Arajet tops April’s local market: 66,000+ passengers

Santo Domingo.- Arajet Airlines announced that it facilitated the transportation of over 66,000 passengers in April, excluding connecting flights, solidifying its position as the leading Dominican carrier for passenger mobilization in the first four months of 2024.

As per the report by the Civil Aviation Board of the Dominican Republic on domestic airline traffic, Arajet dominated the local market last month, accounting for 83% of all passengers across various airports in the country.

The report from the JAC (Junta de Aviación Civil) underscores Arajet’s distinction as the sole Dominican airline to experience growth in passenger transportation from March to April, constituting 4% of the total passengers transported nationwide during the latter month.

Remarkably, Arajet emerges as the second-largest carrier in terms of passenger mobilization at Las Américas International Airport.

Víctor Pacheco Méndez, the visionary behind Arajet, emphasized that when considering connecting flights, the figures soar to nearly 90,000 passengers. He further asserted the airline’s unwavering commitment to advancing commercial aviation in the Dominican Republic.

“Arajet has emerged as the preferred travel option for both Dominicans and passengers across the American continent, as evidenced by our operations spanning 23 destinations,” remarked Pacheco Méndez.

According to the JAC report, SkyHigh Aviation stood as the second busiest Dominican airline, recording 9,400 passengers, while Air Century secured the third position with 3,853 passengers.

Dominican Republic and Paraguay to face France

The French Olympic soccer team, led by Thierry Henry, is gearing up for preparatory matches ahead of the Paris Games, scheduled from July 24 to August 9. They will face Paraguay on July 4 in Bayonne and the Dominican Republic on July 11 in Toulon.

In addition to these fixtures, the host nation will play another friendly against Japan on July 17 in Toulon.

Prior to these encounters, Henry will gather the Olympic squad, comprised mostly of under-23 players, at the Clairefontaine training center throughout June. The final list of 18 players for the Games, including two goalkeepers, will be unveiled on a yet-to-be-determined date, likely during the week of May 20.

Henry’s selection process hinges on the announcement of the senior team’s roster by coach Didier Deschamps, expected on Thursday for the European Championship in Germany. The finalized Olympic squad must be submitted to Paris-2024 and FIFA by July 5.

France will kick off their Olympic campaign in Group A, alongside New Zealand, the United States, and Guinea. Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic will commence in Group C against Spain, Egypt, and Uzbekistan, with Paraguay starting in Group D, facing Japan, Mali, and Israel.

Aerolíneas Argentinas reconnects Córdoba with Punta Cana

Punta Cana.- After a hiatus of four and a half years, Aerolíneas Argentinas is set to resume its services between Córdoba (COR), Argentina, and Punta Cana (PUJ), Dominican Republic, a highly sought-after vacation spot among Argentine travelers.

According to the Aerolíneas Argentinas reservation system, flights linking Córdoba and Punta Cana will commence on September 13, utilizing Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. This route will mark the eleventh longest for the model, spanning a distance of 5,538 kilometers.

From Córdoba, passengers will have access to connections to and from various cities such as Neuquén, Comodoro Rivadavia, Mar del Plata, San Juan, Mendoza, Resistencia, Tucumán, or Bariloche, presenting a new travel option for residents of Argentina’s interior regions, as reported by aviacionline.com.

The flight schedule for Córdoba-Punta Cana route is as follows:

Córdoba – Punta Cana flight AR 1326 COR 14:00 – 20:50 PUJ / Fridays and Saturdays.

Punta Cana – Córdoba flight AR 1327 PUJ 22:05 – 07:00 COR / Fridays and Saturdays.

This new route will complement the existing four weekly flights departing from Buenos Aires/Ezeiza with Airbus A330-200 aircraft, adding an extra capacity of 2,176 seats per week. In an indirect competition, it rivals Arajet, which operates a daily flight to Santo Domingo/Las Américas with Boeing 737 MAX 8.

Punta Cana stands out as one of the top destinations for Aerolíneas Argentinas, with ANAC Argentina data indicating that the state-owned company transported 78,030 passengers in 2023, achieving a 92% occupancy rate. According to the National Statistics Office (ONE) of the Dominican Republic, approximately 199,668 Argentines visited the Caribbean nation last year, primarily through connections in Lima, Panama City, São Paulo, Miami, or Bogotá.

