Ministry of Tourism delivers Qualitur certification to the Sheraton Hotel

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Tourism has awarded the Qualitur Tourism Quality Distinction plaque to the Sheraton Santo Domingo Hotel, highlighting the hotel’s commitment to maintaining high-quality standards in the Dominican Republic’s tourism industry. During the award ceremony held at the Sheraton Santo Domingo hotel, Vice Minister of Quality of Tourism Services, Roberto Henríquez, emphasized that companies that receive this distinction convey trust, security, and customer satisfaction through the services they provide.

“With the presentation of this quality label, we all benefit: companies ensure the quality of their services, customers receive the best care, and we, as authorities, ensure the best standards,” stated Vice Minister Henríquez.

He emphasized that Qualitur guarantees superior quality and excellence in the tourism sector, leading to the satisfaction of travelers, guests, clients, or users of any service within the industry.

Vice Minister Henríquez encouraged the executives present to maintain the established standards to continue providing competitive and high-quality services.

The General Director of the Sheraton Hotel, Cesar Oliva, expressed the importance of the QUALITUR certification for their brand and committed to ongoing efforts in management and maintenance.

The ceremony for the delivery of the Qualitur certificate was attended by Jaime Montilla, Director of Quality of Tourist Services, along with other officials from the Ministry of Tourism and business representatives from the sector.

The platform “Tourism in Every Corner” is developed in Espaillat

Espaillat.- The Minister of Tourism, David Collado, presided over the closing ceremony of the fourth activation of the “Tourism in every corner” platform in Moca, located in the Espaillat province. Addressing local authorities and a large audience in Ramón Cáceres Park, Collado emphasized that wherever tourism goes, progress follows. He pledged to continue implementing measures to strengthen tourism development across the country, as this industry provides employment opportunities and stimulates the economy in each region.

The two-day event featured a diverse program of cultural, artistic, and gastronomic activities, as well as an exhibition and sale of crafts and products from the historic province of Espaillat. A total of 142 artisans from the province participated, showcasing their work alongside the display of various tourist attractions.

The Espaillat province is renowned for its abundant agricultural resources, with cassava being one of its most iconic products. Cassava is a staple food in Dominican households and serves as the foundation for numerous traditional dishes. The province also boasts rich gastronomy, with mofongo and parakeet farming being notable highlights.

The “Tourism in Every Corner” initiative aims to promote domestic tourism within the local market by highlighting culture, gastronomy, crafts, ecotourism, and community-based offerings. The platform seeks to involve communities in the tourism sector, which is the country’s primary source of income.

Furthermore, the platform encourages clusters, institutions, and the community at large to actively participate in promoting the unique tourist products of their respective provinces.

“Tourism in every corner” is the first platform dedicated to supporting and promoting local tourism with a focus on sustainability and inclusion. It was officially launched on August 3, 2022, under the leadership of President Luis Abinader and Minister Collado.

The platform has already conducted activations in the provinces of Hermanas Mirabal, Monsignor Nouel, and María Trinidad Sánchez, and held a special gathering at “Son de KeKa” in Santiago.

Bisonó reiterates Dominican Republic lives a favorable climate for investment

San Pedro de Macoris.- Minister of Industry, Commerce, and SMEs, Víctor Ito-Bisonó, reiterated that the Dominican Republic possesses all the necessary conditions to continue attracting new investments and businesses. He emphasized the favorable business climate and President Luis Abinader’s vision to create better mechanisms for entrepreneurs and investors to develop their ventures on Dominican soil.

Speaking at the inauguration of two industrial warehouses in the San Pedro de Macorís Industrial Free Zone, the minister expressed confidence in the country’s ongoing strength as an ideal investment destination due to the government’s vision and the existing favorable conditions.

The first inauguration of the day was the expansion of the Aging Cellars and the workshop for the recovery and reconstruction of barrels of Rums and Bebidas del Caribe Yazoo. Minister Bisonó highlighted the private sector’s demonstration of confidence in continuing to invest and develop projects in the Dominican Republic.

