational, private, commercial, and sporting purposes, are carried out in waters under national jurisdiction; it also includes aspects related to the registration, construction, and repair of vessels, as well as the promotion and incentives related to this activity.

During the legislative work, the bill that declares San Cristóbal as an Ecotourism Province, proposed by Senator Franklin Rodríguez, was also approved in the second reading. The purpose of the bill is to promote the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources and the promotion of cultural manifestations for the benefit of the economic and social development of San Cristóbal.

In the Dominican Republic, the beer market represents nearly 3% of GDP

Santo Domingo, DR.

Having a beer at a party, a cookout, a stadium, or a grocery store not only means toasting good times but also boosts local economies worldwide.

This is confirmed by the 2022 report, “Global Economic Footprint of Beer,” prepared by Oxford Economics on behalf of the Worldwide Brewing Alliance (WBA), which studied for the first time the global economic impact of the beer industry.

The report demonstrates the strong contribution of beer to global gross domestic product (GDP), job creation, and tax collection, a trend that is also reflected in the Dominican economy.

As part of the main conclusions of the Oxford Economics study, which uses data prior to the 2019 pandemic, beer production and distribution contributed US$555 billion to global GDP, a contribution that also translates into economic benefits for local communities, creating a value chain that stretches from farmers to shippers, small retailers, customers, restaurants, bars, and hospitality industry establishments.

This impressive global impact is reflected in the Dominican Republic. According to local data, beer consumption represents 2.7% of GDP. This translates into a positive impact on the economy, the value chain, and especially on small businesses such as grocery stores.

The economic boost of the brewing industry is also reflected in its ability to generate jobs. The Oxford Economics report highlights that this industry generated more than 23 million jobs internationally (1 out of every 110 jobs in the world).

Taking it to the local level, it is estimated that the production and marketing of beer in the Dominican Republic generates more than 130,000 jobs throughout the value chain.

Passenger boom in the AILA: 500 weekly flights on average

The Las Americas International Airport (AILA) is registering a significant increase in passengers, surpassing even its pre-pandemic number of operations, with an average of 500 flights per week at the country’s second-largest airport terminal.

According to statistical data provided by the Flight Operations Department of Aeropuertos Dominicanos Siglo XXI (Aerodom), during the week of August 21-28, 492 operations were registered.

The same data obtained indicate that more than 65% of the flights came from cities in the United States, such as New York, Boston, New Jersey, Miami, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Philadelphia, and Fort Lauderdale.

Regarding the level of passengers mobilized, the data indicates that they arrived with an occupancy factor of more than 95%.

During the summer season, the movement of flights and passengers through the AILA has increased considerably after eliminating the sanitary controls established in the airports and airplanes against Covid-19.

Among the airlines operating these flights from the terminal are American Airlines, Copa Airlines, United Airlines, Delta, JetBlue Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, Spirit Airlines, Air Red, and other airlines.

While those that operate the route from the airport terminal to European countries include Iberia, Air France, Air Europa, and various airlines that operate charter flights.

Aerodom also operates the international airports Gregorio Luperón in Puerto Plata, President Juan Bosch in Samaná and Joaquín Balaguer in Santo Domingo Norte.

Real estate tourism is experiencing an “unprecedented” boom in the Dominican Republic

After the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) presented the Central Unit of Tourism Procedures, it announced 171 projects under construction in 12 provinces, with construction deadlines in force, including requests for extensions.

Of these, 61 belong to real estate projects, with 25,347 rooms and an investment of US$1,8 billion.

In this regard, Michael Lugo, executive director of the Dominican Association of Tourism Real Estate Companies (ADETI), attributes the boom in real estate tourism to the arrival of the pandemic, which changed the priorities and needs of investors.

“The sector had been growing gradually during the years prior to the pandemic, occupying the role of a second home for many families. The boom and dynamism in sales experienced at the beginning of the pandemic were unprecedented. The priorities and needs of families changed drastically, leading them to move away from the big cities and look for spaces where they could enjoy the outdoors,” he said.

