Abinader talks with Canadian Prime Minister on need to solve Haiti crisis

Santo Domingo, DR
Dominican President Luis Abinader discussed the Haiti crisis with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a telephone call.

During the conversation, both expressed concern for Haiti’s declining security conditions.

They also stressed the need to “hold accountable those who cultivate violence, corruption and instability” in that nation.

The latter refers to sanctioning groups involved in financing armed gangs in Haiti.

In the conversation, the Canadian Prime Minister stressed that his country is committed to assisting the Haitian National Police “in its efforts to recover the country and the security” of its territory.

World Bank to provide US$250 MM for modernization of potable water services in Dominican Republic

Washington, DC, USA.
The World Bank today approved a US$250 million loan to support the government of the Dominican Republic’s efforts to improve access to safely managed water and sanitation services and strengthen the capacity and efficiency of water and sanitation institutions.

This operation will benefit 34,700 households (approximately 121,000 people) with access to safe drinking water and 76,300 homes (about 276,000 people) with access to safe sanitation.

“Water sector reform is a priority for the Government of the Dominican Republic. Its objective is to transform and modernize the sector’s governance and institutional framework to increase the production of water for human consumption and achieve a more efficient and sustainable use of water resources. The World Bank’s technical and financial support is being and will be key to promoting institutional reforms and investments to modernize the country’s water sector for the benefit of all,” said Pavel Isa Contreras, Minister of Economy, Planning and Development (MEPyD) of the Dominican Republic.

The US$250 million operation consists of a US$225 million program to increase household climate resilience and provide potable water and sanitation services in the provinces of Monte Cristi, Valverde, Santiago Rodríguez, Santiago, and La Vega in the Yaque del Norte river basin. In addition, the Program will encourage the reduction of water losses, increased access to sanitation services, and improvements in energy efficiency.

The entities responsible for planning, budgeting, execution of activities, and compliance with the proposed goals will be the National Institute of Drinking Water and Sewerage (INAPA), the Santiago Aqueduct and Sewer Corporation (CORAASAN), and the La Vega Aqueduct and Sewer Corporation (CORAAVEGA), under the coordination and supervision of the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development (MEPyD).

The operation also has a $25 million component to help address institutional reforms, capacity building, and investments in water information systems and dam safety instrumentation to adapt to climate shocks effectively. This component will support program supervision, coordination, monitoring, and evaluation, including verification and auditing of results. It will be executed by the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development (MEPyD) and the National Institute of Water Resources (INDRHI).

The US$250 million loan is the first of two phases in a 10-year Multiphase Program Approach (MPA), the first of its kind in the Dominican Republic. The MPA will support the government’s transformative investments in the water sector to address sector challenges by (i) fostering reforms and (ii) improving the quality, resilience, and efficiency of water resources management and drinking water and sanitation to adapt to climate change.

“The Dominican Republic has high levels of access to drinking water and sanitation infrastructure; however, challenges persist in the quality of services. With this first phase of a 10-year programmatic approach, the World Bank reaffirms its long-term commitment to modernizing the drinking water and sanitation sector in the Dominican Republic, as well as improving water resources management and resilience to climate change,” said Alexandria Valerio, World Bank Resident Representative in the Dominican Republic.

Over ten years, the World Bank’s estimated US$500 million MPA Program financing package will leverage investment from the government, water, sanitation, hygiene providers, and other development partners. The MPA Program will aim to expand access for 300,000 people to safe water supply and 600,000 people to safely managed sanitation in the country over ten years.

The US$250 million loan for the Dominican Republic Water Sector Modernization Program has a final maturity date of 35 years, including a five-year grace period.

The Dominican Republic consolidates its position as the main tourist destination in the Caribbean

The Caribbean remains one of the most coveted and appealing regions for tourists, especially after the post-Covid recovery demonstrated by an increase in international arrivals by 1% out of four.

This is according to ForwardKeys, a travel market research, big data in tourism, and business intelligence firm, which analyzed the Caribbean’s top destinations by looking at international visitor arrivals during the first half of 2023 compared to 2019.

The data reveals promising growth across the region, with some countries and territories bouncing back in a big way, such as the Virgin Islands becoming the best-performing destination by achieving 23% more international arrivals.

The Turks and Caicos Islands with 19%, Saint Maarten with 14%, and Jamaica and Guadeloupe with 13%.

Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic figures an impressive 12% increase, Curaçao with 11%, and Martinique, Puerto Rico, and Aruba with 10% each.

However, the platform indicates that the islands would benefit even more if they had better connectivity.

“However, limited air capacity remains one of the main looming growth issues in some emerging markets in the Caribbean,” said Olivier Ponti, vice president of Insights at ForwardKeys.

“While avid U.S. travelers interested in enjoying the wonders of the Caribbean have a wide variety of flights from the continental U.S. to most Caribbean tourist spots, travelers from South America generally have to connect at regional hubs to reach their destination of choice,” he added.

He further said that “in this context, ForwardKeys has uncovered the growth of Panama City as a gateway to the Caribbean for travel from South America, while Miami, on the other hand, is losing market share,” according to a statement.

Boca Chica is predicted to receive more than half a million visitors during Easter

Fermín Brito, the mayor of Boca Chica, has predicted that over 500,000 visitors will be heading to the beaches of Guayacanes and Juan Dolio for Easter. In light of this, he has hired over a thousand personnel to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the area. However, due to the town’s population of 350,000 and a limited municipal budget, he has appealed to the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) for support.

Brito highlighted that the municipality also receives a floating population of over 100,000 each week. With a budget of only RD$12.5 million, this equates to just RD$36.79 per resident, making it impossible to provide quality services. Brito emphasized that Boca Chica needs support from Mitur, just like other tourist areas such as Guayacanes, Puerto Plata, Barahona, and Samaná.

Brito reminded the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, that Boca Chica’s beach is the most visited in the country and the town is the third in terms of private investment. He estimated that the town contributes significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) due to its large port, the Multimodal Caucedo, Las Américas airport, two free zones, and 26 baseball academies. Furthermore, the municipality has 5,000 rooms and 80 restaurants.

To address the issues of wastewater and beach regeneration, Brito demanded a large investment from Mitur. He explained that the existing treatment plant, built in 1985, is practically in disuse, with only 3% of the municipality connected to it. He urged the government to invest in the construction of a new sanitation project.

Some things to do this week—not the beach

Friday, 31 March marked the unofficial start of Easter Week or Holy Week. Easter Week is a Roman Catholic Church holiday, but it is also the time when most large cities seem to become abandoned as thousands head for the beaches or the mountains for an extended vacation.

Officially, the government has issued a memo to its employees that states that the holidays start at 4pm on Wednesday, 5 April 2023. However, most schools closed last Friday, 31 March and will not open until Tuesday, 11 April.

Diario Libre shred with its readers a few ideas of what to do, and perhaps avoid the truly scary traffic that is heading out of town (and which will return on Sunday!). One option is to resist the call to the beach and just stay at home. It will be peaceful, and the stores will be empty for the most part and you can probably get a small project finished.

You can also wake up late and enjoy the day. Another thing might be to visit that friend or family member you have been meaning to see. Maybe go have coffee and catch up on things.
Next, you might just go out and have fun.

Go dancing (you don’t have to get up early), have a few drinks with some friends, or take a short day trip (this avoids traffic).

For some, this is the time to renew your faith, and take part in the different church activities that remember and celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ. This is not for everybody, but it is an option for all.

Finally, this might be the time to go out and eat at that place everyone is talking about or that you really enjoy when there are not so many people about. It can be an interesting week, fast or slow, but above all: safe.

El Nuevo Diario reports on the culinary traditions for Easter that reflect the Dominican Taino, African and Spanish heritage. This is the time to try the Easter tradition, “habichuelas con dulce.”

Read more in Spanish:
Diario Libre
El Nuevo Diario

3 April 2023

Dolores Vicioso

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Guayacanes gets two vendor facilities on the beach

President Luis Abinader and Tourism Minister David Collado were in Guayacanes to visit the completed two vendor plazas on that beach. The government invested RD$143 million in the new installations.

President Abinader said that these are small works but of significant impact because they facilitate the work of small business people, many of which are women. He said tourists also receive better service at the new facilities.

The projects were designed and implemented by the Executing Committee for Infrastructure in Tourist Zones (CEIZTUR), of the Ministry of Tourism.

The wood stall structures enable better organization of the vendors. Landscaping works were carried out as well as road reconstruction at the popular beach coastal area.

