Puerto Plata will promote its tourist culture

Puerto Plata.- The Puerto Plata Destination Tourism Cluster (CTDPP) and the Cultura Viva Foundation have joined forces to promote cultural and tourism development in the province of Puerto Plata. The collaboration agreement, signed on July 29, 2023, aims to raise local awareness about the historical, cultural, and natural treasures that Puerto Plata offers to its visitors.

The partnership signifies a significant step towards bolstering tourism and socioeconomic growth in the province, with a strong focus on sustainable development and the preservation of local heritage.

Both organizations are committed to working together on initiatives that will benefit both tourists and the local community. The agreement was signed during a special event in the Plaza Independencia in the city of San Felipe, where the film “Lorax” was projected, emphasizing the importance of environmental preservation. The film screening was free of charge, aligning with the goals of this strategic alliance.

Ambra Attus, the executive director of the Tourism Cluster, expressed excitement about the alliance, emphasizing the integration of young people from local communities into the existing tourist offerings. The objective is to provide visitors with not only beautiful beaches and natural attractions but also authentic experiences that allow them to immerse themselves in the local traditions. For this to happen, residents must have opportunities for specialized training to become good hosts and guardians of the destination, which will be developed jointly by both organizations.

Aleksandra Voevodina de Grigoryan, executive director of Cultura Viva Foundation, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, working hand in hand with the tourism sector to expand their reach and offer a wide range of personal development programs that strengthen cultural identity. The collaboration aims to generate a positive impact in local communities.

The joint focus of the partnership is to foster an enriching tourism experience that values and celebrates the cultural diversity and heritage of the local communities. By uniting efforts with the tourism sector, both organizations are confident that they can make a greater impact in preserving traditions and promoting responsible and sustainable tourism in the region.

Dominican Republic has the potential to be an advanced economy, according to IMF experts

Santo Domingo.- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said that the Dominican Republic has the potential to become an advanced economy in the next 40 years, the Ministry of Finance reported today.

In an article published on August 3, IMF specialists highlight the country’s remarkable and rapid progress in income convergence, which reduces the differences between the richest and poorest economies.

“The Dominican Republic has exhibited the highest average convergence rate or ‘blue change’ in Latin America in the last 50 years,” the experts noted.

They indicated that the country’s convergence speed has increased over the past 50 years from an average of 3 percentage points to almost eight percentage points per decade.

“This remarkable performance can be attributed to several factors, including the implementation of sound policies, particularly by the central bank, improvements in the policy framework, a more diversified export base, and the structural flexibility of the economy to changing global conditions,” they explained.

The authors report that the Dominican economy’s transformation and the dynamism it exhibits today have been crucial for reducing poverty and inequality.

“This progress has impacted the average Dominican family, whose purchasing power has quadrupled in the last 50 years, allowing them to enjoy a better quality of life and greater economic opportunities,” they said.

They added that the sound policies that have led to the Dominican Republic’s high growth required timely policy adjustments, often in response to shocks and changing conditions. At the same time, they stressed that IMF-supported programs have played a significant role.

“There is reason to believe the Dominican Republic can maintain its high growth. IMF staff estimate the potential growth of 5 percent per year, similar to the average of the last 50 years,” they predicted.

*The authors of the article are Frank Fuentes, advisor to the IMF Executive Director representing the Dominican Republic; Emilio Fernández, mission chief of the Dominican Republic and deputy division chief in the IMF’s Western Hemisphere Department; and Alejandro Santos, advisor to the IMF’s Western Hemisphere Department.

Positive economic outlook

In its last Article IV Consultation on June 20, 2023, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) assured that the country’s economic prospects are favorable, thanks to the macroeconomic policies implemented by the Dominican Government and the solid economic fundamentals.

“The Dominican economy has been one of the most dynamic and resilient in the Americas in the last two decades and has experienced a remarkable recovery after the pandemic, supported both by the solid policies adopted by the authorities and by positive side effects of the global economy,” they emphasized.

IMF executives also recognized in Article IV the Government’s commitment to strengthening the fiscal policy framework. They highlighted the initiative to submit the draft Fiscal Responsibility Law, which will contribute to a more transparent and efficient use of public resources, anchor fiscal policy, and improve fiscal management.