He pointed out that La Altagracia continues to be the province mainly investing in real estate tourism, as well as Miches, Samaná, Puerto Plata, Constanza, and Jarabacoa, among other locations in the country.

“It should be emphasized that each real estate tourism destination has its own focus, vision and projection; its demand will vary according to its location, offer, amenities, philosophy and public. Any area that has a particular attraction has potential and is being developed,” he said, according to Acento.

Referring to the foreigners who invest the most, Lugo explained that each real estate tourist destination has unique attractions that are different from the others, which allows a diversity of investors from different countries.

“For example, in the East zone are many investors from the United States and Canada. However, the Samana area has a lot of investment from European countries. Other foreigners with large investments come from Spain, France, and the United Kingdom,” he said.

He pointed out that 27,000 rooms have been built in the projects of the tourism companies of the guild, in addition to 4,000 rooms currently under construction.

Abinader inaugurates works for RD$520 MM in Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata, D.R.
With an investment of more than RD$520 million, President Luis Abinader yesterday inaugurated the Altamira-Rio Grande highway, the Las Canas bridge in the municipality of Imbert, and the repowering of the San Marcos electrical substation in this province.

Of this investment, RD$377 million corresponds to the road linking the municipality of Altamira with the municipal district of Río Grande. This project, about 20 kilometers long, benefits the 30,000 inhabitants that make up the surroundings of these two communities.

Also, the Las Canas bridge, which was built for RD$57 million, connects dozens of livestock and agricultural communities affected for years by the lack of infrastructure for regional development. In addition, the repowering of the San Marcos substation, replacing a 20-30 MVA power transformer for RD$86 million.

Sidewalks, curbs, cards

The Minister of Public Works, Deligne Ascención, announced that RD$170 million were made available for the construction of sidewalks and curbs in this province’s municipalities and municipal districts. In addition, a motorized pedestrian bridge will be built in Altamira.

Earlier in the day, the President headed the 51st “Primero Tú” (First You) social inclusion day, which is being carried out by the government through the General Directorate of Strategic and Special Projects of the Presidency (Propeep), in favor of people in vulnerable conditions.

To date, about 130 thousand people have benefited throughout the country with these days. Yesterday, more than 2,000 people were treated.

In the activity held in the Nepomuceno Ravelo elementary school, the municipality of Imbert, the head of state, said that the government is doubling the social aid to reach those who need it most.

Parade in honor of Luperón

President Abinader also led the civic-military parade on the occasion of the 183rd anniversary of the birth of the restoration hero General Gregorio Luperón, accompanied by members of his cabinet and military and local authorities.

After the cannon fire in honor of the military hero, who was also President of the Republic, the parade of the military units began under the direction of the commander of the second brigade of the Army, General Fernando Arturo Pérez Jiménez.

The President was accompanied by the Administrative Minister of the Presidency, José Ignacio Paliza; the President of the Permanent Commission of National Anniversaries, Juan Pablo Uribe; the provincial governor, Claritza Rochtte; the senator Ginette Bournigal, the mayor Roquelito García, deputies Johnny Medina and Emil Durán, and the vice administrative minister Igor Rodríguez, among other officials.

Thousands of people watched the parade on the seafront of Puerto Plata with the participation of different military units of the country, students from other schools, and representatives of local civic organizations.

President visits house-museum

Gregorio Luperón.

President Abinader, before leading the parade, visited the House Museum of General Gregorio Luperón, receiving details of its facilities and the services it provides as national and foreign tourists visit it.

José Briceño Stadium.

The President also made available RD$150 million to remodel the José Briceño Stadium of Puerto Plata, with a joint effort of the Bishopric and the administrative ministries of the Presidency and Sports.