The first project inaugurated by Minister Collado, the La Playita de Guayacanes vendor plaza, encompassed the beautification of the access to the project from Juan Dolio Boulevard, wide sidewalks, and a landscaped design along the entire length of the paved road in an area of 1,500 square meters of construction within a space of 3,900 square meters.

The new plaza in La Playita can house ten food sales modules with all their equipment. It also has space for restrooms, security area, lighting and signage, and had an investment of RD$81,283,776.77.

It also has a landscaping design along the entire length of the paved road,

A second Plaza de Vendedores in Playa Guayacanes cost of RD$61,915,194.15 and is set in three modules with 16 stores of 11 mts2 each.

Read more in Spanish:
Presidency
Listin Diario

28 March 2023

osep Borrell of EU congratulates President Abinader on 28th Iberoamerican Summit; invites President to summit in Brussels

High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell congratulated President Luis Abinader on the success of the 28th Ibero-American Summit during a visit he made to the Presidential Palace to meet with the Dominican President. Borrell is also vice president of the European Commission.

Borrell valued the celebration in the country of the 28th Ibero-American Summit. He said the Dominican leadership marks the role of the country as a bridge between Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe.

He also stated that the Dominican Republic has political stability and economic progress, which means the country is an anchor of cooperation with the European continent.

Borrell made the remarks during the visit to President Luis Abinader at the Presidential Palace after his participation in the 28th Ibero-American Summit that ended on 25 March 2023 in Santo Domingo. Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez was present at the meeting.

Borrell also said he backs the Dominican Republic’s position on Haiti. “We know that they have a very complicated and difficult neighbor in permanent conflict and whatever initiative they take, we will support it; Haiti needs an international intervention to allow that people to get out of the dramatic situation in which they find themselves,” he said.

At the office of President Abinader, Borrell announced the European Union would add EUR13 million to back the transition of a green and more inclusive economy in the Dominican Republic. “I am pleased to announce that we are going to launch the new cooperation program with you, endowed with 13 million euros to promote a green economy for advances to climate transformations to pass all the requirements to increase agricultural exports from the point of view of pesticide control,” he said.

Borrell explained that the program is part of the Team Europe initiative in the Dominican Republic and that it will support the national framework for public finance management, as well as the competitiveness and sustainability of MSMEs, with particular attention to women and young people.

The European official invited President Abinader to the European Union and Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (EU-CELAC) Summit to be held in Brussels on 17-18 July 2023.

Borrell said that the EU-CELAC Summit will not occur without the presence of the Dominican President. “We are waiting for you; the Summit cannot be held without you,” he told President Abinader, as reported on the Dominican Presidency website.

“Our relationship with the European Union is very positive, and, being positive, I think that for both parties, we have to try to keep expanding. Thank you very much; we will be there in Brussels, together with other Latin American countries, to continue establishing this great alliance,” said President Abinader in response to the invitation.

President Abinader highlighted that Josep Borrell had an important participation with an encouraging speech at the 28th Ibero-American Summit. Abinader highlighted the significant role of Spain from the second half of the year when it assumes the presidency of the European Union and that the interest is that all Ibero-American countries can have greater relations in all aspects with the European Union.

The President thanked the high representative of the European Union for his participation in the 28th Summit and said during that meeting issues of great interest for the Dominican Republic and also of concern for the European Union were discussed, such as the case of the situation in Haiti.

Read more in Spanish:
Presidency

28 March 2023

US President Biden praises DR for anti-corruption in his speech at Summit for Democracy

US President Joe Biden praised the Dominican Republic for efforts to fight corruption. The remark was part of his keynote address at the Summit for Democracy 2023.

On Wednesday, 29 March 2023, the Summit for Democracy’s five co-hosts — the United States, Costa Rica, Netherlands, Republic of Korea, and Zambia — kicked off the summit, with each co-host leader hosting a live, fully virtual, thematic, leader-level plenary session.

US President Biden’s address was titled: United States: Advancing Technology for Democracy.

In his remarks, President Biden said that the Dominican Republic has modernized its legislation against corruption.

Diario Libre observes that President Biden could be referring to the passing of the Extinction of Domain Law during the Abinader administration. The newspaper also highlights the prosecuting of government officers for corruption in the courts.

Read more:
US State Department
Diario Libre

30 March 2023

How to manage your property in the Dominican Republic and relax

Foreigners with rental property investments in the Dominican Republic typically hire a rental management company to oversee their property. This is advisable, especially if you’re not living full-time in the Dominican Republic..

