ALTIO launches the first Investment Fund of Funds in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- ALTIO, the Investment Fund Management Company, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully launching the country’s first “Fund of Funds,” which garnered 100% of its initial tranche’s participation fees, amassing a total of US$6,000,000.00 during the placement period that commenced on October 31.

Raúl Hoyo, President of the Board of ALTIO, explained that this is a closed investment fund that can invest in other funds available in the market, offering investors a convenient way to participate in multiple funds through a single investment.

This groundbreaking fund marks the first of its kind in the Dominican Republic and received approval from the Superintendency of the Securities Market through Sole Resolution R-SIMV-2022-11-FI, adopted on March 31, 2022. It has been registered in the Securities Market Registry since April 13, 2022, under the designation SIVFIC-062.

Eliza Sánchez Lomakina, General Director of ALTIO, highlighted the advantages of the Fund of Funds, emphasizing that by investing in a variety of investment funds with diverse diversification policies related to currency, instruments, issuers, and strategies, it can provide investors with greater diversification and risk reduction compared to investing in a single fund.

The fund is open to the general public, both individual and corporate investors. It is denominated in US dollars, with a minimum investment amount of US $1,000.00. To access the fund, investors must do so through a stock exchange authorized by the Superintendence of the Stock Market.

ALTIO stands as the premier Investment Fund Management Company in the Dominican Republic, renowned for its innovation and the diverse range of investment funds it offers in the country. Year after year, ALTIO consistently surpasses its objectives in delivering excellence in fund administration.

Moreover, ALTIO places a strong focus on creating a significant social and environmental impact on the country’s development and its inhabitants. It serves as a gateway to the best investment opportunities in the Dominican Republic, spanning various sectors that drive the local economy, including tourism, energy, free zones, real estate, and the stock market.

Clean energy project in Saona is nominated Sustainable Initiative of the Year 2023 by Business Intelligence

Isla Saona.- The “Energizing Saona” project, a collaborative effort between the Bayahíbe Electric Company (CEB), a subsidiary of the Punta Cana-Macao Energy Consortium (CEPM), and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MIMARENA), has been nominated for “Sustainable Initiative of the Year” at the prestigious North American Sustainability Awards 2023.

Since its launch in December 2022, the project has installed 1,800 photovoltaic modules and a 5 MWh energy storage system on Saona Island, ensuring a continuous and reliable energy supply for the island’s 600 residents. This initiative represents a significant step towards sustainability and environmental conservation, providing the community with access to basic services and improving their overall well-being.

The project’s impact on Saona Island is profound, as it has become the first and only island in the hemisphere to have clean, 24/7 renewable energy. “Energizing Saona” serves as a model for clean energy projects in the region and is recognized for its commitment to sustainability.

The project is part of the larger “Sustainable Saona” master plan promoted by MIMARENA, focusing on improving the quality of life for Saona Island’s inhabitants while ensuring the sustainability of the protected area within the Cotubanamá National Park.

In addition to the renewable energy aspect, CEB, and its partners are involved in various initiatives on the island, such as waste management, access to clean drinking water, support for sustainable local entrepreneurship, promoting sustainable fishing, and implementing electric mobility solutions to reduce the island’s carbon footprint.

This recognition highlights Saona Island as a shining example of responsible and sustainable energy use, showcasing the commitment of CEB and its collaborators to clean energy solutions that benefit the community and promote regional development.

Arajet inaugurates new route between Montreal and Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo.- Arajet, the low-cost airline serving the Caribbean region, has officially launched a new direct flight route between the city of Montreal and Santo Domingo. This new route further expands Arajet’s network of destinations in the Caribbean and Latin America.

The direct flight connects Montreal through Trudeau International Airport to Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo. Arajet is operating four weekly flights on this route, departing from Montreal to Santo Domingo on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The flight duration is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Victor Pacheco, the founder and CEO of Arajet, expressed pride in this new route, emphasizing that Arajet is the first and only Dominican airline to connect Montreal with Santo Domingo. Pacheco highlighted that this new connection enhances international relations between Canada and the Dominican Republic, making mobility between these regions more accessible.

