Dominican beaches enchant celebrities during 2022

The number of tourists visiting the Dominican Republic is growing by the month, and among the foreigners who have been enchanted by this corner of the Caribbean are famous actors who have arrived this year for vacation or work. Aside from the singers who have come to the island to perform, film protagonists have also made their presence known in what many people around the world have defined as “paradise.” Enrique Arce, Mario Cimarro, Jacky Bracamontes, Ben Stiller, and Jake Gyllenhaal were among the film and television stars who visited Dominican territory during the nearly 365-day period. On Wednesday, it was revealed that the Spanish actor Enrique Arce, best known for his role as Arturo Román (Arturito) in the Netflix series “La Casa de Papel” (Money Heist), was enjoying Fricolandia beach in Puerto Plata’s El Castillo community of the municipality of Luperón.

According to a press release, Arce has visited the country three times and has decided to return. The actor was greeted by the owner of the private beach, Francisco A. Gómez, “Frico,” emphasized that the popular actor’s visit establishes this space as a country brand in Dominican tourism with its unique natural charm. Arce surprised everyone in April when he announced that he was so taken with the country that he would return. “I really liked that, and we’re going to make an announcement there with an important brand, and a property will fall for me there, specifically in the city of Samaná,” he said, adding that he’ll shoot a commercial as an ambassador for a Dominican brand.

Celebrities are well-known for preferring to spend their vacations on the North Coast. For example, Mario Cimarro waited for 2022 on the beaches of Puerto Plata. Cimarro, who plays Juan Reyes in “Pasión de Gavilanes,” was with his girlfriend, Bronislava Greguová, a Slovakian model 21 years his junior (51-30). “Have a wonderful time, as you deserve!” Cimarro wrote from the Dominican Republic. Lots of positive energy, my people!” Jacqueline Bracamontes was also seen in “La Novia del Atlántico” at the end of last year. The Mexican actress was sailing with her husband, Martin Fuentes, and their five daughters. The actress was at the Emotions by Hodelpa hotel in the Playa Dorada complex, which was simple and friendly.

Plus Ultra fuels tourism in Santiago with the first flight from Madrid

Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas marked a milestone with the inauguration of the first direct flight between Madrid and Santiago, a link that has increased the optimism of the Cibao airport authorities, who already suggest that in the future this flight could be “permanent.” The new flight, carried out by Plus Ultra, in conjunction with the VDT Air Consolidator and Travel Wholesale Group, arrived at the airport at 3:46 in the afternoon last Saturday from the Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas International Airport with 268 passengers, Dominicans, and foreigners, in an aircraft model Airbus A330.

According to what was reported by the executives of the Cibao International Airport, at the moment there is no fixed route; however, negotiations are underway to make it permanent in the future. Likewise, it was said that other dates were scheduled for the flight to operate again, on December 17 and 21, on the Madrid-Santiago route, and also on January 13 and 20, 2023, on the Santiago-Santo route. 

Félix María García, president of the Cibao Airport Board of Directors, highlighted the importance of this operation, which he assures has a positive impact on the impulse that Santiago has had as a destination with the opening of routes that contribute to the economic and tourist development of this area. David Blázquez, Corporate Director of Sales in Madrid of the Plus Ultra airline, highlighted the important efforts of the authorities of the Cibao airport and the VDT Group so that this objective could materialize. Lilian Núñez, CEO of the VDT Group, thanked everyone involved in this project for their support and for witnessing this “historic event”.

Hospital Hugo Mendoza recognized for the second time in the Ibero-American Quality Award

By receiving the Ibero-American Quality Award in its 2022 version, the Hugo Mendoza Hospital (HPHM) becomes the first public or private institution in the Dominican Republic to have achieved this feat twice. The health center, when applying for the National Quality Award, organized by the Ministry of Public Administration, obtained a silver medal in 2015, a gold medal in 2016, and the Grand National Quality Award in 2017, as well as Gold in its first application for the Ibero-American Quality Award in its 2019 version and was received in Madrid in February 2020.

In July of this year, the HPHM led in the No.1 position in the ranking of the best hospitals nationwide according to the Public Administration Monitoring System (SISMAP) for the health sector. On that occasion, it was also recognized by the National Health Service (SNS), for achieving the best hospital performance in the country. When offering the information, Dr. Dhamelisse Then, Director of the Hugo Mendoza Pediatric Hospital, highlighted the full support of the National Health Service, for what was a country application and revealed the passion, dedication, and great sense of humanization of the medical and administrative staff that make this health center a national and Ibero-American reference model.