Collado: Dominican Republic will attract 6.9 million tourists from the Americas in 2023

Santo Domingo.- The Minister of Tourism, David Collado, reported, “6.9 million tourists are projected to come in this year 2023: from Canada, the United States and Latin America.”

The arrival of tourists would generate a gross foreign exchange of at least US $ 7,900 million, as well as US $ 5,000 million in net foreign currency, 7% of the country’s tax revenues, and more than 70,000 occupied rooms, according to estimates by Mitur.

Collado indicated that travel agencies or tour operators in the Americas represent 9% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) since they have been responsible for sending tourists to Dominican soil.

“For our country, tourism is not sun, beach and piña colada. For our country it is the main industry: it represents 15% of GDP; more than 899,<> Dominicans live from this sector, directly and indirectly, according to the WTTC (World Travel & Tourism Council),” he said.

The Minister of Tourism gave the details during the launch of the first global loyalty program: “DO Travel Rewards,” which aims to massify the entry of foreigners to the Dominican Republic with the collaboration of hundreds of international travel agencies.

The presentation of the plan was also in charge of President Luis Abinader, who, after taking the stage in front of some 500 travel agents, said: “This innovation is the first loyalty system that a country has in the world,” he said, according to the local press.

“Thanks to you (tour operators) and to the work together with us, because we are going to make it a great success and at the same time we are going to show our gratitude to that loyalty, to that fidelity, that for years you have had to bring tourists to our country,” said the president.

Casa de Campo will host its first food and wine festival

La Romada, DR.- Casa de Campo Resort & Villas announced details for its Casa de Campo Food and Wine Festival in partnership with Invited, which will take place October 17-22, 2023.

It is a private collection of nearly 200 owned country and golf clubs or club operators, city clubs, sports clubs, and stadium clubs in 27 states and seven BigShots Golf dates.

“The Dominican Republic is often renowned for having the best beaches, best golf, and best amenities in the world, but our diverse and inspiring culinary scene can be overshadowed by those who have yet to experience the island’s unique flavors for themselves. We wanted to create a comprehensive event for our guests to enjoy all that this destination has to offer in the culinary arena and let our talent really shine,” said Jason Krycek, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Casa de Campo Resort & Villas.

“In partnership with Invited and featuring some of the best chefs in the industry today, our inaugural Food and Wine Festival will immerse attendees in local and international cuisine in a fresh and exciting way.”

The celebration of Dominican and international cuisine will feature a star-studded roster of attendees, including renowned celebrity chefs Hubert Keller and Akira Back, paired with Invited’s most talented chefs and mixologists. As part of the Food & Wine Festival, guest chefs will compete for the coveted title of the company’s Chef of the Year, a distinguished honor Casa de Campo has helped showcase since 2021.

Throughout the five-day event, attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy food and wine pairings from some of the most notable names in gastronomy while enjoying all that Casa de Campo has to offer, including the resort’s new luxury accommodations at The Premier Club, including the new state-of-the-art spa and wellness center.

The weekend events program includes:

• October 17: Welcome dinner of the guest chef of the year at Minitas Beach

• October 18: wedding dinner of the guest chef of the year at the restaurant Minitas Beach Club

• October 19: Chef of the Year Guest Cooking Competition and Glow Golf Party at the Teeth of the Dog Driving Range

• October 20th – Casa de Campo Food and Wine Festival Grand Tasting Pavilion Session 1 at the Marina Riverside Center and Celebrity Chefs Under the Stars Showcase Reception at Minitas Beach Club

• October 21 – Session 2 of the Casa de Campo Food and Wine Festival Grand Tasting Pavilion at the Marina Riverside Center and Guest Chef of the Year Revelation Dinner at the Flamboyan Hall

Attendees have the option to book a 3- or 5-day package that includes a wide variety of on-property activities and services to enjoy, such as horseback riding at the Equestrian Center, golf at each of the Pete Dye-designed resort’s three immaculate courses, a boat ride on Catalina Island, or treatments at the new spa and wellness center.

“Casa de Campo is an incredible tourist destination with fantastic epicurean offerings, from comfort food to surplus gourmet cuisine,” said Sean DiCicco, Invited’s Senior Vice President of Food and Beverage Operations.