Frank Hans Dannenberg, the ambassador of the Dominican Republic in Canada, also welcomed the new route’s inauguration, emphasizing its significance in enhancing connectivity between Quebec, the largest French-speaking province in Canada, and Latin America.

Yves Beauchamp, the President and CEO of ADM Aéroports de Montréal, noted that this direct service opens doors to explore the culture, history, architecture, and beaches of Santo Domingo. Arajet has carved out a niche in the low-cost flight market to the Caribbean, making Montreal an attractive destination for airlines.

Arajet aims to transport more than seven million passengers over the next five years and establish Santo Domingo as a robust air connection hub in the region, offering competitive flight options and rates to benefit travelers throughout the Americas.

Punta Bergantín awaits environmental permit to begin its first stage

Puerto Plata.- After the Dominican Government presented Puerto Plata as a revitalized tourist destination, specifically through the Punta Bergantín project at this year’s International Tourism Fair in Madrid (Fitur), progress has been slow. The initiative, which includes the construction of 700 hotel rooms in its first phase, is currently awaiting the issuance of environmental permits.

Andrés Marranzini, a prominent figure in the Dominican tourism industry, revealed that the project is preparing for its first public hearing scheduled for November 21. During this event, the master plan will be presented to the local community, neighbors, and other stakeholders. This public hearing is an essential step to obtain the necessary permits from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, which are required to initiate construction.

Marranzini, who will lead the trust responsible for the Punta Bergantín project, emphasized the importance of these permits. They guide the utilization of different areas within the project and outline the commercial program for each lot. This process also facilitates the raising of funds through the trust, which is currently in the process of formalization. Once these regulatory hurdles are cleared, the project will be presented to potential investors in the first quarter of the coming year.

Despite the project already having established the subdivisions for hotel construction, it is still seeking investors and operators. According to Marranzini, there has been significant interest from potential investors and operators.

Traditionally, Puerto Plata’s tourism market has been linked to Canada and Europe, but there’s a growing interest in attracting investors from the east coast of the United States. The project is looking to diversify its sources of clientele and tourists.

Punta Bergantín is an ambitious endeavor with plans for 6,760 hotel rooms and 13,705 residential rooms, providing a total capacity of 20,465 keys for hotel and residential tourism. The project’s first phase will encompass a vast area of 2.76 million square meters and includes amenities like a sustainable golf course, an academic campus focused on innovation, a film studio associated with the One Race Films Company led by American actor Vin Diesel, and the first hotel in the Planet Hollywood chain. The successful realization of this project could potentially bring in thousands of tourists to Puerto Plata, significantly boosting the local economy.

“Kostas,” the innovative project that seeks to mitigate sargasso in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo—The arrival of sargassum on Dominican beaches is a problem that directly affects the tourism and ecological sector every year between May and September. Faced with this reality, a group of Dominican students have presented a revolutionary project backed by cutting-edge technology to tackle this challenge.

Developed in Huawei’s “Tech4Good” program, the students tackled the environmental problem caused by sargassum in the Dominican Republic with their “Kostas” project. It was presented by ten students selected by Huawei nationwide from different universities to be part of the “Seeds for the Future” program in its ninth edition in the DR.

This year, 2023, the program was held in San José, the capital of Costa Rica, in conjunction with INCAE Business School Costa Rica.

The students explained that, after several ideas and the identification of different challenges in the Dominican Republic, sargassum was the issue they decided to address as the focal point of their project. The problem affects the ecosystem, tourism, and the daily life of Dominicans, as they cannot enjoy the beautiful beaches as they used to.

Until now, the approach to Sargasso has only been reactive, “Kostas” has come to revolutionize the way to tackle this problem by offering proactive solutions using Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Computing, according to El Nacional.

JetBlue slashes prices on flights to Santo Domingo and Punta Cana

New York—JetBlue promotes flights starting at less than US$50 to cities in the United States and Caribbean islands.

The airline offers travel to the Dominican Republic; a flight to Santo Domingo would cost US$166, and to Punta Cana, US$162.

A one-way flight to Grand Cayman from John F. Kennedy Airport is US$99.

To the Bahamas from the same airport, the minimum price is US$82, while to Barbados, the minimum cost is US$133.

To the US territory of Puerto Rico, you can take off from JFK to Aguadilla for US$148 or to San Juan for US$149.