Deputies approve bill that guarantees teaching English as a second language

A bill that seeks to guarantee the teaching of English as a second language in the public schools of the Dominican Republic was approved as a matter of urgency in two consecutive sessions this Wednesday in the Chamber of Deputies.

One of the recitals of the bill states that: “The Constitution of the Dominican Republic establishes the right to an integral, quality, permanent education, with equal conditions and opportunities for all persons with no other limitations than those derived from their aptitudes, vocation and aspirations.”

At the request of several deputies, the bill was declared of urgency to be heard in two consecutive sessions.

They unanimously approved the bill by the 131 deputies at the session and passed it to the Senate of the Republic.

The initiative declares that the learning and teaching of the English language in the educational system is a public interest.

According to the bill, the Ministry of Education (Minerd) would be the competent body to design and implement a national teacher training strategy to teach English to students in extended day and polytechnic public schools.

The funds for implementing the law would be allocated to the Ministry of Education in the General State Budget law.

“That the English language has become an important factor, when it comes to achieving labor and personal success, since in most companies they require a certain level of writing, speaking, understanding and reading English for the management of national and international relations,” is what the piece establishes in the seventh recital.

A total of 18 deputies expressed their support for the bill and the importance of young people in learning English.

Deputy Servía Iris Familia indicated that English has been taught in the Dominican Republic for 60 years but that due to the deficiencies, students do not speak it fluently when they leave high school.

Congresswoman Ydenia Doñe emphasized that learning English is a necessity in the country.

Congressman Juan Julio Campos said that English is the most spoken language in the world and that the Dominican Republic must join globalization by learning it.

Hamlet Amado Melo highlighted the importance of the project because he understood that learning English would contribute to the labor and social development of the people.

The XVIII Adoexpo Golf Cup will be held at Punta Espada Golf Club, Cap Cana.

Santo Domingo, DR – The Dominican Association of Exporters (Adoexpo) announced for Sunday 18 of this month, the XVII Adoexpo 2022 Golf Cup, an edition that will have an international character because it will mark the beginning of the activities of two crucial Latin American congresses in the areas of business and banking.

The sporting competition will be held at the Punta Espada Golf Club in Cap Cana, with a hundred business people, diplomats, executives of exporting companies, and representatives of the sponsoring entities.

As in previous years, competitors will bet on the best positions in categories “A,” “B,” and “C” under the scramble modality in pairs.

The event was announced at a meeting at the Intercontinental Hotel, headed by the president of Adoexpo, Elizabeth Mena; the technical director of the tournament, Jochi Mella and the executive president of the Asociación de Bancos Múltiples de la República Dominicana (ABA), Rosanna Ruíz.

Mena highlighted that this XVII edition would be linked to the Latin American Congress of Foreign Trade (CLACE) and the Latin American Congress of Technology and Innovation (CLAB), organized by the Latin American Federation of Banks (Felaban) and the ABA.

“Starting next September 18 with this tournament, in the framework of Adoexpo’s 50th anniversary, we will be supporting these events as part of an alliance with the ABA and Felaban, which recognize the importance for the export sector, aligned with the country’s strategy as a regional trade reference and logistics hub,” he said.

Jochi Mella, technical director of the tournament, explained that in addition to the first three places, special prizes would be awarded for the Longest Drive and the Closest to the Pin.

He also said that as is customary in this competition, after the contest, there will be a trophy ceremony, multiple raffles, and gifts at the end of the event, courtesy of sponsors and Adoexpo.

The executive president of the ABA, Rosanna Ruiz, highlighted the importance of this alliance after stating that “the attendance at the CLAB and CLACE congresses of multilateral trading interests, banks, Bigtech and Fintech of the region gives us the opportunity to show, as an export and economic sector, the comparative and competitive advantages of the Dominican market, so that our country can become a hub of innovation and exports in Central America, the Caribbean, and the world.”