The management company will handle everything, including marketing, booking reservations, collecting rent, check-in and check-out, cleaning, and maintenance. The only thing you would do is collect your rental income.

A growing number of companies in the DR provide this type of service. Some real estate agencies may offer rental management. And, lately, more and more real estate developers are offering this service in-house for their residents.

For investors who own property in large hotel resort communities that are part of the rental program, the hotel operators will pass on guests to your residence if their hotels are overbooked.

The rental management fees range from 15% to 25% of the nightly rate. For example, if you were renting your unit out at $100 per night, you can expect to collect between $75 and $85 net.

Even if you are not planning to rent your property, you should have a property manager. Anything can happen to your property while you’re away. The roof could cave in, or the water heater could malfunction. You do not want to show up to a disaster after being away for a few months.

The property manager will check your home weekly to ensure the doors are locked and nothing is broken or damaged. They would handle pest control, cleaning, standard maintenance, repairs, and landscaping.

Buying real estate in the DR or anywhere outside your home country is a significant investment, and if you’re not there full-time, you should have a property manager looking after your asset.
_____________________________________________________________________

Maria Abreu is the CEO and Managing Attorney of Abreu & Associates, a law firm practicing exclusively in Dominican Republic Immigration and Nationality law. She is also the founder of Retire and Invest DR. This organization hosts conference events for foreigners interested in living, retiring, and investing in the DR. You can contact Maria at: mabreu@abreuimmigration.com.

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo De Sousa will arrive in the Dominican Republic

President Luis Abinader will welcome Marcelo Rebelo De Sousa, the president of Portugal, on an official visit scheduled for Thursday. The visit is in connection with the XXVIII Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government, to be held in Santo Domingo on March 24 and 25 under the theme “Together for a fair and sustainable Ibero-America”. Upon his arrival in the country on Wednesday, Rebelo De Sousa and his official entourage will be received by several officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the Portuguese Republic.

The reception ceremony for the Portuguese president will take place on Thursday at 10:30 am on the front esplanade of the National Palace. After receiving honors for his high investiture, the heads of state will proceed to the Military Review Pass and the presentation of their respective delegations. They will then have a private audience in the White Room of the National Palace.

The official agenda includes an extended meeting of both delegations in the Government Council Room. In the afternoon, the heads of state will participate in a ceremony to sign instruments, award decorations, and issue a joint declaration in the Ambassador’s Room. A lunch banquet will follow in the Hall Dining Banquet. At the end of the events at the National Palace, the Portuguese president and his official entourage, accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, will visit the Altar de la Patria at 3:00 pm to pay their respects and lay a wreath.

Cibao Airport begins direct flights between Santiago and Madrid in June

The Cibao International Airport announced this Friday, June of this year marks the start of a direct flight between Santiago de los Caballeros, in the Dominican Republic, and Madrid, Spain. The route, which will be operated by the airline World2Fly, will have a weekly frequency, every Wednesday, to offer more and better air connectivity opportunities to Dominicans and foreigners. The flights of the new route begin on June 21 from the Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport to the Cibao Airport.

Félix García, president of the Board of Directors of the Cibaeña terminal, stated that the start of this route is a sign of the confidence that Wold2Fly executives have in a community that grows and develops with the potential of this destination. The businessman thanked the management of the VDT Group – Air Consolidator and Travel Wholesaler to achieve the start of that flight.

He also predicted that these operations will be successful. Executives of the airline informed that they already have the sale of tickets available on their website open.

IMF projects Dominican Republic’s economy to grow 4.5%.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects that the Dominican Republic will be the second fastest-growing country in Latin America this year, with an increase in the gross domestic product (GDP) in the order of 4.5%. At the same time, the World Bank and ECLAC expect it to grow by 4.8% and 4.7%, respectively.

The IMF also projects that the world economy will decelerate by 2.7% this year, and that of Latin America and the Caribbean will be 1.7% about 2022, according to data published in Empirica’s weekly bulletin.

“The main financial institutions foresee for the year 2023 scenarios of decrease. As a result, the countries of the region will once again face an unfavorable international context, in which a deceleration of global trade growth, higher interest rates and lower global liquidity is expected,” it indicates.