To destinations in South America, the cheapest flight to Bogotá, Colombia, for example, would cost US$152. In the case of Ecuador, a ticket to Quito could cost you US$136 minimum.

Among the cheapest flights to US cities is Nashville, Tennessee, starting at US$45.

To Fort Myers, Florida, the cheapest ticket costs US$69, while to Miami, the cost can rise to a minimum of US$79.

To Chicago, Illinois, the fare starts at US$83 and US$128 to Los Angeles, California.

The winter seasonal offers are for flights between 28 November and January, according to a statement.

Interested parties should note that flight options are subject to availability and may change at any time. In addition, the fare does not include the cost of other services, such as baggage check-in.

The Dominican Republic is approaching the goal of 10 million tourists in 2023

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader has expressed confidence in achieving the goal of welcoming 10 million tourists to the country this year. During an event organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Abinader stated that the countdown has begun toward this objective, emphasizing the positive impact of tourism on the livelihoods of Dominicans and the country’s economy.

The event also showcased an advertising campaign featuring renowned Dominican artists singing together to achieve “10 million smiles.” The Dominican Republic has seen impressive tourism numbers, with 619,204 visitors in October, bringing the total for 2023 to 8,245,189. This represents a 23% growth compared to the same period in the previous year.

The Ministry of Tourism highlighted the role of cruise tourism in this growth, with over 1.6 million visitors arriving via cruise ships in 2023, and emphasized the support for new ports like Taino Bay. To reach the 10 million tourist goal, an additional 1,754,811 arrivals are needed.

President Abinader mentioned upcoming transformative projects that will continue to drive tourism growth and emphasized the importance of tourism for prosperity, development, employment, and improving the quality of life for the Dominican people.

During the event, tourism businesswoman Haydée Kuret de Rainieri was recognized for her contributions to the sector. She received an award for her pioneering and visionary role in the development of Dominican tourism and her active participation in the economic and social development of the Eastern region of the country. Haydée Kuret de Rainieri is the wife of fellow businessman Frank Rainieri.

Dominican Economy now 7th largest in Latin AmericaDominican Economy now 7th largest in Latin America

BY JOACHIM BAMRUD

The Dominican Republic has replaced Ecuador as Latin America’s 7th-largest economy, according to a Latinvex analysis of the latest data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF forecasts that the Dominican Republic will keep that position the next five years as well.

The Dominican GDP now stands at $120.6 billion, above the $118.7 billion of Ecuador.

Earlier this year, Latinvex reported that the Dominican Republic will become the third richest country in the region in per capita terms in 2028 as a result of having the highest growth rate in Latin America during the five-year period from 2024 to 2028.

A decade ago, the Dominican Republic was the tenth-largest economy in Latin America with a GDP of 62.8 billion dollars, behind countries such as Venezuela, Ecuador and Uruguay. In 2014, the Dominican managed to pass Uruguay and in 2019 pass Venezuela.

Brazil remains the largest economy in Latin America, followed by Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Peru and now the Dominican Republic, according to Latinvex.

POTUS - President Luis Abinader, it was great to meet you.

Via instagram

Dominican Republic emerges as premier medical tourism destination in the Caribbean

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic has solidified its position as the leading medical tourism destination in the Caribbean and ranks second in Latin America, attaining the 19th spot globally, thanks to the arrival of 262,902 patients in 2022. These medical tourists spent six times more than conventional tourists, making a significant contribution to the country’s economy.

This data was unveiled during the Sixth International Congress of Health and Wellness Tourism, a gathering of prominent figures from the medical, tourism, and financial sectors, both local and regional. At the event, Alejandro Cambiaso, President of the Dominican Association of Health Tourism (ADTS), presented the second study on Health and Wellness Tourism in the country, shedding light on the sector’s economic impact and challenges.

The report underscores that international patients seeking medical care in the Dominican Republic spend an average of $7,500. Of this, $5,000 is allocated for medical expenses, while $2,000 goes towards accommodation and transportation. This substantial expenditure significantly surpasses the average spending by regular tourists.