Sponsors and allies

This XVII Adoexpo Golf Tournament is sponsored in the “Large Exporter” category by the Dominican Mining Corporation (Cormidom) and Gerdau Metaldom, while in the “Exporter” category are Cemento Cibao, Haina International Terminals (Hit), and Cemento Panam.

The sponsors of the “Entrepreneur” category are Ageport, Banco Lafise, Domicem, Despachos Portuarios Hispaniola (DPH), Implementos & Maquinarias (IMCA), J. Armando Bermúdez, Kinnox, London Consulting, Marítima Dominicana (Mardom) and Scotiabank.

The tournament’s strategic allies are Banco BHD, Cervecería Nacional Dominicana, Cortés Hermanos, Henriquez Soluciones Logísticas, Industrias Banilejas (Induban), Industrias San Miguel (Ism), La Aurora, Newlink, Oliver & Oliver (Ron Punta Cana), Pasteurizadora Rica, Ron Barceló, Seabord Marine and La Reina (Serta).

The annual sponsors in the “Platinum” category are Banco Banreservas, Corporación Minera Dominicana (Cormidom), DP World Caucedo, Falconbridge Dominicana (Falcondo), Gerdau Metaldom, Grupo SID, Banco Popular, in the “Gold” category is Laboratorio Rowe, in the “Silver” category is Banco Lafise, Cemento Cibao, Kinnox, Mardom, Mardom, Plastifar and Pasteurizadora Rica.

Solar-powered street lighting allows savings between 20 and 40 %

The Dominican Republic could save between 20 and 40% of the current cost of public lighting if solar energy solutions replace the luminaires that use conventional electricity.

This was explained by Felipe Sanches, director for Latin America of Fonroche Lightning, an expert in solar street lighting and a world leader in the sector with a presence in more than 70 countries.

He emphasized that the luminaires that use solar light do not require wiring and have minimal maintenance; the battery is changed every 10 to 12 years and guarantees 365 nights of lighting per year.

He highlighted that they offer an innovative technology consisting of a photovoltaic panel that captures solar energy, stores it in batteries, and illuminates through the night.

He added that this product continues to work even in rainy periods with little radiation and is resistant to strong winds caused by hurricanes.

Sanches expressed that they are developing a pilot project together with the private sector in Punta Cana, Bávaro, and La Altagracia, with the installation of 10 solar lights, which will be shown to the public authorities and the private sector.

And in the country, they are participating hand in hand with the French multinational electrical services company France Energie.

Alain Conte, founding president of France Energie, explained that “this is not a massive product, but a customized solar solution in which we measure the last 10 years of solar radiation in the project location, through the Worst Case Scenario process, which takes the month with the worst radiation and the longest night to create the solar street lighting solution that adapts to the needs and reality based on these parameters.”

This technology arrives for the first time in the Caribbean and was presented yesterday in the Dominican Republic as an innovative solar lighting solution.

Club Med launches discounts of up to 45% in its Dominican Republic resorts

Club Med Resorts has launched its “Your Wanderlust Awaits” sale, where travelers can save up to 45% and can book now through November 1, 2022, with travel dates beginning September 24, 2022, through May 5, 2023.

Participating resorts include Club Med Punta Cana and Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda, Dominican Republic; Club Med Cancun, Mexico; Club Med Quebec, Canada; Club Med Ixtapa Pacifico, Mexico; Club Med Columbus, Bahamas; Club Med Turkoise, Turks and Caicos; Club Med Caravelle, Guadeloupe, French Caribbean; and Club Med Buccaneer’s Creek, Martinique, French Caribbean.

The “Your Wanderlust Awaits” sale will enable savings to travelers when combining their vacations with airfare, resulting in leaves with room rates as low as US$135pp / night at participating resorts.

Other benefits of the sale include staying free for children under four without a single supplement. In addition, by bundling resort and airfare into one, visitors can save 10 percent and receive free airport transfers.

Club Med is committed to the safety of its guests. It offers an Emergency Assistance Program for anyone traveling between now and December 31, 2023, which covers emergency medical expenses, including those related to Covid-19. They also offer a flexible cancellation policy where guests can cancel for a full refund before 61 days of their stay.