“The opportunity for attendees to immerse themselves in all that the resort has offered and enjoy unique dining experiences, demonstrations and social functions showcasing some of Invited’s most talented chefs and mixologists working alongside Casa de Campo’s talented culinary team will be truly special. an epicurean experience that will be second to none,” he added.

Abinader: “Tourism is just beginning in the Dominican Republic, it will continue to grow”

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader expressed his gratitude to the entrepreneurs of the tourism sector for their work and contribution to jobs in the country; and to the travel agents and tour operators for the loyalty and fidelity they have had for years of bringing tourists to the Dominican Republic.

“A very special thanks to all of you, because an important part of our country works with dignity and earns the work every day to support their families and we do it with love and we do it with passion,” he said.

At the launch of DO Travel Rewards, an innovative global loyalty program for travel agents who send tourists to the Dominican Republic, the president assured that he will continue working to strengthen the sector.

“Tourism is just beginning in the Dominican Republic. It will continue, it will continue to grow, to bring joy, to bring a smile to the tourists that you send here and also so that Dominicans continue to live with dignity from the tourism sector,” said Abinader.

The President emphasized that the Government is always working to be innovative in all industries, but especially in tourism.

He recalled that during the pandemic it was possible to innovate and create the only and the first Covid insurance in the world so that tourists would not stop visiting the country. “We achieved it by being the country with the highest recovery and we were also well innovative then we also certified the hotels with several international health companies also on the recommendation of the tourism cabinet”.

Likewise, the head of state indicated that the Government takes the work very seriously and that is why the levels in the certified tourist poles are among the highest in the world.

“We take care of your people in terms of security, health and in all aspects so that their visit to the Dominican Republic is a satisfactory and unforgettable experience and that is also what they say in most of the surveys we do,” he said.

The governor said that they hope that the visit of tourists to the Dominican Republic will be like their second homeland and their second home and that they know that here we thank you.

“We will always listen to you and we are open to any recommendations and suggestions to continue improving and perfecting our destination every day,” he said.

Agreement signed to protect endangered sea turtles

Santo Domingo.- Fundación Eco-Bahia and the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources have entered into a collaboration agreement to protect and conserve endangered sea turtles that inhabit tropical seas.

As part of the Sea Turtle Conservation Program executed by the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources in various locations, Fundación Eco-Bahia will contribute its efforts to safeguard sea turtles in the provinces of Samaná, San Pedro de Macorís, and La Altagracia.

The agreement includes actions such as recording turtle nesting on specified beaches, monitoring coastal protection works, supporting reforestation with endemic or native coastal species, conducting training sessions for technicians and leaders of the turtle program, and engaging the local communities in turtle conservation efforts.

The signing of the agreement was attended by the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, representatives from Grupo Piñero, the Vice Minister of Coastal and Marine Resources, and the director of Fundación Eco-Bahia RD.

Both organizations call on the communities, fishing industries, and other stakeholders in the regions of Samaná, San Pedro de Macorís, and La Altagracia to join the efforts in ensuring the continuity of sea turtles on the Dominican beaches.

Through this collaboration, Grupo Piñero, represented by Fundación Eco-Bahia, reinforces its commitment to respect and preserve the natural environment by focusing on projects for ecosystem conservation, wildlife protection, preservation of natural areas, and environmental education.

U.S. expert says Dominican civil aviation is growing with the strongest safety record in its history

Santo Domingo.- The aeronautical sector of the Dominican Republic is growing with the greatest operational safety support in its history, affirmed the former official of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and technical advisor of the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC), Javier ‘Jay’ Rodríguez.

Describing as immense the growth that the aeronautical sector has registered in the country, Rodriguez highlighted that a few years ago in the Dominican Republic there were barely a hundred people working in commercial aviation, while today an airline such as Arajet has 400 employees.

In a statement issued through the IDAC’s Public Relations Department, Rodriguez referred to the preliminary report on the accident of a Red Air airline aircraft at a Miami airport, which occurred over a year ago, and explained that the report released does not establish responsibility for the causes of the event, since it only cites information gathered during the investigations carried out.

“I have seen data from the report that the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board provided to the public and what I have seen in that report is that the conclusive causes of the accident have not yet been made known,” said the civil aviation expert.