In 2022, the country welcomed 262,902 international patients, with the majority seeking dental treatments (179,085), followed by plastic surgeries (40,000), other surgeries (26,290), and outpatient and preventive medicine (17,527). These health tourists accounted for approximately 3.7% of non-resident tourists arriving in the country by air, totaling 7,163,394 visitors.

The study reveals that 77% of medical tourism services are provided by private clinics, while 23% operate under different management schemes with advanced technology. Some of these centers hold international accreditations, including Joint Commission International (JCI), Accreditation Canada, and Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC). Nineteen establishments were identified throughout the country, with information collected from 13 of them, representing 68% of the sample.

The majority of health tourism services are concentrated in the southeastern region (Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, and La Romana) and the northern Cibao region (Santiago and Puerto Plata).

The study also identifies several challenges, including the need to enhance innovation and establish an effective medical recertification system. It highlights that although medical personnel are highly qualified, technical and nursing staff need improvement. Challenges related to language proficiency, moonlighting, and technological capabilities were also noted.

José González, the first Dominican gold medalist in 100 meters in the Pan American Games

Santo Domingo.- Baní, a native of Peravia province, produced the first-ever Pan American Games gold medalist in the 100 meters sprint. José González emerged as a prominent figure in Dominican athletics by claiming gold in this explosive athletic event at the National Stadium of Chile.

At the age of 28, José González has become a noteworthy athlete in Dominican sports. Surprisingly, he only began his journey in athletics in 2018, at the age of 23. Prior to that, he had attempted a career in baseball, a path that some other notable Dominican sprinters, such as Félix Sánchez, Luguelin Santos, and Arismendy Peguero, have also explored.

González, often nicknamed “Baní,” hails from a humble background in Baní. He secured the gold medal at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games with a remarkable time of 10.30 seconds, narrowly defeating Felipe Bardi (Brazil) and Emanuel Archibald (Guyana), both with times of 10.31 seconds.

His journey in athletics began under the guidance of coach Jordanis Reynoso, a La Romana native residing in Santo Domingo. In 2022, González made a coaching change and joined the training under coach José Rubio, who was initially contacted through decathlete José Miguel Paulino.

José González’s accomplishments also include winning a silver medal at the Central American and Caribbean Games in San Salvador in 2023, and he currently holds the national record for the 100 meters sprint.

AERODOM highlights VINCI Airports’ ability to develop large-scale projects

Santiago, Chile.- VINCI Airports, the world’s leading private airport operator, has achieved an impressive set of milestones and commitments, reaffirming its position as a leader in the aviation industry and its ability to carry out large-scale projects around the world. From passenger traffic growth to sustainability and innovation, VINCI Airports has demonstrated its ability to lead the industry.

Luis José López, AERODOM’s Director of Corporate Communications, told the press that one of VINCI Airports’ most significant projects outside France has been the expansion of Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport in Santiago, Chile. This project has more than doubled the airport’s capacity and culminated in the commissioning of a new 248,400-square-meter international terminal in February 2022. This airport has become a leading international hub in South America.

In addition, he said the International Airport of the Americas in Santo Domingo, has undergone significant modernization, including the inauguration of a cargo terminal in 2020 and the installation of more than 10,000 solar panels to reduce CO2 emissions. VINCI Airports is committed to preserving the environment and reducing its carbon footprint at all airports it operates.

“VINCI Airports continues to lead the way in aviation infrastructure projects, demonstrating its ability to manage large-scale projects and its commitment to sustainability and the community. Its focus on expansion and innovation is paving the way for a more sustainable future in the aviation industry,” he said during a meeting with the Dominican press visiting Chile to learn about the French group’s operational capacity.

He stressed that VINCI Airports is also committed to sustainability and has set ambitious goals for the future. This includes a commitment to achieve net zero emissions at its airports in the European Union by 2030, extending to all its airports by 2050. In addition, they have pledged to completely eliminate waste sent to landfill by 2030 and to reduce water consumption per passenger by 50% by 2030.

“The results are impressive, with a 44% reduction in gross carbon emissions between 2018 and 2022. In addition, 25 of the company’s entities have obtained ISO 14001 certification. The installation of 44 MWp of solar power at its airports and the recovery of 74% of all waste, with 49% recycled, are examples of its commitment to sustainability,” he pointed out.