The World Bank projects that the Dominican economy will grow 4.8% this year, “well above the average for the region.” While for the rest of the world, it indicates that geopolitical tensions and increased adverse factors will affect the expansion of the economy. It projects that in Latin America and the Caribbean growth will be 1.9%, in the world 3.% and in the United States 0.5 percent,

While the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) projects that the Dominican economy will have a growth this year of 4.7% and that the deceleration in Latin America and the Caribbean will be accentuated with a growth of 1.4% about 2022, while global growth will be 2.6% and in the United States 0.7%.

He adds that although this process is expected to end in 2023, to the extent that inflation expectations are anchored in each country, the effects of the restrictive policy on private consumption and investment will be present this year.

“International organizations such as the IMF, the WB and ECLAC have positive expectations for the Dominican Republic, placing it in a growth range of 4.5% to 5%, placing us in a much higher growth range than that estimated for the Latin American region.”

Air France: Dominican Republic is left out in its flight program for next summer

Air France will not be operating flights to the Dominican Republic in the next summer season, according to the airline’s recently announced flight schedule. The airline has decided to suspend its operations in the country and only carry out seasonal flights.  However, Air France will inaugurate a new flight on May 5, 2023, linking Cayenne (French Guiana) and Belém (Brazil), once a week.

In response to dynamic demand in North America, the airline will strengthen its offer this summer, operating up to 180 weekly flights to/from 14 US destinations (including two New York airports: John F. Kennedy and Newark Liberty), as well as 50 flights to 5 Canadian cities.

The Ministry of Tourism has signed an agreement with the airline Cóndor to maintain connectivity with the French market.

Arajet exceeds 75,000 passengers to Central America and celebrates it with low fares from 3 dollars

Arajet, the Caribbean’s first low-fare airline, has surpassed the milestone of transporting more than 75,000 passengers between Central America and the Dominican Republic within just six months of commencing operations. In celebration of this achievement, the Dominican airline has launched a promotional offer, providing non-stop airfare for $3 plus tax on new planes to and from the Central American countries where Arajet operates (namely Guatemala, El Salvador, and Costa Rica). The promotion is a celebration of the successful routes and an incentive to continue promoting tourism exchange between the Dominican Republic and these nations.

Victor Pacheco Mendez, CEO and founder of Arajet, said, “In six months of operations, we have managed to strengthen ties and mutual interest in tourism, commercial and cultural development between the Dominican Republic and Central America. Thanks to promotions like the Vuelatón, we reached 75,000 passengers between the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Guatemala, who have flown in the newest and quietest planes in the region, and with the best fares.”

Since its launch in September 2022, Arajet has been offering direct and non-stop flights from Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo to Juan Santamaria International Airport in Costa Rica on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, from La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala every day except Tuesdays and Saturdays, and from the El Salvador International Airport every day except Thursdays.

Pacheco further stated, “This promotion is valid for travel from April 11 to October 28, 2023 (except for dates from July 1 to August 15, 2023). We invite our customers to purchase their tickets and learn about terms and conditions at www.arajet.com.”

The Corales Puntacana Championship PGA TOUR starts today

The important event positioned the Dominican Republic on the map of professional golf worldwide and Punta Cana as a leading golf destination in the Caribbean.

Punta Cana, La Altagracia (March 21, 2023)– The sixth edition of the Corales Puntacana Championship PGA TOUR Event officially began at the Corales golf course, taking place until Sunday March 26, with an increase in its purse of $100 thousand dollars reaching $3.8 million dollars this year, the highest in the history of Dominican sports, and valid for 300 FedExCup points.

120 players from the United States, Europe, and Latin America will be competing for the title of “King of Corals”, facing past tournament champions Chad Ramey (2022), Joel Dahmen (2021) and Brice Garnett (2018). Dominic Bozzelli, winner of the Korn Ferry Tour in 2016, will be competing in this sixth edition along with the Dominican players Hiram Silfa, Juan José Guerra and Radhamés Peña.

Also participating are renowned players such as Charley Hoffman, winner of 4 PGA TOUR victories and director of the PGA TOUR Players Advisory Council; Bill Haas, past FedExCup winner; and Emiliano Grillo, winner of the PGA TOUR and best ranked in Latin America within the circuit.