Luis Enrique Yaver, president of Rums and Bebidas del Caribe Yazoo, mentioned that due to sustained growth, the company exports its products in bulk to over 55 countries and produces more than 375 different products, establishing itself as an internationally recognized brand.

In 2022, Yazoo exported over 20 million dollars, representing 95% of its sales. The new industrial warehouses, with an investment of 1.45 million pesos, occupy 6,400 square meters of land and generate 50 new direct jobs. Ulises Rodríguez, director of Proindustria, acknowledged the job creation in the San Pedro de Macorís industrial park, thanks to the support of President Luis Abinader and the private sector.

The second inauguration featured a new industrial warehouse of the Ron Barceló company, also located in the same industrial park. Minister Bisonó emphasized that the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and SMEs actively works on designing public policies that support the strengthening of the country’s business climate, attracting more investment.

Alberto Nogueira, director of Ron Barceló, announced an investment of 10.5 million dollars in the expansion, including the ship, barrels, and alcohol. He also mentioned that production capacity has increased by 24%. Ron Barceló’s products have established the brand as the most exported dark rum in the world, selling to over 90 countries. Additionally, it represents the top-selling spirits brand in Spain in terms of value and volume.

Boca Chica Beach is now free of sargassum

Boca Chica.- The merchants of Boca Chica Beach are extending an invitation to the public to visit the beach, which is now free from the troublesome sargassum that previously hindered the full enjoyment of its waters, sandy shores, and tranquil breeze.

After months of frustration caused by the unfavorable conditions of this iconic beach, it has finally been cleared of the algae, thanks to a collaborative effort between the authorities and local merchants.

Understanding the prolonged period of inactivity resulting from the presence of sargassum, the merchants are urging people to return and relish the beauty of this place. The authorities have conducted a thorough cleaning throughout the entire coast of Boca Chica, ensuring that visitors can come without any concerns.

Although visitor numbers were relatively low this Sunday, the merchants are confident that the news of the beach being sargassum-free will spread, leading to an increase in the number of people returning to enjoy this wonderful destination.

Tropical depression could intensify to a hurricane in the next few days

Santo Domingo.- On Monday morning, Tropical Depression #3 formed, with expectations for it to strengthen into a tropical storm and eventually a hurricane in the coming days, according to Gloria Ceballos, the director of the National Meteorological Office (Onamet).

Ceballos posted on her Twitter account, stating, “Today morning Tropical Depression #3 was formed, the environmental conditions are favorable for it to continue intensifying over the next few days to a tropical storm and then to a hurricane. It would be Bret.”

She also emphasized that the different stages of a tropical cyclone’s development are determined by the intensity of its winds. A tropical depression has winds below 63 kilometers per hour (kph), while those of a tropical storm range from 63 to 119 kph. Winds greater than 118 kph classify a system as a hurricane.

Ceballos further clarified that all these weather systems are classified as tropical cyclones.

The Hilton Garden Inn La Romana by Edwin Encarnación will open in July

Santo Domingo.- Former Major League Baseball player Edwin Encarnación, who is the main shareholder of the Hilton Garden Inn La Romana Hotel, announced that the hotel complex will open its doors at the end of July.

Encarnación, a native of La Romana, stated that the hotel is in its final stage of completion and that they have made significant sacrifices to bring the project to fruition. The grand opening of the Hilton La Romana hotel is scheduled for July.

The hotel, located in the Caleta Municipal District of La Romana, represents a $17 million investment and features 127 rooms. It is situated just a short distance from Catalina Island, one of the region’s main natural attractions. The hotel complex is expected to generate around 300 jobs, contributing to the local economy and the tourism industry in the Dominican Republic.

Encarnación highlighted the positive impact the hotel will have on La Romana province and Dominican tourism. He expressed his excitement that tourists will have the opportunity to visit the beautiful Catalina Island, which is located right in front of the hotel. He believes that this will be of great benefit to both the Dominican people and tourism in general.

When asked about future projects, Encarnación did not rule out the possibility of undertaking similar ventures. He stated that they will take things step by step and evaluate potential projects and visions that come their way before making a decision.