The Ibero-American Quality Award is organized by the Ibero-American Quality Foundation (FUNDIBEQ) and the Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB), an organization attached to the Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government.

Sky High opens Santo Domingo-Miami flight for US$373 roundtrip

Sky High Dominicana began operations between Miami International Airport and the International Airport of the Americas, Doctor José Francisco Peña Gómez (AILA).

Cesarina Beauchamp, executive of the Dominican airline, informed that it would have several weekly flights; SDQ-MIA on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, departing at 8:30 pm MIA-SDQ on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, departing at 10:00 am.

He highlighted that, despite the route starting in December, which is high season, the round trip ticket cost would be US$373 so that everyone can access Sky High’s new destination.

According to a press release, the operations will be carried out in new airplanes and with the security that characterizes them.

Juan Chamizo, president of the company, said, “it is a great satisfaction for us to continue connecting our passengers, now with the city of Miami. We are an airline with 12 years of experience, which has been paving the way and making constant efforts to become a leader in connecting the Caribbean islands with Santo Domingo. This has all been thanks to our quality of service, the security provided, the management and the good management we have had since day one.”

He indicated that the proof of the excellent work they have done is backed by the main certifications held by the airline that travels to North American and European territories with commercial and cargo flights.

“To these and all our openings today we add one more, which is Miami, a route that we are sure, like the others, will be a great success,” said the executive.

Plus Ultra fuels tourism in Santiago with the first flight from Madrid

Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas marked a milestone with the inauguration of the first direct flight between Madrid and Santiago, a link that has increased the optimism of the Cibao airport authorities, who already suggest that in the future this flight could be “permanent.” The new flight, carried out by Plus Ultra, in conjunction with the VDT Air Consolidator and Travel Wholesale Group, arrived at the airport at 3:46 in the afternoon last Saturday from the Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas International Airport with 268 passengers, Dominicans, and foreigners, in an aircraft model Airbus A330.

According to what was reported by the executives of the Cibao International Airport, at the moment there is no fixed route; however, negotiations are underway to make it permanent in the future. Likewise, it was said that other dates were scheduled for the flight to operate again, on December 17 and 21, on the Madrid-Santiago route, and also on January 13 and 20, 2023, on the Santiago-Santo route. 

Félix María García, president of the Cibao Airport Board of Directors, highlighted the importance of this operation, which he assures has a positive impact on the impulse that Santiago has had as a destination with the opening of routes that contribute to the economic and tourist development of this area. David Blázquez, Corporate Director of Sales in Madrid of the Plus Ultra airline, highlighted the important efforts of the authorities of the Cibao airport and the VDT Group so that this objective could materialize. Lilian Núñez, CEO of the VDT Group, thanked everyone involved in this project for their support and for witnessing this “historic event”.

Rainieri: “Tourists will look for other destinations before taxes in Cancun”

According to Frank Rainieri, founder of Grupo Puntacana, tourism, despite being a leisure industry, is a competitive industry, so he understands that the increase in tourism taxes in Cancun and other vacation destinations in Mexico is “misguided,” despite being convenient for other markets. “I think it’s unwise to launch a new product in the middle of the winter season, but each government is sovereign in its own country,” he said. According to arecoa.com, he said that if the situation had arisen in the Dominican Republic “I would have gone to President Abinader and told him he is contradictory.”

Rainieri emphasized that such actions foster mistrust in the industry and impose additional costs on hoteliers. “The hotels in Quintana Roo have already sold at a rate, and they can no longer transfer these taxes to visitors,” he explained. “This means that hoteliers will have to bear that cost, which is not prudent.” According to the tourism businessman, governments sometimes lose sight of important points in an industry that provides numerous economic benefits, and he would never recommend such a situation for Dominican tourism.

“I would not have recommended it if the government was going to do something like this here,” he said, “but I reiterate that it is each country’s sovereign right.” Regarding the benefit that the Dominican Republic would receive as a tourist destination, he stated that people would look for another Caribbean vacation option. “And we’ve arrived. Anyone who does not feel at ease will be welcomed with open arms in the Dominican Republic. We welcome you to the Dominican Republic.” It should be noted that there is a standoff between the Mexican government and the Riviera Maya, Cancun, and Quintana Roo hotel associations amid a tax increase negotiation.