He explained that VINCI Airports is not only concerned about the environment, but is also committed to the community, as 37% of its workforce is made up of women, demonstrating its focus on diversity and gender equality.

The company has more than 250 airline partners and has established three new airline bases in its network by 2022. In addition, they are working on two major improvement projects at Belgrade Airport and Osaka International Airport in Kansai. Nine of its airports were recognized in 2022 for their quality and customer service.

Puntacana Group expands and diversifies in its 54 years of business legacy

Punta Cana.-  Grupo Puntacana, led by Frank Elías Rainieri, President and CEO, along with Paola Rainieri, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), and Francesca Rainieri, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), is actively working on various projects that will contribute to the economic growth and development of the Punta Cana region in the Dominican Republic.

One of their significant projects is the construction of the Punta Cana Free Trade Zone (PCFTZ) Air, Maritime, Land Logistics Center and Free Trade Zone Park. This ambitious project involves an investment of approximately USD$200 million and will accommodate cargo logistics operations and offices for the Punta Cana HUB, focusing on innovation and the development of Fintech companies. Spanning over 546,617.45 m² of land, it is expected to create more than 10,000 jobs and position Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic as a key player in trade and foreign investment, bridging Europe and America.

Furthermore, Grupo Puntacana recently expanded Terminal B of the Punta Cana International Airport, investing USD$80 million to add seven boarding gates and increase passenger capacity to three million. This expansion is significant for the region, facilitating travel and supporting tourism growth.

Grupo Puntacana takes pride in its pioneering vision and commitment to the community and the environment. They continue to be dedicated hosts to millions of visitors who come to enjoy the beautiful Punta Cana region, contributing to its growth and sustainability.

High cruise season begins in Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata.- The coastal city of Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic is gearing up for a busy cruise season in November, with a total of 48 cruise ships scheduled to visit. This bustling cruise calendar is evenly divided between two prominent tourist ports in the region: Amber Cove and Taíno Bay, with each port set to receive 24 cruise ships.

This influx of cruise ships will bring a steady flow of visitors to Puerto Plata throughout the month. These visitors will have the opportunity to explore the city’s natural and cultural attractions while also contributing to the local economy by engaging with businesses and services in the area.

Atahualpa Paulino, the northern regional director of tourism, anticipates that this high cruise season will be a resounding success and further solidify Puerto Plata’s position as one of the premier tourist destinations in the Caribbean region. It’s a testament to the city’s appeal as a welcoming and vibrant destination for cruise travelers.

President Abinader travels to Washington this Wednesday; He will meet with Joe Biden and other Latin American presidents

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader is scheduled to embark on a trip to Washington DC to attend the Leaders Summit of the Alliance for Economic Prosperity in the Americas (APEP). This summit is a significant event where leaders from various countries come together to discuss economic stability, prosperity, regional competitiveness, and inclusion. President Abinader’s agenda is packed with engagements, including a panel discussion moderated by the President of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Ilan Goldfajn, and attended by the United States Secretary of the Treasury, Janet Yellen.

During his visit, President Abinader will also hold a bilateral meeting with Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso. He will exchange greetings with Dominican employees at the IDB Group and participate in a meeting at the Center for Strategic and International Studies to discuss Dominican-US relations, regional challenges, and opportunities.

The Dominican President will join a lunch with IDB President Ilan Goldfajn, attend a reception in the United States Congress, and meet with directors and corporate members of the Council of the Americas. The visit will conclude with a dinner with the Dominican delegation.

On Friday, President Abinader will participate in various sessions at the APEP summit, including discussions on economic development, regional competitiveness, and promoting greater inclusion. The summit will take place at the White House, with President Joe Biden delivering the closing remarks.

This visit underscores the Dominican Republic’s commitment to strengthening economic cooperation, fostering international partnerships, and addressing regional challenges. President Abinader is expected to return on Friday night following his participation in these important diplomatic engagements.

Dominican Republic- Haiti crisis dominates agenda of Euro-Latin American Assembly

Santo Domingo.- The Euro-Latin American Interparliamentary Assembly (EuroLat), convening legislators from participating countries, including its first-ever session in the Dominican Republic, has placed the Haitian crisis and the conflict concerning the Masacre River diversion canal on its agenda as a “special point.”