And he considered that from his reading of the report, the accident could have been caused by a wear of parts, pointing out that it was possibly a maintenance issue and not an operational safety issue attributable to the IDAC authorities, as some insinuate.

He indicated that, from that event until today, IDAC general director Héctor Porcella has hired 6 highly experienced aviation experts and has substantially improved the operational safety levels in the institution.

“In addition, the IDAC responded appropriately, suspending the airline for 30 days, one of the highest penalties that can be applied to a company, and in this case the airline involved has cooperated extensively with the IDAC in compliance with its maintenance program obligations,” said Jay Rodriguez, who was accompanied by Hector Porcella and the director of Flight Standards, Pedro Alberto Pina de Los Santos.

On the other hand, he clarified that international aviation standards do not require their civil aviation authorities to speak a second language, although in the case of the Dominican Republic, the IDAC requires a level 4 of English for all personnel in technical areas, as recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), regardless of civil aviation standards.

Mitur invites tourism MSMEs from Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic to carry out sustainable practices

The Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) is inviting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in the tourism sector (Mipymes) from Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic to join a virtual sustainability workshop. The workshop aims to promote, raise awareness, and provide training for companies to implement sustainable practices in their businesses.

Taking place on August 8, the 1.5-hour online workshop will be conducted via the Zoom platform, organized by CAF (Development Bank of America Latin and Caribbean). The main objective is to foster environmental sustainability in the tourism sector, identifying key aspects that impact achieving environmentally sustainable development goals for the participating tourism companies.

Participants will be equipped with knowledge and tools to enhance sustainability across various aspects of their businesses, including the incorporation of digitization as a crucial element. The workshop is part of the Digital Transformation Program for SMEs in the tourism sector in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Those interested in participating can register by completing the form through the link provided on the Mitur website.

Less than 1% of tourists visiting the Dominican Republic have been victims of citizen insecurity

Santo Domingo.-According to the data managed by the National Police and the Public Ministry as part of the Citizen Security Plan, less than one percent of tourists visiting the Dominican Republic have experienced criminal acts or insecurity. President Luis Abinader emphasized that the alerts issued by countries like the United States and Canada, advising their citizens against visiting the country due to safety concerns, are unjustified.

During a meeting with media directors, President Abinader highlighted the efforts carried out by various agencies, including the Police, the Attorney General’s Office, the National Directorate for Drug Control, and the General Directorate of Transit and Land Transportation, as part of the security plan.

The president stated that the statistics prove the Dominican Republic is a safe destination and even suggested that tourists are better off there than in their own countries. He further compared the country’s safety levels to other tourist destinations like Puerto Rico and Mexico. The collected statistics are shared with embassies, including those of the United States and Canada.

However, President Abinader expressed his concern that the alerts issued by these countries have remained the same for the past 15 years and do not accurately reflect the reality of the country’s safety situation.

Dominican Republic promoted as the next major private aviation destination in Latin America

Washington.- The Dominican Civil Aviation Institute (IDAC) has promoted the Dominican Republic at the most important air show in the United States as the next great destination for international private aviation in Latin America.

The IDAC delegation at the EAA AirVenture Fair, held July 24-31 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, highlighted that the Dominican Congress has just approved the new law for the Promotion and Competitiveness of Civil Aviation in the interest of attracting new national and foreign investments in this economic segment.

They also pointed out the new protocol that will rule the operation of domestic flights, approved by decree by President Luis Abinader, to facilitate the operation of domestic flights, as part of a strategy to turn the Dominican Republic into the main leader of aviation tourism in the Caribbean.

“The new regulation creates the conditions for the country to compete advantageously for the large aviation tourism market, which annually moves between 45,000 and 50,000 airplanes throughout the Caribbean,” explained Michael Rodríguez, assistant and representative of IDAC general director, Héctor Porcella, in what is considered the largest general aviation “Fly Adventure” in the United States.

During a meeting with pilots interested in the Caribbean’s main tourist destination, Rodriguez said that, through the protocol of domestic flights, the Dominican Republic seeks to attract thousands of pilots from different parts of the world every year, especially from the United States and Canada.