Alcarrizos Cable Car begins commercial operation this Saturday, 17th

Fare for the modern integrated transportation system will be RD$35.00, including taking the OMSA and getting to the SD Metro.

Starting this Saturday, June 17, users of the Los Alcarrizos Cable Car will begin paying for the system’s service with a single integrated fare of RD$35.00, which includes the complete cable car route, as well as the new feeder routes created by the OMSA and operating under the Integrated Transportation System (SIT).

These new routes are the ones that go from Los Alcarrizos Station to Km. 09 of the Duarte Highway and the Expreso 27 de Febrero route to “Huacalito.” Using this integrated fare of 35.00 pesos will allow users to save up to 35% of the daily resources to pay for transportation, equivalent to 20% in the basic family basket.

Additionally, the Office of Special Projects of Urban and Interurban Mobility, the entity responsible for the operations of this line, informed that the system users would have different forms of payment to facilitate their access to this means of transportation.

Users can pay in cash by going directly to the ticket office using the Metro card, the SDGo Integrated Transportation System card, which can be acquired and recharged at the Cable Car and Santo Domingo Metro stations.

Likewise, citizens can pay with all VISA and MasterCard debit and credit cards containing EMV technology (those with the wifi symbol on the outside).

The different forms of payment will allow a much more pleasant experience when accessing the stations, resulting in a faster, more efficient, safe and comfortable entrance, avoiding long lines, cash handling and saving time”.

From the beginning of the system’s operations until last Sunday, June 11, more than 750 thousand citizens used its facilities.

The hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays and holidays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Moves faster

This cable transportation system directly impacts around 400,000 people, reducing travel time, reducing transportation costs, and increasing accessibility to a safe and comfortable transportation system, thus contributing to improving the quality of life of its users.

European Union supports the Caribbean with resources to combat sargasso

The investment in cleaning a kilometer of beach with sargassum is between US$800,000 and US$1.5 million a year; as this is a problem that affects 34 countries in the Caribbean and Latin America, which endangers the marine ecosystem and its socio-economic means such as fishing and tourism, this estimate was given by the research of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).

For this reason, Katja Afheldt, ambassador of the European Union, assured that the entity supports the Caribbean countries with economic resources and technical training to combat sargassum. It is seen as an opportunity.

According to the local press, the EU intends to support research into sargassum and finance companies wishing to carry out projects to use it economically.

The embassy gave these details during the Greater Caribbean-EU Regional Conference: Turning Sargasso into an Opportunity, which took place in Santo Domingo and brought together the highest authorities, experts from the public and private sectors, academia, and NGOs from the Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe.

The event, jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mirex), the European Union, and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, aims to exchange information on mitigating or using sargassum for the entire region’s benefit.

Minister Almonte highlights the impact of mining on the economy of the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- The Minister of Energy and Mines, Antonio Almonte, has highlighted the Dominican Republic’s significant mining potential and its positive impact on the national economy through foreign currency earnings from resource exports. Almonte emphasized that the country has regulations and institutions in place to ensure that mining operations are safe and environmentally compatible.

In addition to the revenue generated for the Dominican treasury, mining production creates thousands of jobs and stimulates local business activity, as mining companies often purchase services and products from small and medium-sized industries. Almonte referred to this as the productive chain, where economic growth is stimulated through job creation and business expansion.

Almonte acknowledged that mining plays a fundamental role in scientific advancements and is essential for social, economic, and technological development. He emphasized that the Dominican Republic supports responsible mining practices, aiming to harness the country’s resources without negatively impacting the environment or local communities quality of life.

To obtain authorization for mining operations, companies are required to conduct environmental impact studies based on international standards. These studies, involving specialists from various environmental perspectives, typically take one to two years and entail significant costs. The evaluations are carried out by experts in different mining aspects, and upon approval, the companies are granted exploitation licenses. The Ministry of the Environment and the Mining Department conducts regular inspections to ensure that mining operations are conducted sustainably.

Almonte’s statements highlight the government’s commitment to responsible and sustainable mining practices, recognizing the potential benefits for the national economy while prioritizing environmental protection and community well-being.