The hoteliers asked for a gradual increase because they have “reservations and nights purchased for the beginning of 2023.”

IMG Hospital, is the first third-level center in the Dominican Republic certified by a North American accreditation

Punta Cana, December 12, 2022.- Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), one of the top accreditation organizations in the United States, gave the first international certification to a third-level health center in the Dominican Republic.

This important milestone reached by the IMG Hospital, located in Bávaro – Punta Cana, D.R., makes the medical center a pioneer and a model of quality, which strengthens Dominican medicine and accounts for an important step to promote medical tourism.

By granting the accreditation, ACHC certifies that Hospital IMG complies with the demanding North American standards of quality and medical safety in regulatory and operational characteristics. These standards range from clinical protocols with scientific evidence, maintenance processes, updating of medical equipment, clinical history, infrastructure, excellence in operating rooms and procedures to the confidentiality of personal data and information.

“Obtaining this North American recognition for the first time in our country demonstrates the quality of our standards, and the efficiency in the medical care that we have offered during our first five years. With this accreditation, we reaffirm our commitment to the search for excellence and care focused on service and patient safety,” said Mr. Carlos Prato, president and founder of IMG Hospital.

The American ACHC Committee conducted a rigorous review of the operations and quality standards of the health center and will conduct a follow-up to ensure the maintenance of operational excellence and continuous improvement. “By complying with the ACHC Accreditation Standards, IMG Hospital uses the best North American practices in all areas including administrative, medical, and nursing, focused on creating a culture of quality and innovation,” said the General Director of IMG Hospital, Dr. Miguel Russo.

To contribute to the positioning of the country as a safe and competitive health destination, Mr. José González, IMG Hospital Quality Committee Coordinator, said that they are committed to complying with local regulations and international standards. To achieve this, they have become a benchmark in health and medical tourism throughout the eastern part of the country, supported by a multidisciplinary Committee that ensures optimal, efficient and timely medical care.

He also highlighted the achievements of IMG Hospital: the first Dominican hospital enables for Telemedicine, the first to offer magnetic resonance imaging and laparoscopic surgery in Bávaro. In addition, they performed the first interventional cardiovascular surgery, placed the first pacemaker in the East of the country, have an international bilingual department, have agreements with more than eighty international health insurers, and have received patients from more than forty countries.

The process to obtain North American accreditation took two years of multidisciplinary effort from all the departments of the health center.

About IMG Hospital
The IMG Hospital is a tertiary health center in the Bávaro area, Punta Cana; It was built and equipped with high technology, according to international standards and the current standards of the Ministry of Health of the Dominican Republic. IMG’s policy is to guarantee its national and international users optimal, efficient, and timely medical care.

They offer more than 30 medical specialties and services.

About ACHC

ACHC is one of the leading accreditors of health centers in the United States. It recently merged with the American accreditation HFAP, the first existing accreditation since 1943, and was authorized to evaluate hundreds of hospitals in the United States for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid of the American Federal government.

Miami airport inaugurates new routes to Santo Domingo, Paris and Manaus

According to the South Florida aerodrome (USA), Miami International Airport (MIA) will open new international routes in December, including Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic), Manaus (Brazil), and Paris (France), as reported on Monday by the South Florida aerodrome (USA). Starting this Tuesday, the Dominican airline Sky High will begin four weekly flights from Miami to the Caribbean country’s capital, making this the airline’s first connection with the United States and it’s fifteenth overall.

With one million passengers in 2019, before the covid-19 pandemic, the Dominican Republic rose to become the sixth international market for Miami International Airport, which now has six companies offering flights to this Antilles nation with the addition of Sky High. French bee will begin direct flights between Miami and Paris-Orly airport on Thursday, with three weekly flights. This will be the low-cost airline’s third connection in the United States and it’s seventh overall.

French bee, the eleventh “low cost” airline to operate at MIA, will be the only one to offer direct flights to Paris-Orly, though American Airlines and Air France have direct connections to Paris’s Charles De Gaulle airport. Similarly, Avianca started flights from MIA to three Colombian cities last week: Pereira (four weekly flights), Bucaramanga (three flights), and Santa Marta (two flights). According to a statement issued on Monday, the last two are two new routes for the Miami-Dade County airport, which already has nine direct connections with Colombian destinations, the most in this country in the airport’s history.