Abinader highlights low criminal acts in tourist centers

Santo Domingo.- According to the statistics managed by the National Police and the Public Ministry as part of the Citizen Security Plan, less than one percent of tourists visiting the Dominican Republic have been victims of or linked to criminal acts. President Luis Abinader presented this data, emphasizing that the alerts issued by countries like the United States and Canada, warning their citizens against visiting the country due to safety concerns, are unjustified. The statistics collected from tourist areas are shared with embassies, including those of the United States and Canada.

President Abinader compared the current alerts to those issued 15 years ago and argued that they do not reflect the country’s current reality, asserting that the Dominican Republic is a safe destination and that tourists are safer there than in their own countries. He also highlighted the country’s security levels in comparison to other tourist destinations such as Puerto Rico and Mexico.

During a meeting with media directors, it was mentioned that John Hawver, former executive director of the New York police, is part of the commission of the citizen security plan. He accompanied the Minister of the Presidency, Joel Santos, in meetings with the US and Canadian embassies to present the statistics supporting the country’s safety.

Joel Santos, Minister of the Presidency, confirmed that the country has witnessed a significant reduction in crimes like robberies, homicides, and thefts due to the joint efforts of the National Police, Ministry of Defense, General Directorate for Drug Control, and prosecutors. The government continues to work consistently to maintain the downward trend of insecurity in the country. Regular meetings led by President Abinader allow for the review of statistics and procedures carried out in each province, fostering collaboration between different institutions.

Puerto Plata will attract 27 cruise ships during this month of August

Puerto Plata.- The North regional director of Tourism, Atahualpa Paulino, announced that Puerto Plata is expecting a total of 27 cruise ships to arrive in August, docking at the Amber Cove and Taino Bay tourist ports.

Out of the 27 cruise ships, 16 will be arriving through the Amber Cove port, which belongs to the renowned company Carnival Corporation. The remaining 11 cruise ships will dock at the Taino Bay port, owned by the ITM Group.

Despite being the off-season for the tourism sector in the Caribbean, Puerto Plata continues to maintain its attractiveness and tourist appeal, drawing a significant number of cruise ships to the city.

Paulino expressed his satisfaction with the arrival of the cruise ships and emphasized the importance of preserving Puerto Plata as a desirable tourist destination. He highlighted the city’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality, earning it the nickname “Atlantic bride.”

The regional tourism office is working in coordination with local stakeholders to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for tourists visiting the city.

Trade between the Dominican Republic and the EU increases by 27% in 2022

Santo Domingo.- The commercial exchange between the Dominican Republic and the European Union (EU) experienced significant growth in 2022, reaching a total of 4,137 million euros (approximately 4,559 million dollars). This figure represents a remarkable 27% increase compared to the previous year. The data, provided by the Eurochamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic (Eurochamber), highlights the robust economic relationship between the two parties.

EU exports to the Dominican Republic amounted to 2,720 million euros (2,997 million dollars), while local exports to the EU reached 1,419 million euros (1,564 million dollars). Both of these figures set new all-time highs in trade between the two regions.

Some of the main products exported from the European Union to the Dominican Republic include machinery, mechanical devices, fuels, mineral oils, jewelry, pharmaceutical products, powdered milk, and dairy products. On the other hand, the Dominican Republic exports bananas, avocados, cocoa, tobacco, rum, medical equipment and supplies, and metal smelters such as ferronickel, among other products, to the EU.

Notably, the Dominican Republic holds the distinction of being the primary supplier of organic products to the EU, especially in the categories of bananas and cocoa.

The growth in trade between the Caribbean nation and the EU has been significant since the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the two parties came into effect in 2008. Since then, trade has grown by an impressive 231%, further cementing the strong economic ties between the Dominican Republic and the European Union.

Puerto Plata: hotels that are converted into apartments

Puerto Plata.- The data and sentiments from the Puerto Plata tourist class indicate that the hotel destination in Puerto Plata is not experiencing significant growth. This information is supported by objective data and not merely an opinion. While cruise tourism has seen an increase, hotel growth has been stagnant, and some hotels may even be considering converting into tourist apartments.

The lack of interest from the government in promoting the area has been a source of complaint from members of the local tourism industry. The decline in air tourists is a reality that cannot be ignored, and the impact of cruise passengers on the local economy is minimal, as they only spend a short time at the destination.