During the event’s inaugural press conference, held at the Corales golf course clubhouse, the director of golf courses at Puntacana Resort & Club and professional player, Hiram Silfa, said: “on behalf of Grupo Puntacana and its Puntacana brand Resort & Club, it is an honor to be the hosts and organizers of the first PGA TOUR in the Dominican Republic for the sixth consecutive year and to be able to successfully carry out each edition of the Corales Puntacana Championship at our Corales Golf Course. As a professional tournament player, it’s an incredible experience to be able to represent my country on a PGA TOUR.”

“I have very good memories of my victory at the Corales Puntacana Championship. It was a springboard for my career and something I will never forget. I am excited to return to the Dominican Republic to defend my title and enjoy the experience among the wonderful people of Punta Cana” said Chad Ramey, defending champion of the Corales Puntacana Championship.

John Norris, Senior Vice President of Business Affairs for the PGA TOUR Tournaments, stated that: “each edition of the Corales Puntacana Championship surpasses the previous one and this year is no exception. Having an incredible sponsor and host like Grupo Puntacana and Puntacana Resort & Club, we are prepared for an exciting and successful week, in which the eyes of the world will be on Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic. The PGA TOUR is honored and proud to be a part of this important international event, which means so much to our players, fans, and the local community.”

Activities and entertainment

The event will feature a wide variety of recreational activities, food truck areas, a skybox facing the sea, live music, entertainment for the whole family, and a general parking area from Thursday to Sunday, starting at 5:00 p.m. On Saturday March 25 there will be a great concert by the singer Manny Cruz.

To purchase day passes and tickets during the four days of competition, those interested can visit www.Tuboleta.com.do, the Visitor’s Center of Puntacana Resort & Club, and at Will Call starting on Wednesday, March 22.

Live broadcast
The event will be broadcast live on Golf Channel on Thursday, March 23 and Friday, March 24 from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., and on Saturday, March 25 and Sunday, March 26, from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 pm. At the local level and as Media Partners, CDN Deportes will be broadcasting from the Corales golf course capturing the incidents of the event, and on Sunday March 26 they will be broadcasting the award ceremony live at 5:00 p.m. Meanwhile, Listín Diario and Ritmo Social will be carrying out special coverage at the print and digital level.

Sponsors
The sixth edition of the Corales Puntacana Championship is presented under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR), Banreservas, Universal, Texaco GB Energy, Brugal, Equifax, Punta Cana International Airport, DOMICEM, Puntacana Resort & Club, Aiport Team Solutions, The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club, Tortuga Bay Puntacana Resort & Club, Martí, Claro, Punta Cana Medical Center, Autohaus, Club Car, CDN Sports, Listín Diario, Ritmo Social, Grupo Raya, Grupo Viamar, Cerveza Canita, Caribbean Catering Services (CCS) , Coca Cola, Freixenet Cava, Aperol Spritz, Cava Alta, IMCA, AVIS, DP World, Tracks, Duty Free Americas, Café Santo Domingo, Runners Adventures, United Pretoleum, GULF, LLODRA, Baskin Robbins, DBI Industrial, Serviport, Vitalie, Grupo Dupla, Picky Plants, Spectro, Grayline, KG Constructora, Tu Boleta, Altron Trading Co, Codelpa, Emilio’s, Coolekos, INPROTEC, Sky Cana, The Butcher Shop, BlueMall Puntacana, Hartemania, Hartemontajes, Tribe & Folk, Mamitas Tequilla & Soda, Hola Punta Cana by Oscar Cerda and Onsite Caribbean.

About Corales Golf Course
Corales Puntacana Resort & Club, home of the first and only PGA TOUR Event in the Dominican Republic, was designed by world-renowned architect Tom Fazio. Opened in 2010, it is located next to the cliffs, bays, natural oceanic inlets, inland lakes, and coral quarries of the Caribbean Sea. It has 18 holes, six of them facing the sea, and culminates with its last three holes known as the “devil’s elbow”, which ranks among the most spectacular and difficult final holes in the world.

Cibao Airport begins direct flights between Santiago and Madrid in June

The Cibao International Airport announced this Friday, June of this year marks the start of a direct flight between Santiago de los Caballeros, in the Dominican Republic, and Madrid, Spain. The route, which will be operated by the airline World2Fly, will have a weekly frequency, every Wednesday, to offer more and better air connectivity opportunities to Dominicans and foreigners. The flights of the new route begin on June 21 from the Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport to the Cibao Airport.