Flights from Canada and the United States to Puerto Plata are increased

Atahualpa Paulino, the recently appointed Regional Director of Tourism for the North Zone, announced an increase in flights from Canada and the United States to Puerto Plata’s Gregorio Luperón International Airport. He emphasized that the airlines from the aforementioned country represent an improvement for the destination, as West Jet will increase its operations to six weekly flights from Toronto from December to April, and Air Transat will increase its operations to ten weekly flights from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Hamilton, and Quebec until April. Sunwing will also increase its weekly flights from Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, and Ottawa to ten until April.

Atahualpa also mentioned that US airlines are increasing their flight frequencies, such as American Airlines, which will increase to two daily flights from Miami from now until January 15; United will increase from one to two weekly flights from Newark until January 15, and Jetblue will add a flight from JFK beginning December 20. Similarly, the official stated that flights from Poland, Germany, Boston, Charlotte, and Zurich will continue. Sky Cana launched its domestic operations with charter flights from Nicaragua, Cuba, and Miami.

The director of North Zone Tourism attributes the operation’s estimates to the constant work of the President of the Republic, Luis Abinader, who chairs the Tourism Cabinet, and the head of the Ministry of Tourism, David Collado.

Dominican Republic to have one of the best economic performances by 2023, according to experts

International and local economists agreed during their participation in THINK ECONOMICS 2022, the annual event of the Swiss-Dominican Chamber of Commerce and Tourism (CCTDS), that the Dominican Republic will face 2023 with a resilient and stable financial system.

“The exogenous factors of the international context such as the post-pandemic situation or the war conflict between Ukraine and Russia, have highlighted the dynamic management of the government of President Luis Abinader. A common strategy of confidence has been created for markets and investors,” explained Gaetan Bucher, president of the CCTDS.

With the deterioration of the global environment anticipated in 2023, with close to 60% of economies below their growth trend, including the US, Euro Zone, and China, where price stability in the medium term will require additional interest rate increases by Central Banks in advanced economies, specialists stressed that the International Monetary Fund’s outlook points to the Dominican Republic obtaining the highest growth in Latin America next year, where it will have leadership over traditionally strong countries such as Brazil or Mexico.

“The reality is that the conduct of fiscal policies in the Dominican Republic has been quite successful, including the conduct of health policy,” explained Alonso Cervera, chief economist for Latin America at Credit Suisse.

The economists explained that the Dominican Republic faces challenges to boost growth even through formal employment since, according to data from the Inter-American Development Bank, Latin America has very high levels of informality, around 55%, and in the case of the Dominican Republic, 58%.

“There are two major areas in which the Dominican Republic has many opportunities and it’s capacity to generate new wealth: international trade and tourism,” said Ernesto Selman, leader for Mexico and the Dominican Republic of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Regarding risk management, Raul Ovalle, managing partner of Analytica, noted that Haiti had faced a sequence of shocks since the beginning of the pandemic that has deepened the historical divergence between the per capita income of the two nations.

Regarding regulation, Alejandro Fernandez, Superintendent of Banks, pointed out that in 2020 the monetary stimulus was over RD$210,000MM, about 5% of GDP and that regulatory measures in response to COVID-19 have been based on a regime of flexibility in liquidity measures, credit stimulus, and gradualness. Something that has led to a robust recovery.

“The net assets of the financial system from September 2017 to September 2022 have had a percentage of 12.1%. The gross credit portfolio has increased by 8.57%, and there has been a real year-on-year growth in private credit in local currency. Commercial loans increased by 18.2%. Rates have returned to pre-pandemic levels; however, margins have narrowed.”

Regarding public debt, economist Raúl Ovalle pointed out that as of 2023, public debt is expected to increase. “In proportion to the size of the economy it will resume the gradual growth path that characterized public finances during the two decades prior to the pandemic.”

About the CCTDS

The CCTDS was founded more than 20 years ago as a non-profit private law entity that develops and supports programs and projects to foster, promote and invest for the benefit of trade, industry, and tourism between Switzerland and the Dominican Republic. In addition, the Chamber supports entrepreneurship and training activities in search of excellence and permanent innovation. Hence, the THINK events (INNOVATION, LOGISTICS, ECONOMICS, ENERGY, and TOURISM).

Dominican Republic government focuses on lowering air fares

The DR Government is promoting investment in new airlines in order to make them more competitive and thus lower airfares, which has been a challenge for the tourism sector, said Héctor Porcella, acting director general of the Dominican Civil Aviation Institute (IDAC).

“We have made an incentive in promoting investment in new lines,” he reiterated.