Hoteliers and merchants promote multi-destination tourism between Santiago and Puerto Plata

The president of the Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Tourism Companies of the North ( Ashonorte ), Carlos Rodoli, presented at the meeting of the executive committee of the Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic ( Asonahores ) held in the city of Santiago, the first joint initiatives within the “Two Cities One Destination” strategy, which aims to jointly promote the cities of Santiago and Puerto Plata, in a strategic alliance between Ashonorte and ACIS to promote multi-destination in the North zone, promoting the development of tourism sustainable.

Rodolí stated that “from Ashonorte, the ACIS and other organizations we have joined forces using the strengths of both destinations, however, we have identified that this project will be the most effective and fastest way to promote our benefits, identity, culture and products in the world. , through cinema, dance and music; taking advantage of the phenomenon and world reality of bachata, which has reached corners of the world where our beer, rum, and tobacco have not arrived».

In that sense, he highlighted the agreement between Ashonorte and ADN Films to turn Puerto Plata into a world epicenter of Bachata, promoting music festivals and promoting itself as a film destination through film projects that raise the pride of our cultural identity, such as the Films Bachata DNA.

He also took the opportunity to invite and motivate those present to participate in the warm-ups that take place in Puerto Plata and Santiago towards the ADN Bachata World Festival, which will take place in the month of November from 17 to 20 in Puerto Plata.

The initiatives presented by Rodoli had the receptivity of those present. The president of Asonahores, Rafael Blanco Tejera, said: “You can count on the full support of the entity for whatever is needed from the project.”

The meeting held at the Hotel Hodelpa Gran Almirante was attended by Sandy Filpo, president of the Association of Merchants and Industrialists of Santiago (ACIS), Saul Abreu, executive director, Association for Development Inc ( APEDI ), Andrés Maŕranzini, vice president Asonahores executive, Kathy Morillo, Ashonorte executive director.

As well as Lowis Infante, Pontificia Univ. Católica Madre y Maestra Humberto Pichardo de Asoc. Hoteles Sosua/Cabarete; Ney Deschamps Asoc. Rent-A-Ca, Ramón Paulino; Santiago Tourist Destination Cluster; Luciano Aybar, Santiago Tourist Destination Cluster, among other people related to the sector.

Green One Playa Dorada expands its tourism real estate offer in Puerto Plata

The tourist destination of Puerto Plata has a varied and wide range of accommodations, from hotels to real estate. The latter housing segment is having a rebound with the innovative project of villas and apartments Green One, located in Playa Dorada.

The buildings of Coral Hospitality Corp through the Xëliter brand (administration, management, and commercialization of tourist properties in the DR) have two-level type A villas built on 165 M2, one-level type B villas built on 145 M2, and apartments built on 126 M2.

In this regard, Daniel Fernandez, general manager of Green One Playa Dorada, explained that the project is divided into two stages; the first consists of 108 villas with one and two bedrooms and 42 apartments, which are finished.

He told arecoa.com that the second stage consists of 28 villas and 220 apartments. “At this moment, we can say that of the 28 villas of phase II are all sold, and of the apartments, we have sold 40.”

The executive informed that the second phase would be ready by 2025 and that both phases total 398 properties in the tourist real estate, offering more than 700 rooms in Playa Dorada.

He stated that when the second phase is completed, together with the first phase, the investment in the projects exceeds US$100 million. “It is quite an important investment because it is not only the real estate but also the tourist amenities we have had to build to make the project as attractive and inclusive as possible.”

Regarding the amenities offered by the project, in addition to an exclusive, safe, and comfortable environment, Fernandez listed that they have a beach club, swimming pool, white beach, sports, children’s club, Brazilian restaurant, a gym (under construction), concierge service, private parking, relaxation area, among others.