Dominican Republic is heading towards sustainable and responsible construction

Santo Domingo.- CEMEX Dominicana, a construction materials company, is committed to sustainability and environmental protection in the Dominican Republic. Through improvements in production, operations, and product innovation, CEMEX aims to support and enhance the construction sector while reducing its environmental impact.

During a panel discussion at the Construction Summit 2023, José Cabrera, Director of CEMEX for the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, emphasized the company’s dedication to developing a sustainable construction sector that cares for the environment and meets market demands. Rapid urbanization in the country and globally necessitates intelligent construction practices supported by innovation and digitization, which can contribute to mitigating climate change and resource scarcity while improving societal well-being.

Cabrera highlighted CEMEX’s focus on offering products with reduced environmental impact, aligning with sectors such as tourism and the economy. The company aims to build a better future by providing durable and environmentally friendly construction materials.

CEMEX is a global leader in providing comprehensive solutions for sustainable and resilient cities. Through its “Future in Action” strategy, the company is actively developing products, solutions, and processes with low carbon emissions. Their goal is to achieve zero CO2 emissions.

Among the sustainable products and solutions developed by CEMEX, Cabrera mentioned Vertua General Use Titan Cement, which reduces emissions by 25% to 40%, and Vertua Concrete, which reduces carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 30% to 50% compared to standard concrete.

These innovations not only enable the construction sector to utilize high-quality and efficient materials but also position the Dominican Republic as a model for sustainable solutions in the industry.

American Airlines announces increased flights to the Dominican Republic in winter

Santo Domingo.- American Airlines has announced plans to increase its flights to the Dominican Republic for the upcoming winter holiday season in 2023. The airline will enhance its service to popular Dominican destinations such as Punta Cana (PUJ), Puerto Plata (POP), and Santiago (STI), with up to 25 daily flights during the peak period of the season.

Starting in early December, American Airlines will expand its service to Punta Cana (PUJ) from multiple hubs including Miami (MIA), Charlotte (CLT), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), and New York (JFK). This will result in more than 85 weekly flights to the Caribbean region.

Furthermore, beginning December 5, American Airlines will increase its service from Charlotte (CLT) to Puerto Plata (POP) to daily flights, and from Charlotte (CLT) to Punta Cana (PUJ) to four daily flights. The airline also plans to augment its service from Miami (MIA) to Puerto Plata (POP) and Santiago (STI) from one daily flight to two daily flights.

With these additional frequencies, American Airlines will operate over 150 weekly flights to the Dominican Republic, representing a capacity increase of more than 30% for the 2023-2024 holiday season compared to the same period in the previous year.

José María Giraldo, Managing Director for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean at American Airlines, expressed the airline’s commitment to serving the Dominican Republic and its excitement about offering customers an extensive winter program, facilitating travel to the country.

Tickets for these flights will be available for purchase starting June 18 on the American Airlines website (aa.com).

Embassy of Italy celebrates the 75th anniversary of its national holiday in the Dominican Republic

Santiago.- The Italian Embassy celebrated the 75th anniversary of Italy’s national holiday and the 125th anniversary of bilateral relations between Italy and the Dominican Republic in a grand event that showcased Italian culture and traditions. The gathering took place at the Fray Antonio de Montesino Monument in the Colonial City and was attended by a large crowd. As part of the festivities, the embassy is now preparing for the celebration of Italy’s national holiday in the Central Park of Santiago on June 24.

The Italian Ambassador, Stefano Queirolo Palmas, explained that this occasion marks the beginning of the national holiday series, which now includes not only Santo Domingo but also Santiago. He also highlighted the active participation of a group in Salcedo, where the commemoration of the Mirabal Sisters aligns with the Italian liberation struggle.

Throughout history, Italy and the Dominican Republic have maintained a relationship of collaboration and mutual contribution. The Dominican Republic is home to approximately 50,000 Italians, while an equal number of Dominicans form the Creole diaspora in Italy, which is the third largest in the world. The Italian presence has a significant impact on the Dominican economy through Italian residents, tourists, remittances, and the social work of Italian-linked companies, foundations, NGOs, and volunteers. Italy’s influence is particularly notable in sectors such as tourism, air transport, cruises, commerce, wine and gastronomy, agriculture, construction, cement, water, renewable energy, and security.