Amado Cerrud, the Assembly’s Latin American president, emphasized that the Haitian issue would be discussed across various permanent commissions during the international meeting to address it comprehensively, as the crisis has regional implications beyond Haiti.

Senator Faride Raful initiated this international assembly, aiming to establish forums for discussing common topics between Latin and European countries, such as migration, cybersecurity, climate, food security, health, inflation, and food supply chains.

During the assembly’s opening ceremony, Ricardo de los Santos, President of the Dominican Senate, appreciated the United Nations Security Council’s decision to deploy a military force in Haiti. He emphasized that the Dominican Republic has been highly supportive of Haiti, but the crisis requires an international community effort, stating that “stability in Haiti is the responsibility of the international community.”

Vice President Raquel Peña, representing the Executive Branch at the assembly, indicated that the Dominican government has never ruled out the possibility of dialogue with Haiti. She stressed that the government proposed dialogue concerning the Massacre River conflict before implementing restrictive measures. Peña stated that the dialogue remains open.

Amado Cerrud, the co-president of EuroLat, condemned the idea of using walls or draconian laws to stop the flow of Haitians into the Dominican Republic. He called for a broader discussion on the issue involving the opinions of all Latin American countries through EuroLat.

The Dominican Republic was the third recipient of remittances in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2022

Santo Domingo.- In 2022, the Dominican Republic received a significant $10.3 billion in remittances, ranking third among the primary recipients of these remittance flows in Latin America and the Caribbean. This ranking placed the Dominican Republic behind Guatemala, which received $18.1 billion (12.4% of the total), and Mexico, leading the region with $61.1 billion (41.9%), and second globally only to India.

The growth of remittances in the Latin American and Caribbean region has been substantial, with the region receiving a total of $146 billion in remittances in 2022. This increase has been attributed to the recovery of foreign employment in the United States, starting in January 2020, among other factors.

Remarkably, Latin America and the Caribbean have become one of the major destinations for remittances globally, trailing only South Asia among emerging markets. Over the past decade, the region has experienced the fastest growth in remittance flows, making them a crucial financial resource for many of its countries.

In the case of the Dominican Republic, these remittances amounted to $10.3 billion in 2022, representing 7% of the region’s total and contributing 9% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

However, the World Bank expresses concerns about the high percentage of GDP that remittances represent in recipient countries, particularly in Central America, where the median is 19.1%, and the Caribbean, with a median of 6.4%. This concern stems from the volatility of these flows and their impact on both receiving and sending countries, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the Dominican Republic, remittances play a significant role, representing 40% of income in impoverished households and contributing 9% to national income as of September 2022, according to World Bank data.

While remittances have been a lifeline for many households in the region, their high share of GDP raises questions about the competitiveness of other sectors. In Mexico, the largest recipient of remittances, these transfers account for 4.3% of national income.

Despite the importance of remittances, the region has undergone macroeconomic reforms in recent decades to enhance resilience in the face of crises, such as inflationary pressures, geopolitical uncertainties, low commodity prices, and increased debt. Poverty and employment have generally returned to pre-crisis levels, and inflation, except for Argentina and Venezuela, has dropped to a regional average of 4.4%, lower than OECD countries, as reported in early October by the World Bank.

Alessandra Melendez Berry to represent the Dominican Republic at Miss Globe 2023 pageant, Tirana, Albania November 17

Punta Cana, DR- Alessandra Melendez Berry has been selected to represent the Dominican Republic at the ”Miss Globe 2023″ pageant. The prestigious event will take place in the historic city of Tirana, Albania, on November 17, 2023.

Jasol Cabral, executive director of Jamicabe Productions, serves as the national director of the pageant in the Dominican Republic and has selected the country’s representative candidate for the past two decades. I chose the Punta Cana Candidate, Alessandra Melendez Berry, for her experience as a model and queen, as she has represented us with dignity and success in other prestigious international pageants in Italy and Turkey,” he said. She is an intelligent, talented, sympathetic, and beautiful lady inside and out.

In this beauty contest, they will also have to show a talent. Alessandra will play and sing guitar. Another challenge in which they have to participate is the popular vote to raise funds. You can support and vote for our candidate. Go to www.themissglobe.com, choose the Dominican Republic, and vote for our candidate!
As of this writing, our candidate is in second place in the popular vote; keep the votes coming!