Argentina ranks as the second South American country with the highest number of tourists visiting the Dominican Republic and holds the fourth position globally. The reintroduction of Aerolíneas Argentinas’ service to Punta Cana from Argentina’s second most populous city is expected to diversify passenger flow and further strengthen ties between the two countries.

Santiago’s Tourism cluster foresees Soccer World Cup as launchpad for growth

Santo Domingo.- The signing of an agreement today between the Mayor’s Office of Santiago and the Dominican Football Federation (FEDOFUTBOL), in collaboration with the International Federation of Football Association (FIFA), marks a significant milestone for the tourism development of the Santiago Tourist Destination Cluster. This agreement paves the way for the hosting of the U-17 Women’s Football World Cup in this city.

The directors of the Cluster hailed the decision to bring the Women’s Soccer World Cup to Santiago as a highly positive move that will elevate the city’s profile across the globe. Ramón Paulino, speaking on behalf of the Cluster, emphasized the worldwide popularity of football and the immense opportunity it presents for Santiago to gain international recognition. He congratulated the newly elected mayor, Ulises Rodríguez, expressing confidence in his ability to leverage this opportunity.

Paulino highlighted that the Women’s Soccer World Cup, scheduled from October 16 to November 3 of this year, will not only attract players but also coaches, technicians, and football enthusiasts from around the world. This influx of visitors presents both opportunities and challenges, including the need for multilingual personnel to cater to the diverse needs of foreign visitors.

For the Santiago Tourism Cluster, hosting the Women’s Soccer World Cup signifies a transformative moment, not just for sports but also for tourism in the city. The event arrives at a crucial juncture in the city’s development as a tourist destination, coinciding with various infrastructure projects undertaken by both the private and public sectors. These include the construction of a monorail, the inauguration of the first phase of a cable car system, expansion of city entrances, establishment of five new hotels and plazas, all contributing to the city’s burgeoning prosperity.

First glimpse of Zel Punta Cana, the “Hotel of Tomorrow”

Punta Cana.- Francisco Camps, Area Managing Director of Meliá Hotels International in the Dominican Republic, took to his social media channels to share the first images of the upcoming Zel Hotels Punta Cana.

“It is a pleasure to share with you the first images of the rooms at the future Zel Hotels Punta Cana, the first of its kind in the Americas, right here in our Caribbean destination. Zel Hotels is the result of an exceptional collaboration between Meliá’s president, Gabriel Escarrer, and the renowned Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal. This partnership represents the perfect blend of Meliá Hotels International’s hospitality excellence with Rafael Nadal’s vibrant and authentic spirit,” he emphasized.

Camps detailed that the rooms are meticulously decorated with furniture and accessories reflecting the Mediterranean aesthetic, such as wicker lamps, cushions with marine prints, and nautical details. “The view from the rooms offers a charming landscape overlooking the pool, inviting guests to enjoy moments of tranquility and relaxation in a serene and natural environment.”

He expressed that the arrival of Zel Hotels in Punta Cana promises to offer unique experiences that reflect the essence of the Caribbean and Mediterranean passion.

Furthermore, Camps stated that the collaboration signifies a commitment to innovation and quality, strengthening cultural ties and creating new opportunities for local development.

“We invite you to discover this new authentic and Mediterranean space in the heart of the Caribbean,” he reiterated.

Médico Express and Caribbean Health TPA foster medical tourism

Santo Domingo.- Dominican health tourism continues to solidify its position within our national brand and export portfolio. The combination of skilled medical professionals, cutting-edge technologies, and modern infrastructure paves the way for sustained growth. A recent example of collaboration in this endeavor is the inter-institutional agreement signed between Médico Express and Caribbean Health TPA to promote medical tourism and telemedicine.

Alejandro Cambiaso, executive president of Médico Express, and Rodolfo Núñez-Musa, medical director of Caribbean Health, disclosed that the agreement encompasses a range of services such as diagnostics, emergency care, specialized consultations, outpatient surgeries, ophthalmology, dentistry, orthopedics, pediatrics, and endoscopy, all accessible through Médico Express San Isidro’s international department.

Médico Express San Isidro stands out as an innovative outpatient health center, adhering to international standards, delivering high-quality medical services to both local residents and tourists.