The ambassador emphasized the strong university cooperation between the two countries in various fields, including medicine, environment, urban planning, space, archaeology, genetics, seismic engineering, and materials physics.

Furthermore, the ambassador acknowledged the collective efforts of the European Union and the team of ambassadors from member countries, known as Team Europe, in transforming their commitment to the future of the Dominican Republic into reality. Thanks to agreements such as the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and other European programs, trade between the Dominican Republic and the European single market has increased by 231%. Dominican-Italian trade has doubled in just two years, positioning Italy and Spain as the leading European trade partners of the Dominican Republic.

Photographic exhibition “Depths that tell stories” will arrive at the Museum of the Royal Shipyards of Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo.- From June 30 to September 8, the Museum of the Royal Shipyards will host an intriguing photographic exhibition titled “Depths that Tell Stories.” This unique exhibition brings together the captivating work of divers and explorers who participated in daring underwater expeditions. These intrepid adventurers uncovered a portion of the extensive underwater heritage of the Dominican Republic, which is now showcased in the MAR museum. The exhibition’s mesmerizing photographs depict moments and landscapes captured from the depths of the Dominican coast, recounting tales of shipwrecks and researchers. Through these images, visitors are invited to contemplate underwater archaeology, appreciate the wonders of nature, and delve into the hidden cultural treasures concealed among the corals and sands.

“Depths that Tell Stories” features a collection of photographs generously donated by architect Pedro José Borrell Bentz and researcher Burt Webber. This exhibition provides a remarkable opportunity to explore the submerged world through the eyes of those who have brought countless archaeological artifacts to the surface. It presents multiple perspectives from participants in various expeditions who have investigated and shared the stories of different shipwrecks.

The Museo de las Atarazanas Reales, a symbol of Santo Domingo’s naval history and archaeology, provides the perfect setting to bring this photographic exhibition to life. Visitors will have the chance to immerse themselves in a world of captivating images and marvel at the astonishing wonders hidden beneath the ocean’s depths.

The exhibition will be open to the public at the Museo de las Atarazanas Reales in Santo Domingo from June 30 to September 8, 2023. For further details about the exhibition and the museum, please visit @museodelmarrd on social media.

Airport Department evaluates construction of three heliports

Santo Domingo.- The Airport Department (DA) has announced that it has initiated the assessment process for several potential sites for the construction of three new heliports in the East and Northeast regions of the Dominican Republic.

In a statement, the DA stated that these new heliports are part of their ongoing expansion and optimization project for the National Heliport Network (RNH).

The lands under evaluation are situated near Esmeralda Beach in Miches, El Seibo province; in the municipality of Cabrera in María Trinidad Sánchez province; and on Cayo Levantado islet in Samaná province.

“We are taking the initial step, which involves searching for and evaluating suitable land for the construction of these heliports. They are essential not only for strengthening rescue and emergency transfer operations through the National Heliport Network but also for enhancing executive tourism and business as connecting points,” explained Víctor Pichardo, Director of the DA.

Pichardo further mentioned that the operations of this Network will soon be augmented by the heliports at Dr. Ángel Contreras Hospital in Monte Plata and the Dra. Andrea Evangelina Rodríguez Perozo Health City in Santo Domingo province. Construction of these heliports is currently in its final phase.

The implementation of these new heliports aims to enhance connectivity, facilitate emergency response, and support the growth of executive tourism and business in the respective regions.

Tripadvisor recognizes Dominican Republic as Caribbean’s most popular destination; 9th in the world

anto Domingo.– Tripadvisor published its “Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best” awards for 2023, in which the Dominican Republic is recognized as the 9th most popular tourist destination in the world, and the first in the Caribbean.

The publication places our country at the top of the Caribbean nations, followed by Aruba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and St. Maarten, which complete the top 5 of the regional ranking.