Various administrations, from Hipólito to Abinader through Leonel and Medina, have tried to revitalize Puerto Plata as a pioneer destination in Dominican tourism. Remodeling efforts were made two decades ago to showcase the city’s splendor, and a strong emphasis was placed on the cruise ship center. However, the heart of a tourist destination lies in hotel investments that create job opportunities for the sector and other tourism-related industries. Unfortunately, it has been years since new hotel projects have been initiated in Puerto Plata, indicating a worrisome trend for the destination’s future.

“Environment, gastronomy, culture and traditions, tourist pillars of the Dominican Republic and Central America”

Santo Domingo.- Tourism in Central America and the Dominican Republic is aligned with indigenous economic development. The offer for visitors has, among its main axes, the protection of the environment of each country, a gastronomy that is cooked with ingredients grown by local producers and the conservation of the culture and traditions of indigenous peoples.

In this sense, Carolina Briones, general secretary of the Central American Tourism Promotion Agency (CATA), said that “we want to value tourism that directly benefits the people of our region. Tourism is a fundamental sector not only for governments or large companies, but also for small businesses or farmers, to give two examples”.

“For this reason, the countries of Central America and the Dominican Republic are concerned with valuing tourism that coexists in harmony with the environment,” she added.

Central America and the Dominican Republic is also home to various pre-Columbian lineages whose heritage transcends today thanks to the zeal and care for the traditions and cultural expressions of their heirs, as well as the archaeological remains, which have been preserved unscathed over time. according to statement.

In the Dominican Republic, the Taino heritage is still very present throughout the country. The Taíno-Arawaks were the first inhabitants of the country to settle before the arrival of Christopher Columbus and the Spanish.

Currently the spirit of the Tainos is still very latent in the national idiosyncrasy. From the legacy of this pre-Columbian culture, which can be discovered in different museums in the country, such as the Museum of the Dominican Man in Santo Domingo or the Altos de Chavón Regional Archaeological Museum, to gastronomy, such as cassava cassava.

Port Authority: Cabo Rojo de Pedernales project will be ready in December

Pedernales.- The Dominican Port Authority (Apordom) and ITM Group have announced that the construction of Cabo Rojo Port in the province of Pedernales will be completed by December of this year. The port’s development aims to benefit the South of the country and generate job opportunities for the Enriquillo region, which includes the provinces of Barahona, Pedernales, Independencia, and Bahoruco.

Operating under a public-private alliance strategy, the Cabo Rojo Port will be managed by the Dominican Port Authority, led by Jean Luis Rodríguez, and ITM Group, headed by Mauricio Hamui. The project manager, engineer Javier Fernández from ITM Group, provided updates on the progress of the work during a commission visit. The first cruise is expected to arrive at the port on December 14.

The second stage of Port Cabo Rojo is planned for delivery in mid-2024 and will include a pier for fishermen. The port is designed to accommodate up to one million cruise passengers annually and is projected to create over five thousand direct and indirect jobs, significantly boosting the economy of the border area.

For the Dominican Port Authority, this project represents a significant milestone in the development of cruise tourism, benefiting not only the Dominican Republic but also the entire Caribbean region. The delegation from Apordom, led by Director of Engineering Juan Miguel de los Santos and Director of Operations Celestino Martínez, was joined by other government officials, including Sigmund Freund from the General Directorate of Public-Private Partnerships (DGAPP) and Minister Deligne Ascención from the Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC).

Unemployment in Hollywood and its impact on Dominican cinema

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic has become a significant hub for international film productions, attracting filmmakers with its natural landscapes, local infrastructure, and incentives such as the Transferable Tax Credit of 25%. However, the ongoing Hollywood strike is beginning to affect the country’s film industry.

In 2022, 125 films were shot in the Dominican Republic, contributing more than RD$15 billion to the local economy. However, the labor dispute in Hollywood has led to the cancellation of several projects, and it is now affecting Pinewood Studios in the Dominican Republic. The Screen Actors Guild of the United States (SAG-AFTRA) strike has halted two productions at the studio, causing uncertainty about when an agreement will be reached.

The strike is not only impacting Hollywood but also spreading to other cities, and the Dominican Republic is feeling its effects. Lantica Media, which operates Pinewood Studios in the country, revealed that 85% of its revenue comes from Hollywood projects. They are currently working on local and non-union projects from other parts of the world, but the uncertainty remains.