Caribbean Health specializes in attracting patients from Caribbean islands to seek specialized medical care in the Dominican Republic. Dr. Núñez-Musa noted that over the past year, the company facilitated treatment for approximately one thousand patients from Turks and Caicos, Saint Martin, Bahamas, and other Caribbean nations.

Furthermore, as part of their strategy for remote patient care, recruitment, and monitoring, they have established Collaborative Telemedicine Centers (CTCs) across the Caribbean, providing assistance and second medical opinions, with collaboration from Médico Express.

The experts and signatories of the agreement emphasized that medical tourism in the Dominican Republic has seen steady growth year after year. This is attributed to the quality of services and the commitment to local training and international accreditation processes within member centers of the Dominican Tourism Association of Health (ADTS).

The Dominican Embassy in the United States commemorates 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations

Washington, D.C.- The Official Residence of the Dominican Republic in the United States hosted a reception to mark the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Dominican Republic and the United States, dating back to 1884.

The event, chaired by Ambassador Sonia Guzmán, took place a few days after the anniversary date. It was attended by distinguished guests including Jochy Vicente, Dominican Minister of Finance, and co-presidents of the Caucus of Friends of the Dominican Republic in the US Congress, Adriano Espaillat and María Elvira Salazar, along with Dan Meuser, president of the Cigar Caucus.

Representatives from the White House and the State Department were also present, including Tom Pérez, senior advisor to President Joseph Biden, and Brian Nichols, Undersecretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, among others.

Ambassador Guzmán emphasized the historical significance of the enduring ties between both nations and the strong bond evident in various areas of cooperation and collaboration between authorities of both countries, promoting common good, regional development, and security.

Congressman Adriano Espaillat, representing the Dominican community in the US and as a legislative authority, highlighted efforts made in the American Congress to maintain cooperation in areas such as alerts, security, supply chains, and financing of assistance programs.

Guests enjoyed a toast with traditional Dominican drinks and sampled typical hors d’oeuvres from the region.

Members of the Dominican diplomatic team, including Deputy Head of Mission Minister Counselor Aralís Rodríguez, and advisors Silvia Viñas and Emilia Conde, were also in attendance, further strengthening the diplomatic ties between the two nations.

Ministry of Culture expands presence in the United States

Santo Domingo.- In a bid to promote Dominican culture in the United States, the Ministry of Culture (MINC) has inaugurated five new offices of the Directorate of Dominican Culture Abroad (DCDEX), expanding its presence to six locations across North America.

These new offices complement the existing one in Washington Heights, the hub of the Dominican community in New York, and aim to enhance access to cultural and educational activities for a broader audience within the diaspora.

The expansion includes openings in strategic locations such as the Bronx district in New York, Patterson and Perth Amboy in New Jersey, as well as Boston and Lawrence in Massachusetts.

Furthermore, plans are underway to establish offices in Santurce, Puerto Rico, and Bridgeport, Connecticut, before the year’s end, catering to sizable Dominican populations residing in these areas.

Rey Andújar, director of DCDEX, emphasizes the significance of this initiative in strengthening cultural bonds with the Dominican diaspora. “We are dedicated to showcasing the richness and diversity of our culture wherever Dominicans reside,” stated Andújar, crediting Minister Milagros Germán for her forward-thinking approach.

“This expansion enables us to engage closely with our communities abroad, offering them a platform to preserve and enrich their cultural heritage,” added Andújar.

Punta Cana Airport, at the forefront: it will renovate its Terminal A

Punta Cana – After the formal and successful inauguration of the expansion of Terminal B of the Punta Cana airport, the Puntacana Group is moving on to renovate Terminal A to adapt it to the new standards, thus preparing to receive a greater volume of passengers that they project for the coming years.

In this sense, the Director of Operations of Landside of Punta Cana airport, Alberto Smith, explained that after passing the conceptual phase, since they have to carry out the work gradually, they are working on reviewing the expansion and remodeling plans. The intervention points have been identified to start the process this year, 2024.

He informed arecoa.com that the work to elevate Terminal A to a higher level will take about three years. “It is a terminal that is not going to be new, but we have to work on the passenger, and this makes it a little more complex and less easy to intervene, but we are clear about what we want, and we are determining the times and amount of execution, and then a clear date of when it will be 100% renovated,” Recalled.

Smith explained that the new process, which is almost beginning, is critical because “we have been evolving more and the terminal above has been a little outdated” since the new Terminal B focuses on comfort, expansion, height, and a different decoration “because we must go with the times.”