Félix García, president of the Board of Directors of the Cibaeña terminal, stated that the start of this route is a sign of the confidence that Wold2Fly executives have in a community that grows and develops with the potential of this destination. The businessman thanked the management of the VDT Group – Air Consolidator and Travel Wholesaler to achieve the start of that flight.

He also predicted that these operations will be successful. Executives of the airline informed that they already have the sale of tickets available on their website open.

Canada-Dominican Republic open skies agreement will protect users from “unfair price increases”.

The air transport or open skies agreement recently signed between Canada and the Dominican Republic is an “important step” in bilateral relations and will have a “direct impact” in several areas, such as a greater capacity to protect users from “unfair price increases,” said the Dominican ambassador to that country,

Cohen reiterated some of the benefits that the agreement provides for both nations, including the release of air frequencies, the possibility of integrating new airlines, also grants air traffic rights, strengthening the commitment and guarantees of aircraft safety, better service, and ground handling for aircraft from or in transit to Canada.

“Another of the benefits that the government has highlighted after the agreement is the reduction in the cost of airline flights, a statement that Cohen corroborates by assuring that “a greater supply… demand has to be incentivized in the reduction of prices,” he added.

According to the diplomat, the agreement also encourages airlines to offer promotional packages and look after users’ interests, for example, in the event of unfair increases in ticket prices.

“Governments have much greater capacity to protect the consumer and to have the capacity to verify prices that affect the final consumer, that is to say, that are unfairly increased,” he explained.

He indicated that “such restrictions, which are generally caused by the abuse of a dominant position, both States will be able to intervene in them,” according to Diario Libre.

When does it enter into force?
The agreement, signed on February 2, is awaiting the process of observations and ratification by both countries, which will give it the “force of entry into force.” The diplomat explained this process corresponds to the Canadian parliament and the Dominican Congress22.

“Each country has its own time and process,” said Cohen when questioned about the possible date on which the agreement could be implemented.

The signing of the open skies agreement between the Dominican Republic and Canada is a “manifestation that diplomatic relations have laid the foundations of trust” in the Dominican Republic and a “joint work” aimed at that goal, said Cohen, without wishing to reduce the efforts of each actor involved in a process, which, according to them, took about 14 years.

According to data from the Presidency of the Republic, between 2016 and 2021, trade exchange between Canada and the Dominican Republic amounted to US$4,123.6 million, of which 74% corresponded to Dominican exports.

Regarding tourism, Canada is the second largest issuing country of foreign visitors to the Dominican Republic, second only to the United States. In January 2023, 122,000 Canadians entered the country, representing 16% of the total number of tourists arriving in the country.

Trade between the DR and the European Union reached in 2022 the sum of 4,137 MM euros

The General Directorate of Customs (DGA) and the Eurochamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the aim of developing joint initiatives that promote legal trade between the country and the European Union through technical assistance, knowledge sharing, and training. Katja Afheldt, the extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador of the European Union in the DR, explained that bilateral trade between the EU and the country increased to €4.1 billion in 2022, representing a 20% increase compared to 2021. This figure accounted for 11.15% of the European market’s total trade, and some of the main products that the DR exports include bananas, avocados, walnuts, medical equipment, and metal foundries such as ferronickel, cocoa, and tobacco, among others.

“We recognize the Dominican Republic as the main trading partner and investment destination in the Caribbean region from the European Union. The cooperation between the European Parliament and the DGA will be an important complement to the information available through the information channels we offer and the support that the EU provides for the development of commercial ties between Europe and the DR,” said Afheldt.

Eduardo Sanz Lovatón, General Director of Customs, stated, “Today is a historic day for our institution since the cultural and historical ties of descent that we have with the European Union are vast and essential for the preservation of our culture and our way of life. For this reason, we count on the DGA, the government of Luis Abinader, and a country that is increasingly aware that its participation in the world depends on the progress of its people.”

He stressed that this agreement is of paramount importance for the entity. “Customs of the 21st century are not merely tax collectors but are facilitators of trade, business, entrepreneurship, and port security,’ said Lovatón. ‘This MOU addresses several of these objectives as it gives us additional credibility: a trade facilitation channel for Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) and exchanges that we must have in training for any eventuality that occurs,” he added.