Worldwide, the Dominican Republic is the only destination that appears in the top 10 as a country, while the other destinations are cities, which is due to the positioning strategy of the country brand, above the brand of some of the particular destinations of the nation such as Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, Samana, etc.

The top 10 most popular destinations in the world is headed by Dubai, followed by Bali, London, Rome, Paris, Cancun, Crete, Dominican Republic and Istanbul. This positions the country as a more popular destination than Barcelona, Madrid or New York, for example.

Tripadvisor explains that the these “Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best” awards recognize destinations whose hotels, restaurants and things to do received a high volume of reviews and opinions from its community over a 12-month period. Less than 1% of Tripadvisor’s 8 million listings receive the Best of the Best award, signifying the highest level of travel excellence.

According to the Tourism Ministry, this new recognition for the Dominican Republic reaffirms the take-off of the country’s tourism sector, which continues to be the fastest growing sector of the Dominican economy in 2023.

Tortuga Bay wins Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2023 Best of the Best award

Punta Cana.- Tortuga Bay Puntacana Resort & Club has been honored with the prestigious Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2023 “Best of the Best” award, recognizing it as one of the top 1% hotels in the world. This distinction places Tortuga Bay in exclusive categories such as The Luxury Caribbean (Caribbean Luxury Hotel) and Top Caribbean, where it is recognized alongside the most renowned companies globally for its exceptional service and consistent excellence over the past year, as recognized by travelers on the Tripadvisor platform.

John Boris, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Tripadvisor, congratulated the selected hotels, acknowledging their ability to provide exceptional experiences to their valued guests. He recognized the challenges faced by the hospitality industry in meeting changing expectations, labor shortages, and rising costs, highlighting their resilience and adaptability. The Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2023 “Best of the Best” award is based on the feedback and ratings provided by guests and travelers worldwide. It is a testament to the satisfaction of guests who have found their needs met and have taken the time to share their positive experiences with others.

Tripadvisor is the largest travel guidance platform globally, assisting millions of individuals each month in becoming better travelers, from planning and booking to their actual travel experiences. Travelers rely on Tripadvisor to discover accommodation options, find top-rated attractions and activities, make restaurant reservations, and explore recommendations from fellow travelers.

With nearly 8 million businesses reviewed and a staggering 988 million reviews and opinions, Tripadvisor provides a wealth of information to travelers, enabling them to find the best deals on accommodations, book memorable experiences, reserve tables at exceptional restaurants, and discover remarkable destinations nearby. Available in 43 markets and 22 languages, Tripadvisor simplifies travel planning for all types of trips.

Dominican tourism surpasses Brazil, Colombia and Argentina

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic registers twice the number of tourists visiting the three leading South American countries, according to a publication by Latinometrics. This Twitter account presents information and data on Latin American markets, culture, and trends.

This media outlet highlights that the country is 175 times smaller than Brazil, which received 3.5 million tourists in 2022, compared to the more than seven million reached by the Dominican Republic.

The Twitter post was replicated by presidential spokesman Homero Figueroa, noting how the account applauded the measures taken about Covid-19 to protect the tourism sector.

In addition, they applauded the open skies agreements, the low-cost airlines, and the policies implemented by the government of Luis Abinader to bring in foreign investment.

“These factors, are not only boosting tourism, but also promoting a bright economic future. In fact, the Dominican Republic is projected to be one of the leading economies in Latin America this year. As the tourism numbers improve, so do the odds for the Dominican economy.”

Recently, Tourism Minister David Collado announced that some five million tourists have arrived in the Dominican Republic to date by 2023.

The country’s projections estimate that the barrier of 10 million visits will be surpassed for the first time in history.

Government will build a road to promote tourist circuits in Pedernales

The government has announced plans to construct the Vista Panorámica de la Bauxita highway, which will connect the provinces of Pedernales and Independencia in the Dominican Republic. The aim is to promote tourism development in the Lake Enriquillo circuit and Sierra de Baoruco, among other areas.

Sócrates Méndez Ramírez, president of the Tourism Cluster of Independencia Province, explained that the highway would restore the connection between the provinces in the Enriquillo region, including Independencia, Baoruco, Barahona, and Pedernales.