“The times of the artisanal airport that we once had no longer exist, literally as it was, but we do maintain the identity of the Punta Cana airport and above all because we have to respond to the need of the passenger who tells us what he requires when traveling,” he stressed.

As for the arrangements, which coincide with the increase in airport passengers, the executive said, “We are prepared to meet the growing demand and stay ahead of the curve in the airport industry.”

Smith indicated that they estimate a growing demand for passengers, so by the end of 2024, an increase of one million to one million 200 thousand in passenger traffic is expected in the terminal compared to last year, 2023. “Last year, we closed at 9.1 million (in and out), and this year, we project 10.2 or 10.3 million passengers.”

Regarding the airlines that operate at the airport, he indicated that they remain the same, although they are increasing their routes. “That’s the important thing: We have solidity in the airlines we manage by extending their operations. The novelty at the Punta Cana airport is the integration of Air Century into the inventory,” he said.

Dominican Republic and Brazil to boost Tourism cooperation

Cuba.- While attending an event in Cuba, Minister of Tourism David Collado seized the opportunity to meet with Celson Sabino, Brazil’s Minister of Tourism, to discuss strategic relations and tourism prospects for both nations.

This meeting builds upon the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic (Mitur) and the Federative Republic of Brazil in February 2024. The memorandum aims to foster cooperation in tourism development between the two countries, encompassing institutional and private sectors. It involves exchanging information, facilitating training, and promoting tourism investments.

The expectation is that this initiative will bolster tourist flows between Brazil and the Dominican Republic, fostering cultural exchange and aligning positions in international forums.

Collado emphasized the significance of strengthening relationships with regional partners, stating, “Together with Minister Celson Sabino, we are enhancing ties and exploring future tourism opportunities for both countries.”

Accompanying Collado during the meeting was Mitur’s Vice Minister for International Cooperation, Carlos Andrés Peguero. The memorandum was signed by the Dominican Republic’s ambassador to Brazil, Patricia Villegas de Jorge, representing both entities and countries involved.

President Abinader confirms open skies agreement with US to lower airfares

Santo Domingo.– President Luis Abinader has announced that the government will sign an open skies agreement with the United States in the coming weeks. This agreement aims to foster increased competition in commercial aviation, ultimately resulting in cheaper airfares between the two countries.

The president revealed that the agreement will be finalized soon after years of negotiation, which involved various stakeholders in the aeronautical sectors of both the Dominican Republic and the United States.

“We are prepared to sign,” stated President Abinader upon his arrival in Washington, where he was honored at the 54th Conference of the Americas, gathering major investment firms from Latin America.

President Abinader emphasized that restrictions on competition in commercial aviation with the United States have historically contributed to high airfare prices, particularly affecting the Dominican diaspora residing in the US and their families.

The US embassy in Santo Domingo has also emphasized the importance of signing this agreement, asserting that it will provide passengers with more service options between both destinations. Under a modern open skies agreement, airlines can offer more affordable air services by reducing limitations on establishing routes between the two countries.

President Abinader suggested that the agreement may be signed after the presidential and congressional elections scheduled for May 19.

Furthermore, the president explained that in addition to expanding North American airline routes, Dominican airlines will no longer face restrictions on their destinations within the United States. This means that Dominican travelers can expect new flight options, lower fares, and improved service from a broader range of airlines in the market.

Dominican Republic reports lowest inflation rate in 46 months

Santo Domingo.- The Central Bank (BCRD) of the Dominican Republic announced on Monday that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) experienced a slight decrease of 0.10% in April, marking a notable interannual inflation rate of 3.03%. This figure represents the lowest inflation rate observed in the past 46 months, according to reports.

The statement issued by the central bank highlighted that the current year-on-year inflation rate falls within the lower end of the target range set in the monetary program, which aims for a range of 4.0% ±1.0%.

Addressing the underlying inflation over the last twelve months, the BCRD clarified that it stood at 3.99% in April, maintaining alignment with the objectives outlined by the monetary institution. This particular metric, as emphasized in the statement, offers valuable insights for guiding monetary policy by excluding items that typically do not respond to liquidity conditions, such as volatile food prices and fuel costs.