The official said that the Tourism Cabinet seeks to design public policies that contribute to the decrease in airfare prices.

“If we have greater competitiveness and greater offers from airlines, we can have better prices so that there will be more tourists visiting the country,” he explained, according to Hoy.

Hidden treasures in the northern zone

antiago, DR
Few want to or can escape from the magic that surrounds the almost virgin natural scenery. And the sensations these environs produce renews and creates freedom and wonder, or at least that is the opinion of many.

Fortunately, in the north of the country, there are captivating treasures that will remind us how small we were before the beautiful immensity that nature has built with exotic details, as impressive beaches surrounded by tropical vegetation and peculiarities make this area a must-see destination.

El Ermitaño Beach

A true natural paradise with calm and crystalline waters thanks to a coral reef, about 350 meters of beach, and abundant vegetation. It is located in the municipal district of El Limón, Samaná, near other natural jewels. Because of its characteristics, it became the setting for the Survivor series.

In addition to its visual offerings, it has a fascinating history surrounding its name: According to records, Juan “The Hermit” was a French pirate who landed there in 1780, where he was isolated for 22 years. Later, he was discovered by his former companions, and the Spaniards, astonished, granted him a pardon.

Honda Beach

Ideal for camping, this beach of fine butter-colored sand, combined with turquoise waters, forms a bay surrounded by coconut groves, where tranquility will be pretty straightforward.

It is located right in the middle of Punta Ermitaño and Punta Berto, Samaná, and can be accessed either by boat, from El Valle or Morón beach, or on foot, as it is not possible to use a vehicle. Furthermore, its position on the rocky coast gives this place a very particular scenic beauty.

Luperon Beaches

Visiting the coastal attractions of Luperón, Puerto Plata, is one of those experiences to be told, recommended, and repeated. Here several beaches can be appreciated through a kayak tour, with crystalline waters, peculiar landscapes, and very unique fauna that can be enjoyed while passing by.

From the bay of this municipality, a worldwide important point for nautical tourism for sailing boats, to Playa Chiquita, there are several virgin beaches, such as Playa de Nena, among others yet to be named.

Lanza Del Norte Beach

It is a bit visited the place, picturesque, in the middle of tropical vegetation, and surrounded by palm trees. Uninhabited and considered one of the most beautiful in the country, this beach offers enough silence to disconnect from the bustle of the city, appreciate the sea from the shade of the coconut trees, and enjoy the idyll that will make it worth the trip, which, it should be noted, represents quite an adventure. An option for those who are on their way to Playa Morón since it is only necessary to cross the unpaved road that leads to Lanza del Norte.

Cosón Beach

For many, it is the most beautiful beach in Las Terrenas. Like others on this list, this beach is characterized by being little visited and surrounded by palm trees, which give it a unique beauty. With its four miles long, it is perfect for witnessing one of the most impressive landscapes of the Samaná peninsula. In addition, it is an excellent option for bridal activities, surrounded by striking tropical gardens.

Diamante Beach

This beach is just 10 minutes from El Dudú, in Cabrera, and is ideal to go with the whole family because its waters are so calm that, instead of waves, it has very subtle ripples. It can be seen from the road, and for more tranquility and enjoyment, its depth is so shallow that you could walk dozens of meters into the water, and it would barely reach your knees, gaining depth as you approach the open coast. Its unique feature: sides covered with thick vegetation, whose surplus reaches a few meters from the water. Perfect!

Dominican Republic would have the strongest economic recovery in 2023

At a time when the world’s major economies are discussing a possible recession, a recent Oxford Economics report details how most Central American nations will outperform Latin America’s largest. Given such a scenario, the Dominican Republic would be the most favored. The Caribbean country is expected to have the strongest post-pandemic recovery in 2023, according to the analysis. Together with Panama, “it will most likely see the highest annual growth” due to the economy’s diversification and structure, “which will help them during the global recession.”

According to the report, the recovery in Central America has been fueled by large inflows of US dollars from commodity exports, record remittances, and an increase in tourism. While they anticipate that the aggregate growth of Latin America’s largest economies will be nearly flat, Central American and Caribbean countries will have a GDP of 2.5% in 2023.

Other countries will not be so fortunate. They specify that Belize and Nicaragua may experience the most significant slowdowns next year. While the first will be due to the country’s “huge” reliance on tourism, the second will be due to the collapse of institutions under the Ortega regime, which may make the country more vulnerable to global weakness. Costa Rica and El Salvador (along with Belize) face the greatest risks in the short term due to their fiscal positions, which they classify as weak, as well as their economic imbalances.