The dispute between Hollywood actors and scriptwriters is seen as a “lost fight” and could cause significant damage to the US economy, with experts estimating it could result in $4 billion in losses. The duration of the strike remains uncertain, with predictions that it could last for several months based on previous Hollywood strikes.

The impact on the Dominican film industry is a matter of concern, as the strike has already affected projects in the country and could potentially lead to further disruptions in the coming months. The hope is that an agreement will be reached soon to bring stability back to the industry.

The bill that declares Santiago a “province of health tourism” advances

Santiago.- The Permanent Commission of Public Health of the Senate of the Republic in the Dominican Republic has made progress in analyzing a bill that aims to declare Santiago as a “province of health tourism.” The Health Commission, led by Senator Lía Díaz Santana, has agreed to study the legislative proposal with support from existing laws related to the Dominican Social Security System and the Defense of Competition.

The main objective of the bill is to promote health tourism in the province of Santiago, seeking to enhance health services, improve collective well-being, and contribute to the economic and social development of the region. The declaration of Santiago as a province of Health Tourism aims to attract more visitors seeking medical and wellness services in the city.

Senator Eduardo Estrella, the president of the Senate and a promoter of this initiative, has highlighted the significant investments made in the health sector in the city of Santiago, making it an ideal candidate for health tourism promotion.

By declaring Santiago as a province of health tourism, the government aims to leverage the city’s healthcare infrastructure and services to attract both domestic and international tourists seeking specialized medical treatments and wellness services. The bill’s advancement in the Senate’s Health Commission is a significant step in the process of implementing this policy.

Arajet announces the opening of a new route to Montreal with a rate starting at $155

Santo Domingo.- Arajet, a low-fare airline in the Caribbean, has launched its second route to Canada, offering direct flights between Santo Domingo and Montreal. The new route will begin operating on November 7, with four weekly frequencies on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The initial rate for the flights will be $155 each way, including taxes, and Arajet plans to offer connections to other destinations in North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean.

The CEO and founder of Arajet, Víctor Pacheco Méndez, expressed the airline’s commitment to the growth and expansion of their hub, particularly with Canada being the second-largest source of tourists to the Dominican Republic. The new route will serve the needs of both Canadian nationals with ties to the Dominican Republic and Dominican nationals in Canada, facilitating commercial and cultural exchange and promoting tourism.

Arajet currently offers direct flights to 20 destinations in 14 countries and has established the Dominican Republic as a low-price hub in the region. The airline operates a new fleet of Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft that are environmentally friendly and produce up to 40% less sonic pollution.

Flights for the Santo Domingo-Montreal route are available for booking on the Arajet website, www.arajet.com.

Due to tropical waves, between three and four inches of rain are expected in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- A tropical wave is causing moderate to heavy downpours across the Dominican Republic. The National Meteorological Office (Onamet) forecasts that the rain will continue during the afternoon and night, with an expectation of three to four inches of rain. This amount of rain is likely to exceed the highest recorded rainfall in the past 24 hours, which was 55 millimeters (a little over two inches) in El Catey, María Trinidad Sánchez.

The heaviest rainfall is expected between 12:00 noon and 6:00 pm. Onamet has issued meteorological alert levels against possible flooding of rivers, streams, ravines, flash floods, and landslides for eight provinces and the National District. The provinces on alert are Greater Santo Domingo, Monsignor Nouel, San Cristóbal, La Vega, San Pedro de Macorís, Monte Plata, San José de Ocoa, and Hato Mayor.

On the Caribbean coast, vessel operators have been advised to remain in port from Cabo Beata (Pedernales) to Punta Palenque (San Cristóbal) and from Isla Saona to Cabo San Rafael (La Altagracia) due to abnormal wind and waves. In the rest of the Caribbean coast, caution is advised for navigation due to reduced visibility caused by heavy downpours, lightning, gusty winds, and locally high waves.

The rainfall activity will be concentrated mainly in the provinces of the northern and northeastern slopes, the eastern plain, the Caribbean coast, as well as the Central Cordillera and the border area. The tropical wave is expected to be located west of Haiti on Thursday, maintaining humidity over the country and leading to continued moderate downpours.