“Also, we have an alliance with the golf club, which is very attractive for owners or visitors to enjoy it or the tennis court; and I am convinced that Green One offers all the amenities that make us affirm that we are the best tourist and real estate option in the north of the country,” he added.

He said that given the offer they currently have in apartments and attending to the market needs, they would launch in the coming months in Costa Dorada an exclusive project of 2 and 3-bedroom villas under the name of Green One II.

“This project comes to meet the segment of villas so desired by the public of both the Cibao: Santiago, Moca, La Vega and Puerto Plata, and also is the answer to the tourist part of Dominicans living abroad as New Jersey and a very important segment of buyers we have from Canada, who are very interested in Puerto Plata as a tourist destination,” he said.

Fernández recalled the importance of alliances for the tourism sector, such as the one between the Velutini Real Estate Group and the Selman Group, “both of which are renowned and provide the necessary and important reputation and prestige to succeed in a project of this category and magnitude.”

“We are builders-developers, but we are not real estate operators; that is why we have created this alliance with the company Xëliter, and we are happy because we have found in them the answer to the needs of the owners who trust in buying a property with us and later require an impeccable administration and an offer or rental pulls that can help in the return of the investment,” he concluded.

Bank of America: “Dominican Republic tourism has recovered its pre-pandemic level”

The Bank of America Corporation praised tourism growth in the Dominican Republic, indicating that it has recovered to pre-pandemic levels, placing it as the star of the Dominican economy.

In its Dominican Republic Economic Watch report, Bank of America expresses its optimism about the growth of the Dominican economy, indicating that it has grown faster than expected despite the oil crisis.

The U.S. multinational banking and financial services company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the second largest bank holding company in the United States by assets, indicates that tourism represents a third of the Gross Domestic Product of the Dominican Economy, observed in the first half of the year.

“They have already recovered to pre-pandemic levels. The Government expects 8.4 million non-resident tourists by 2022 (including flights and cruises) versus 5.3 million in 2021. That is, 7 million in flights and 1.4 billion in cruises. By 2023, they expect the number of air and cruise tourists to increase to 7.7 million and 1.7 million, respectively.

With a view to further boosting U.S. tourism in the DR, the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, is developing a week of work in Charlotte, North Carolina, with important companies in the sector, working on important alliances to boost the country’s main economic engine.

The strategy implemented by the Dominican Republic has borne great fruit, placing the country as an international reference in tourism recovery and public-private partnerships to boost the sector.

Dominican Republic earmarks US$2.17B for partnerships

Santo Domingo.- The General Directorate of Public-Private Partnerships (APP) has channeled investment of RD$119.6 billion (US$2.17 billion) with 20 works received, of which four have been declared of public interest and two are in the competitive process, nine are being evaluated and seven have been discarded because they do not meet the requirements established by law.

The director of this institution, Sigmund Freund, indicated that the support of multilateral organizations such as the World Bank, USAI, CABEI, CAF and other financial institutions has been obtained, which have been key to institutional strengthening, knowledge of good practices and the guidelines for an efficient structure of PPP initiatives.

First project

Among the first results is the tender for the construction of the first hotel of three to be built in Pedernales, as part of the tourism development project for that province and the southern region, which the government has proposed.

Low cost Colombian carrier upbeat on Dominican route

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic is the “most important” Caribbean destination for Wingo, the Colombian low-cost airline, and occupies 20% of the company’s international routes, says Jorge Jiménez, Commercial and Planning of the airline company.

“We believe that it is a market that can be stimulated, that our low price model can make many Dominicans use Wingo to reach new destinations,” said Jiménez, at the presentation of the new international route between Santo Domingo and the City of Panama.

The executive said that Wingo offers Dominicans, in addition to low prices, flexibility and punctuality, attention in its service channels.

Sanction

The airline however, was sanctioned by the Colombian Transport Superintendence for allegedly not protecting the rights of users to claim and reimbursement, according to Diario Libre.