Arajet, the only airline that directly connects Santo Domingo with 5 cities in Colombia

Arajet began its operations in Medellín and Bogotá, becoming the leading airline in connectivity between Santo Domingo and Colombia since it offers 4,800 weekly seats to that country with direct flights to Cali, Barranquilla, and Cartagena. “We are very proud of the growth of our service in Colombia because it is a fundamental destination for Arajet, and less than 3 months after our start of operations we can already say with great pride that we are the first airline between Santo Domingo and Colombia,” said Víctor Pacheco. , CEO and founder of Arajet.

He said, “we are confident that our routes will strengthen commercial and tourist ties between the Dominican Republic and Colombia in the coming years, which will benefit thousands of Latin Americans and reinforce our mission to democratize the skies of the region.” According to the Colombian Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies (ANATO), the DR is among the 10 destinations that Colombians prefer when vacationing. Additionally, in 2022 Colombian travelers to the Dominican Republic grew by 154%, becoming in recent months the third nationality of tourists who mostly visit the country.

Since its launch in September 2022, more than 60,000 passengers have experienced Arajet’s service aboard its fleet of state-of-the-art Boeing 737MAX8 aircraft. According to a statement, the airline currently operates 18 destinations in 11 countries in North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean.

Association of Banks: inflation target established by the Central Bank is a pillar of stability

The Association of Multiple Banks of the Dominican Republic (ABA) today emphasized the importance of the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic’s (BCRD) inflation targeting scheme in generating certainty in economic and financial agents and price stability for the sake of a business climate conducive to domestic and foreign investment. The ABA emphasized the importance of assuming the commitment to maintain inflation in the target range of 4% 1, beginning in 2012, except when inflationary pressures have a high imported component, as in the case of the post-covid situation and geopolitical conflicts that have generated supply and demand shocks.

In a press release, he stated that “the commitment and efforts to achieve the inflation target have been the compass of monetary policy, guiding the Dominican economy towards levels of sustained growth and peaks in the region over the last decade.” He also stated that economic growth is necessary to meet the social requirements and well-being of the population, and that stability in the country is required for this. Similarly, the union stated that this monetary policy has ensured the promotion of both domestic and foreign investment. “Economic stability is one of the primary inputs that investors consider when developing business plans, along with clear market rules, private security, legal security, and social stability,” according to the ABA. 

He recalled that, according to recent Central Bank data, average inflation fell from 13.0 to 3.5% over the last decade, providing certainty for establishing new businesses and expanding existing ones. The entity that brings together the country’s multiple banks recognized the importance of maintaining the country’s efforts to meet the Dominican Republic’s inflation target, thus contributing to the generation of jobs and wealth among the population.

Master of the Ocean announces sustainable water sports championship in Cabarete

During the launching, the organizers of the Master of the Ocean announced the goal to become the most sustainable water sports competition in the Americas; to be held next February from 23 to 28, 2023 in Cabarete.

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic- The organizers of Master of the Ocean, the world championship of wind and waves in the Dominican Republic, held a pre-launch event, attended by multiple media, diplomats, government representatives, athletes, and partners.

Master of the Ocean, the most significant open waters competition in the region, has been officially announced, during an upbeat cocktail party at the prestigious and trendy Local 3 in Naco. The guests enjoyed Corona beer and Aqualy responsible water and succulent hors d’oeuvres, while event Founder Marcus Bohm, and Patricia Hiraldo, Coordinator, explained the details of this unique race. It is one of a kind, for summoning more than elite 80 athletes from 20 countries, in five disciplines: surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, Stand Up Paddle, and wing foil.

Bohm announced the two international teams: Team Condor and Team Edelweiss, from Germany and Switzerland respectively. Thanks to these two airlines, Cabarete will receive some of the toughest extreme pro athletes on the planet.

Hiraldo in turn highlighted that the upcoming edition will be dedicated to sustainability. As the founder of Happy Dolphins DR, an organization dedicated to connecting communities with the ocean through training in swimming, lifesaving and surfing, Hiraldo commented that Master of the Ocean will take into account four important pillars: environment, community, sport and culture. The event seeks to become a showcase or exhibition event for sustainable practices such as composting, recycling, reusing materials and alternative energies, while avoiding the use of single-use plastics, among other measures.