With an interannual inflation rate of 3.03% recorded in April 2024, the Dominican Republic is positioned among the countries with the lowest inflation rates in Latin America, excluding dollarized economies like Panama, Ecuador, and El Salvador, according to the BCRD statement.

JetBlue announces expansion with six new flights to Puerto Rico

JetBlue Airlines will introduce six new direct flights from October onwards, connecting the United States, Mexico, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and the Caribbean island of Santa Cruz to Puerto Rico’s three main international airports. The airline announced this expansion in a statement released on Wednesday.

Starting October 27, flights will operate from Providence, Rhode Island, and Westchester County, New York, to San Juan, Aguadilla, and Ponce airports. Services from Santiago, Dominican Republic, and Cancún, Mexico, will commence the following day, with the Cancun route operating thrice weekly.

Flights from Medellín will begin on October 29, operating four times a week, while the Santa Cruz service will commence on December 12, operating once weekly.

Marty St. George, President of JetBlue, expressed enthusiasm for the expansion, highlighting the airline’s longstanding presence in Puerto Rico and its commitment to the local community.

The expansion is estimated to inject approximately $89 million into the local economy and add 273,000 available seats to the current inventory.

Governor Pedro Pierluisi applauded JetBlue’s commitment to Puerto Rico’s market, emphasizing its alignment with the government’s tourism industry growth strategy.

In addition to the new routes, JetBlue will launch its JetBlue Mint service on July 22, connecting John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan. The service offers fully reclining seats, gourmet meals, and enhanced travel options.

To mark the announcement of the new routes, select tickets and services will be available for sale online at a discounted rate for a limited time.

Tourist offer of golf from the Dominican Republic in the Netherlands will be promoted

The Dominican Republic has more than 30 golf courses, 18 of which are of professional level, which makes the country the best destination for golf tourism in the Caribbean, according to the Dominican Republic’s Export and Investment Center (Centro de Exportación e Inversión de la República Dominicana).

For this reason, the ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Juan Bautista Durán, and the president of the National Golf Commission (CNG), Juan Cohen Sander, established a strategic collaboration to promote golf in European nations and encourage sports exchanges.

During the meetings, several opportunities for collaboration between both entities were proposed to encourage the private sector and fans to invest efforts in sports diplomacy.

Both executives expressed the interest of President Luis Abinader and his government in promoting and developing this important industry for the Dominican Republic’s future. Tourism and real estate generate wealth in foreign exchange, and this is the sport that creates the most jobs and is an inclusive discipline for all.

“This significant meeting marks an important milestone in the intention to promote Dominican golf, an industry that is a tool for integration and development, highlighting its importance and maximizing the strengthening of sporting ties between the Dominican Republic and the Netherlands, thus promoting cultural and tourism exchange through it,” said the diplomat Durán.

Meanwhile, Cohen Sander expressed his commitment to work closely with the Embassy to achieve the proposed objectives.

Puerto Plata strengthens its boom in cruise ships: 43 vessels will arrive in May

Puerto Plata.- The director of Tourism in the Northern Region, Atahualpa Paulino, announced the arrival of thousands of cruise passengers during the month of May 2024, as Puerto Plata will receive a total of 43 cruise ships through the tourist ports Amber Cove and Taino Bay.

“According to the schedule the 43 cruise ships scheduled to arrive at the “Bride of the Atlantic”, 23 will dock at the Port of Amber Cove, while the remaining 20 will dock at the Port of Taino Bay,” he explained.

He stressed the importance of this constant flow of visitors, who not only enjoy the region’s natural beauties but also contribute significantly to the local economy.

“The thousands of visitors who come to the city of Puerto Plata have the opportunity to explore a wide range of attractions, including stores, restaurants, museums, beaches, the Cable Car and other points of interest,” he said.

Paulino expressed confidence that the arrival of these cruise ships will benefit the tourism industry and strengthen Puerto Plata’s position as one of the most beloved and exciting destinations in the Caribbean.

La Chivería Yaguate, a revitalized Dominican gem in San Cristóbal

San Cristóbal, DR.- Amidst the verdant landscapes of San Cristóbal, La Chivería Yaguate stands as a beacon of culinary excellence and eco-conscious hospitality. Renowned as the most frequented destination in San Cristóbal’s burgeoning ecotourism scene, La Chivería has captivated the hearts and palates of visitors from across the Dominican Republic and beyond.