The proposed highway would be an extension of an existing trail called Rabo de Gato, which was previously used by the now-defunct Alcoa Exploration Company for bauxite transportation. It traverses the Sierra de Baoruco, passing through Cabo Rojo, El Acertillar, Rabo de Gato, Puerto Escondido, and El Hoyo de Pelempito.

Méndez Ramírez stated that the highway would enable a one-hour and fifteen-minute journey between the two provinces, adding to the attractions that tourists visiting Pedernales can explore as part of the government’s development plan.

Several entities, including the Ministries of Public Works, Environment and Natural Resources, and Agriculture, along with the Institute for the Development of the Southwest (Indesur), the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (INDRHI), and the Special Fund for Agricultural Development (FEDA), have assessed the road to determine their respective responsibilities.

Preliminary studies are already underway, and subsequent to these studies, a tender will be opened to begin construction. The highway will be completed alongside the infrastructure projects being developed in Pedernales, such as the airport and cruise port.

Méndez Ramírez emphasized that the planned port in Cabo Rojo and the hotels will act as catalysts for tourism in the southern provinces, eventually connecting to San Juan de la Maguana. The project aims to revitalize tourism in the southern region of the country.

Red Air: great commitment to Miami and Cuba from La Romana Dominican Republic

The Civil Aviation Board (JAC) has granted RED Air a Special Permit to conduct 1,323 flights following their announcement of international services from La Romana International Airport. The approved routes include:

1. La Romana/Miami/Camagüey/Miami/La Romana

2. La Romana/Miami/Holguin/Miami/La Romana

3. La Romana/Miami/Havana/Miami/La Romana

4. La Romana/Miami/Managua/Miami/La Romana

5. La Romana/Miami/Santa Clara/Miami/La Romana

6. La Romana/Miami/Santiago de Cuba/Miami/La Romana

7. La Romana/Miami/Varadero/Miami/La Romana

These operations will take place from July 11, 2023, to January 15, 2024. Each route will have a daily flight frequency from Monday to Sunday.

Sargasso disrupts tourist and commercial activities on Dominican beaches

Santo Domingo.- The coasts of the Dominican Republic are currently plagued by an overwhelming amount of sargassum, leading to significant challenges for beachgoers and the tourism industry. The few individuals who still venture to the beaches quickly retreat due to the inconvenience caused by the presence of the seaweed.

During a visit to Guayacanes, Juan Dolio, and Boca Chica beaches on Thursday morning, it became evident that this environmental issue is devastating Dominican tourism, as expressed by a local park attendant from La Caleta.

In recent months, the Boca Chica City Council has had to remove between 1,500 and 2,000 thousand tons of sargassum using trucks. The accumulation of algae emits a foul odor that is not only unpleasant for visitors but also jeopardizes the livelihoods of numerous businesses that rely on tourism.

Conversations with local fish vendors reveal the panic that has gripped those who depend on coastal food sales. They describe the current situation as extremely challenging, with significantly reduced income compared to previous years. Even on a holiday like Corpus Christi, which would typically attract a large number of tourists who support local businesses, vendors struggle to meet demand due to a lack of available fish.

The influx of both foreign and Dominican visitors has drastically declined due to the escalating sargassum problem, impacting not only the beach areas but also the tourist hotels.

Wanda Méndez, a visitor to Guayacanes, expressed her frustration at the situation. She recounted how she had to search for a beach where her daughters could swim, highlighting the difficulty of finding a spot without large accumulations of algae.

In the absence of official efforts to clean the beaches, local merchants have taken matters into their own hands to preserve their source of income. Individuals like Alfredo, Nelson, Mario, Kirli, and Virginia, who sell food and offer massages to tourists, have been taking the initiative to clean the coastlines. Armed with black covers, they tirelessly clean the beaches from early morning to mitigate the presence of sargassum.

These individuals undertake these cleanup efforts out of their own concern for the situation, recognizing that their businesses and families rely on the appeal of the beaches. While the officials appear unaffected by the problem, these dedicated individuals prioritize the cleanliness of the beaches as a vital aspect of their livelihoods.