Dominican riders in the limelight

The Dominican|French Victoria Bramtot, a talented 11-year-old girl already with a title in the DR Open Kite already under her wing, had the floor. Victoria will be the youngest competitor in the history of the Master of the Ocean.

Andrés Flores, 3 times national champion and national athlete of the year was welcomed. On November 10, at the Nazaré beach in Portugal, where the biggest waves in the world are found, Andrés Flores rode a wave by paddling, and he might well have broken a world record. The Guinness verdict is expected by the end of the year so stay tuned.

Brandon Sanford was also present; he is a seasoned Overall pro waterman from Cabarete with an acquired taste for tubular and big waves.

The event seeks not only to provide locals the opportunity to have a high-level sports experience on a par with professionals from other countries, but also to feel valued, motivated and projected internationally. A USD 10,000 prize has already been confirmed, and expect more, such as accommodation in premium hotels in Cabarete such as Lifestyle, coral friendly, 100% dominican Gingerly sun protection products, and services from your friendly courier, Encargo Paq.

About international teams

Thanks to the support of Swiss premium airline Edelweiss, Cabarete will host extraordinary athletes such as Balz Müller, aka Radiculo, a hydrofoil freestyle pioneer. Swiss trailblazers, renowned for their winter sports achievements, will flit the tropical waters of the Caribbean. Team Captain is Christian Gri Gri Mueller, legendary organizer of Engadin Snow, Engadin Wind and The X Project Switzerland.

Team Condor from Germany will be co-captained by Chris Bungher, German windsurfing champion and entrepreneur owner of the water sports school Südkap Surfing Sylt and Linus Erdman, legendary 8x champion kiter. Also joining are athletes Julian Wiemar, Lina Erpenstein and Yannick Mittas.

International media will be invited, which will not only cover the races but will also spread the word about the treasures of our beaches, perfect for wave and wind sports.

That is why members of the Swiss and German embassies were present. They expressed their support for the alliance between nations based on sports, culture and awareness of the importance of caring for our ocean.

About Master of the Ocean

Master of the Ocean is the only competition on the planet that brings together five disciplines in the same spot, Playa Encuentro, Cabarete, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. The conditions are spectacular for most radical athletes from around the world, who come to this magical place, attracted by the breeze, the tropical temperatures around 28 degrees 365 days a year, the wonderful waves and the human warmth that characterizes the Dominican.

The Master of the Ocean was launched in 2003 as the Ironman of water sports by the German Marcus Bohm. Bohm is considered a surf ambassador in the Dominican Republic for his passion for all wind and waves sports, and his contribution to the community.

The event is organized by Happy Dolphins DR and is supported by the Ministries of Tourism, Environment and Defense; German Embassy and Swiss Embassy of Santo Domingo; Condor Airlines, Edelweiss Airlines, Millennium Resorts, Gingerly, Cable del Norte, Natura Cabana, Tubagua Ecolodge, Viva Wyndham Resorts, Lifestyle Holidays Hotels & Resorts, Tourist Customs, Puerto Plata Tourism Cluster, Cabarete Coffee Shop, Yamazato, DREAM Project, InspireDR, 321 Take Off, Corona, OJO Club|Lax, Europcar, Aqualy and Encargo PAQ.

Quintana Roo, less competitive than Punta Cana due to tax increases

The increase in hotel taxes promoted by Quintana Roo (Mexico) makes the destination less competitive in comparison to Punta Cana (Dominican Republic), which offers better rates without feeling fiscally suffocated. The tension between the Mexican government and the Riviera Maya and Cancun hotel associations grows as the negotiations against the tax increase continue. According to Noticaribe, Riviera Maya hoteliers led by Antonio Chaves requested that the increase be phased in because there are “reservations and nights purchased for the beginning of 2023.”

On the other hand, the sector united in Cancun, Puerto Morelos, and Islas Mujeres led by Jesus Almaguer takes a more obstinate stance because they do not seek installment payments but rather negotiate a discount, claiming that the official initiative “will inhibit the arrival of tourists, particularly from South America.” Almaguer wants to reach an agreement that specifies how far the tax burden can be raised.

“What we seek is to increase tourism, and in doing so, we have come to ruin it; we are opposed to any increase, we have already ratified increases in various taxes and duties, and the intention to increase them is observed.” This will have a significant impact on the industry, as well as the tourists who visit Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean,” he asserted. In this regard, the governor of Quintana Roo, Mara Lezama, announced additional tourism tax increases, increasing the lodging tax from 3% to 5% and the payroll tax from 3% to 4%, in addition to the 40% increase for the Environmental Sanitation Law in Cancun.