Alessandra Melendez Berry will wear our great Dominican designers like Giannina Azar and Melkis Diaz.

In August 2020, during the pandemic confinements, Melendez Berry moved to the Dominican Republic with her family. She quickly connected with Nileny Dippton, the modeling coach and CEO of Nefer Models, who immediately saw her raw talent and potential.

Under Dippton’s tutelage, the Dominican-Scottish model took the fashion industry by storm in her 2021 debut, becoming the official face of RD Fashion Week, where she walked for Versa, Paraca, Miguel Genao, Tiffany Fermin, and featured designer Giannina Azar, who also invited her to grace the stage of her LA Fashion Week show.

Meléndez Berry is studying at IFA (International Fashion Academy in Paris while simultaneously preparing for her participation in Turkey.

I am proud to represent my country at Miss Globe 2023. It is a dream to share with 60 candidates from all over the world and highlight our country,” said Melendez Berry.

The Miss Globe was founded in 2003 and is one of the most renowned pageants in the world. It is celebrating its 20th year of being formed by the European Deliart Association, highlighting the arts.

XXVII edition of the Caribbean Tourist Exchange opens

The XXVII Edition of the Caribbean Tourist Exchange is set to take place from October 26 to 28, providing a platform for the promotion and marketing of tourist offerings and products across the Caribbean region. This event serves as a valuable opportunity to strengthen and facilitate commercial exchanges between various stakeholders in the tourism industry, including both public and private entities.

This edition of the exchange will feature representatives from several countries in the region, including delegations from Curaçao’s Ministry of Tourism, El Salvador’s Tourism Corporation (Corsatur), Colombia with the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, hotel companies, travel agencies, and tour operators from Cartagena de Indias. Additionally, travel agencies and tour operators from Guatemala, Mexico, Ecuador, Argentina, and Peru will participate.

The event’s program will include various activities such as business roundtables, presentations of tourist products, gastronomic tastings, and more. Some highlights include conferences presented by the Federation of Dominican International Business Women (FEM) and the National Association of Executive and Professional Business Women (ANMEPRO), as well as presentations from Air Century aimed at travel agents and tour operators.

Notable conferences will cover topics like the Master Plan for sustainable development of Pedernales Cabo Rojo, initiation routes of the Camino de Santiago, accessible tourism and sign language, among others. Additionally, there will be activities like the Wedding Workshop in Beach Hotels, a Craft Exhibition promoting the country’s brand, and a parade of Chabacanas designed by prominent Dominican designers, organized by ACHADOM.

The success of this event is attributed to the support of the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur), Banreservas, and all sponsors and collaborators who contribute to its execution. It offers a unique opportunity for networking and promoting t

Flair Airlines lands in the Dominican Republic with more than 5 weekly flights to Punta Cana

Flair Airlines, a Canadian airline known for its affordable fares, has introduced its service in the Dominican Republic with the launch of its Toronto – Punta Cana route. This inaugural flight marks the beginning of direct flights between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). Initially, the route will offer more than five weekly flights, increasing to daily service on December 18.

In addition to the Toronto-Punta Cana route, Flair Airlines will also introduce a second route from Ottawa International Airport (YOW) to Punta Cana International Airport on December 23, with twice-weekly service.

Stephen Jones, the president and CEO of Flair Airlines, expressed excitement about this milestone, stating that they are thrilled to offer Canadians an affordable and exciting destination. Expanding their network in the Caribbean is a significant part of their growth strategy, and they look forward to welcoming travelers on board for a sun-soaked getaway in Punta Cana.

Giovanni Rainieri, director of Air Operations at the Punta Cana International Airport, expressed gratitude to Flair Airlines for choosing their airport as part of their expansion plans. He hopes that these new direct routes from Toronto and Ottawa will promote tourism and economic growth between Canada and the Dominican Republic, allowing Canadian passengers to experience the Dominican culture and its people from the moment they arrive.

One-way tickets, including fees and taxes, start at $150 for flights from Toronto and Ottawa. However, availability for these rates is limited, so travelers should plan accordingly.