On the other hand, Fabio Guzmán Saladín, President of the European Parliament, assured that there is a clear trend of solid and diversified growth in economic and commercial relations between both countries. “We hope that this agreement will bring multiple opportunities to the Dominican nation and all member countries of the European Union to continue developing and facilitating trade relations.”

More on the deal

Through the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the Eurochamber undertakes to support the different foreign trade incentive programs that Customs has, such as Dispatch in 24 Hours, the certification of the Authorized Economic Operator (OEA), Exporta Más, among others. Making them known among the commercial community and the members of the Eurochamber. Among the issues to be worked on in the signed pact are: cooperation in training programs, publication programs, incentives of exports between both countries, initiatives for trade promotion between both nations and exchange of exhibitors.

The agreement entered into force from the date of its signing and will remain in force indefinitely, until either party expresses to the other, the will to terminate it. During the signing of the agreement, the deputy directors were present: Daniel Peña, from Technology of the DGA; Johannes Kelner, deputy director of the DGA; Ángel Encarnación, DGA operative; Gabino José Polanco, from the DGA Technical Area; Anulfo Pascual, from Zona Franca; Francis Almonte, DGA administrator; as well as: Jean Marco Pou Fernández, vice president of the RD Eurochamber; Luis Araque, head of the Commercial Section of the European Union in the Dominican Republic, among others.

UNWTO says Dominican Republic is the brightest country in the world

The tourism event was formally inaugurated today with the traditional ribbon-cutting of the Dominican Republic stand by the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, businessmen, representatives of the main Dominican banks and hoteliers, and the gaze of visitors to this edition of the ITB Berlin 2023 international fair. The Minister of Tourism said that work was done here and that it is time to move forward and be innovative so that the Caribbean continues to talk about the Dominican Republic. The showy and colorful Dominican stand showed the Germans and Europeans the joy of the Dominicans with the song Dominicano Soy in the voice of Carmen Elena, who danced and sang in tune with the merengue, added to the immersive screens with beaches, coconut trees, whales in the high seas, fish and other attractions.

The president of Asonahores, David Llibre, highlighted the interest of the visit to continue growing in the German destination. Frank Rainieri valued the minister’s visit to Germany and highlighted his leadership in reaching this fair in a fundamental market for the development of the sector, which allowed it to grow as a tourist country. Rainieri pointed out the importance of rescuing this market together with the Swiss, and Italian and commented on the assessment of the “Roadshow” of the minister the night before. He asked to repeat that presentation in five European markets such as Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, Zurich, and Hamburg. The executive vice president of Asonahores, Andrés Marranzini, also appreciated the importance of the ITB Berlin and congratulated Collado on the “Roadshow”.

Present at the inauguration of the stand was the ambassador of the Dominican Republic in Berlin, Germany, Francisco Caraballo; the president of Asonahores, David Llibre; the vice president of the entity, Andrés Marranzini; the administrator of the Reserve Bank, Samuel Pereyra; the vice president of international business of Banco Popular Dominicano (BPD), Juan Manuel Martín de Oliva; José Marte Piantini, director of the Civil Aviation Board (IDAC), and Frank Rainieri, president of the Board of Grupo Puntacana. Subsequently, the minister signed an agreement in which he announced that for the first time, the Republic will have a chair in the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) since the 118th meeting of the UNWTO Council will be held in Punta Cana.

Carnival, the first cruise line to sail with 100 million passengers

Carnival Cruise Line achieved a major industry milestone by becoming the first cruise line to embark 100 million passengers since its first sailing more than five decades ago. Carnival President Christine Duffy visited Carnival Sunrise as guests boarded the ship at PortMiami, where the cruise line’s 100 million-passenger milestone was commemorated.

“We are the first cruise line to reach this incredible 100 million guest mark and I think it is a testament to the fun and inclusive atmosphere that our valued guests and extraordinary team members have created together on board our ships over the years,” Duffy said in a statement. “Certainly, there is much more fun to come. We continue to scale up our operations at a rapid pace, with three ships joining our fleet by spring of next year,” she added. The milestone comes as Carnival prepares to debut a new ship in May on Carnival Venezia, which will expand its New York offerings from seasonal to year-round.

Carnival Jubilee, a third sister ship to Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration, will join the fleet and sail from Galveston, Texas later this year, while Carnival Firenze, a sister ship to Carnival Venezia, will begin offering cruises year-round. year from Long Beach, California.