She confirmed that taxes had been discussed and analyzed with the sector to generate resources for social funds for security, health, social development, and tourism promotion.

Luis Abinader: “Baseball is not only part of our culture, it is part of our economy”

President Luis Abinader stated that the Dominican baseball industry has an economic impact of more than 400 million dollars due to academies’ investments, player compensation, and the creation of direct and indirect jobs, among other factors. “Baseball is not only part of our culture, but it is also part of our economy, and we talked to a group; I had lunch – I met Nelson Cruz on Saturday and there was a group there, and we were calculating that the impact of all baseball on the Dominican economy is approximately 400 million dollars in all dimensions, and that is a very significant impact,” Abinader said.

The president’s remarks came during the inauguration ceremony of the Major League Baseball Players Association’s (MLBPA) first international office, which aims to increase the support it provides to players during and after their major league careers. “We are excited to expand our international presence in the Dominican Republic.” The diversity of our baseball fraternity benefits our game. “The office demonstrates our strong commitment to continuing to advance and protect the rights of all international baseball players,” MLBPA CEO Tony Clark said in a press release.

Clark spoke in Spanish at the inauguration ceremony, thanking President Abinader and Sports Minister Francisco Camacho for their assistance in establishing the office in the country, emphasizing its significance because the Dominican Republic produces the most baseball players outside of the United States. More than 1,200 players, including an increasing number of international players, compete in Major League Baseball under the auspices of the MLBPA, which recently expanded its representation to include Minor League players, bringing total membership to more than 5,000.

The MLBPA is the union that represents players on all 30 Major League Baseball teams’ 40-man rosters. It also oversees MLB Players, Inc., which exclusively represents the group’s licensing and business activities involving active players.

David Collado: RD received over 570k tourists in November, totaling 6.3 million so far this year

According to published data, the Dominican Republic received 571,354 visitors in November, which is 50,000 more than in the same month last year, according to Tourism Minister David Collado. In this regard, the incumbent of the tourism portfolio stated that the country will receive 6.3 million tourists from January to November 2022.

The same data states, the Caribbean nation received 571,354 tourists by air in November, which is 50,000 more than those who arrived in the same month the previous year.

A rise in cruise passenger arrivals was also reported, with 195,270 visitors in November compared to 80,083 in the same month in 2021. So far this year, tourist arrivals have generated 7.8 billion dollars in foreign currency.

Rum and cigars, ambassadors of the Dominican Republic in India

The Dominican Republic promoted some of its best Dominican cigars and rum in New Delhi on Monday, some “flagship products” that also seek to “draw attention” to attract Indian tourism and investment. “Both are Dominican Republic flagship products representing the country’s culture and traditions.” “The idea behind these products is to draw attention not only to the country as a tourist destination but also to business and investment opportunities,” Dominican Ambassador David Puig told EFE.

The event promoted Barceló rum, which was founded in 1930 and, while present in India, must compete with Old Monk, which benefits from “a tradition of consumption” and a more competitive price by avoiding high taxes, according to Puig. “The strategy of Barceló rum,” he says, “is to sell its premium products here in India and position itself in a market with high purchasing power,” with members who “want to try new things.”

Regarding cigars, the ambassador emphasized that, while the Dominican Republic “is the world’s leading producer,” in India, Cubans control 95% of the cigar market, necessitating a change in strategy. “We are convinced that this is a market with vast potential,” he said, referring to a population with increasing resources and cosmopolitanism, “and the cigar has become an element of distinction” both in India and the rest of the world. Moisés Rodriguez, president of the tobacco company La Realeza, prepared live cigars armed with tobacco leaves and various industry instruments to demonstrate the qualities of the Dominican cigar.

“Our Dominican cigar is a very special cigar because it is made with different varieties of tobacco with a certain aging, a very reliable texture for the smoker, and the nicotine level has already become noble due to the aging of its leaves,” he emphasizes. According to Dominican Republic data, bilateral trade with India has increased “consistently in recent years,” reaching 1,000 million dollars in 2020, 700 of which are favorable to the Caribbean country, particularly gold, “followed by ferronickel and, to a lesser extent, cocoa beans.” Imports from India were mostly restricted to the pharmaceutical industry.