La Chivería’s culinary prowess lies in its masterful interpretation of traditional Dominican cuisine, with a particular emphasis on goat meat and tilapia dishes. Each dish is an ode to Dominican heritage, showcasing the rich flavors that have been passed down through generations. Signature creations include the Chivirico Sureño, Chivirico en salsa de vino, and Chivirico Caribeño, each a testament to the restaurant’s culinary ingenuity.

A culinary adventure awaits

Venturing beyond the goat meat specialties, La Chivería presents an enticing array of delicacies for every palate. Succulent grilled meats, including churrasco and Angus beef fillet, tantalize the senses, while Baby Back ribs and salmon offer delectable seafood options. For those seeking a vegetarian delight, the restaurant’s Mofongo de chivo and Nachos de chivo provide a satisfying alternative.

La Chivería’s philosophy extends beyond culinary excellence, embracing a deep commitment to community and sustainability. The restaurant’s owners, Don Víctor Espinal and family, actively support local education, recognizing the importance of nurturing young minds.

“We are deeply committed to our community and its people. As part of our social responsibility, we support the top-performing students from our local schools. Each month, we invite these students and their families to enjoy a complimentary lunch at our restaurant. This is our way of encouraging academic excellence in our community,” expresses Víctor Espinal, the restaurant’s owner.

“Together with my children, we have created a place where the whole family can come and enjoy themselves. We are committed to providing employment opportunities for people in our community. However, we need more support from the tourism authorities. We are not asking for financial assistance, but rather for promotion and recognition as an integral part of a province that attracts thousands of visitors every month,” he points out.

“La Chivería is currently the culinary business with the highest number of employees in Yaguate. We support local workers, such as blacksmiths who create various animal sculptures for our establishment. We play a vital role in driving the local economy,” Victor emphasizes.

A haven for family and adventure

La Chivería caters to families of all sizes, providing a haven for relaxation and adventure. A petting zoo allows children to interact with friendly farm animals, while fishing ponds offer a tranquil escape into nature. Gazebos, Instagram-worthy corners, and lively bars create an ambiance that caters to every taste and preference.

With a seating capacity of 1,200, La Chivería welcomes guests from Monday to Sunday, from 9 am to 10 pm. To embark on a culinary adventure and discover the magic of La Chivería, follow their social media @lachiveriayaguate or make reservations at 829-439-1007.

President Abinader arrives in Washington to accept leadership recognition

Washington, DC.- President Luis Abinader landed in Washington DC at 7:45 tonight, gearing up to receive the prestigious Chairman’s Award for Leadership in the Americas and deliver a speech at the 54th Annual Washington Conference on the Americas.

Departing from the San Isidro Air Base at 4:00 in the afternoon, Abinader’s visit is marked by anticipation for the recognition bestowed by the Council of the Americas. The award acknowledges his dedication to regional security, democratic advocacy, and anti-corruption efforts since assuming office in 2020.

The ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, May 8, at the headquarters of the Organization of American States (OAS).

Accompanying the President are First Lady Raquel Arbaje, along with key ministers including Foreign Affairs Minister Roberto Álvarez, Treasury Minister José Manuel Vicente, and Economy Minister Pavel Isa. Also part of the delegation are his aides, Eilyn Beltrán and Lourdes Herrera, as well as the head of the Presidential Security Corps (CUSEP), Jimmy Arias, and Julio Eduardo Díaz Sosa.

The Dominican ambassador to Washington, Sonia Guzmán, and the President’s press director, Daniel García Archibald, are among those joining the trip.

The Chairman’s Award for Leadership in the Americas recognizes democratically elected leaders who have shown exceptional dedication to the Western Hemisphere. Past recipients include Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the Organization of American States in 2022; Bill Cassidy, United States Senator in 2021; and Marco Rubio, United States Senator in 2019.

The Annual Washington Conference on the Americas is a pivotal event, attracting top officials to discuss critical issues such as trade, democracy, and energy. It offers a platform for engagement with business and political leaders, diplomats, and special guests from across the hemisphere.

President Abinader and his delegation are expected to return on Wednesday.

Collado unveils plans for new higher education institute in Tourism

Punta Cana.- The Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) is taking proactive steps towards addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in the country’s expanding hotel sector. Minister David Collado recently announced plans for the establishment of a specialized higher education institute in Punta Cana, focusing on tourism.

Collado revealed that the institute will be funded using Mitur’s reserves, with approximately $20 million earmarked for the creation of a top-tier professional school. The land for the institute’s construction will be generously donated by the Puntacana Group for the benefit of the Dominican State.

“We are investing Mitur’s savings to establish a professional tourism school, aiming to enhance service quality and ensure the sustainability of tourism in the long term,” highlighted Collado. Given that Punta Cana and Bávaro collectively welcome an average of 4.5 million tourists annually, reinforcing education in the region is deemed essential.

Collado emphasized that the initiative will be complemented by a collaboration with the Ministry of Education, reflecting the importance and prominence of the tourism sector in the national curriculum.

In addition to the local efforts, the government is in discussions with a European institution to establish the project through an international public-private partnership. Collado clarified that rather than creating new programs from scratch, they aim to form an alliance with an institution with an international profile to develop what would be an unprecedented educational institution in the country and the region.

Collado stressed the significance of training and preparing personnel with technical expertise to ensure the delivery of high-quality service and the long-term sustainability of tourism. “Education in tourism is crucial, as it’s the primary industry that the country has developed,” he emphasized.

As part of Mitur’s educational initiatives, plans are also underway for the establishment of a Tourist Assistance Center, integrating key government offices to provide comprehensive information to non-resident foreigners visiting the Dominican Republic. The center, spanning 1,000 square meters, is poised to become the largest of its kind in the region.

“We are positioning ourselves to become the strongest tourism force in the entire region,” predicted Collado at the twenty-fourth edition of the Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (DATE 2024).

Bank BHD commits over US$500 Million to Tourism development

Santo Domingo.- Banco BHD has announced its commitment to structuring financing for hotel and tourist real estate projects totaling over US$500 million, aimed at fostering economic growth in the country.

Luis Molina Mariñez, Senior Vice President of Corporate and Business Banking at Banco BHD, emphasized the bank’s dedication to supporting the comprehensive development of the industry. He stated, “We collaborate with hotel projects, real estate ventures, and the entire business ecosystem, offering tailored advice and structuring facilities to meet our clients’ needs. This underscores our commitment to furthering this vital sector, which is a significant driver of the country’s economic progress.”

Ariel Pérez, Vice President of Tourism and Related Services at Banco BHD, highlighted the bank’s focus on evaluating hotel and real estate investments that promote sustainable tourism in the Dominican Republic, particularly emphasized during their participation in DATE 2024.

At the Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange fair, Banco BHD presented its value proposition tailored to the tourism sector. The bank offers personalized advice, loan structuring services, administration of syndicated loans, sale and leaseback, as well as resource management in capital markets and mergers and acquisitions, all provided by a team of experts.

Banco BHD has a long-standing history of financing tourism-related projects, spanning over two decades. Over the last 15 years, the bank has provided over US$850 million in financing to the sector. In 2023 alone, the entity experienced a 47% growth in its credit portfolio, with nearly a 20% increase in market share concerning its total portfolio within the tourism sector.

Establishment of Laguna Arrecifal of Bávaro Ecological Recovery Area

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MMARN) has taken steps to bolster the legal framework for the protection of marine biodiversity by establishing the “Laguna Arrecifal de Bávaro Ecological Recovery Area” through resolution.

Signed by Minister Miguel Ceara Hatton on April 9, 2024, Resolution No. 0008/2024 delineates the necessary restrictions to mitigate the adverse impact on sea turtle populations from vessels engaged in tourist activities.

Covering 18.4 square kilometers of marine space delimited by specific coordinates, the newly designated protected area aims to conserve endangered sea turtle populations, as outlined by José Ramón Reyes, Vice Minister of Coastal and Marine Affairs at MMARN.

Reyes emphasized that the Ministry enforces a stringent management and regulatory program to ensure adherence to protection measures for these species.

Key provisions of the resolution include speed and access restrictions for vessels, a ban on fishing activities and vessel anchoring within protected areas, and the imposition of penalties for violations.

Additionally, MMARN directs various government entities to undertake proactive measures in environmental surveillance and education, fostering awareness about the significance of marine preservation and the protection of endangered species.

The resolution is accessible on the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources website. Vice Minister Reyes encourages the community, particularly individuals involved in navigation in the area, to familiarize themselves with the resolution and contribute to the safeguarding of this invaluable natural heritage.