Punta Cana Food & Wine Festival Scheduled for July

The Punta Cana Food & Wine Festival will be held from July 1-2 in Punta Cana, at the Barcelo Bavaro Palace Hotel, on “Juanillo” Beach and at the Barcelo Bavaro Convention Centre. The event, considered to be one of the country's top gastronomic festivals, is sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism.  The Festival's schedule is packed with all the right activities to please the lovers of good food and wine, including wine tasting, cocktails and dishes prepared by world-class chefs.

The 1,402-room Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe is an all-inclusive, five-star hotel, with 11 restaurants, seven bars, a spa and a top-quality golf hotel. The Juanillo Beach, in Cap Cana, is a beautiful Bohemian corner featuring a bar and restaurant that reflect the beauty of the nearby beach that has the same name.  The restaurant offers guests an exclusive selection of international dishes and fresh seafood.

The Barcelo Bavaro Convention Centre is situated within the same tourism complex as the  Barcelo Bavaro Palace Hotel, and is considered to be the country's largest and most modern venue for meetings and conventions.

The Dominican Republic Surpasses International Tourism Growth Rates

During 2015, the growth of tourism in the Dominican Republic surpassed the registered global and regional tourism growth.  According to the World Tourism Organization (WTO), tourism worldwide increased by 4.4% during 2015.  However, that number in the D.R. registered at 8.9%, 4.9% in the Americas and 7.4% in the Caribbean.  Between 2010-2015 the average growth rate of world tourism registered at 4.8%, while in the Americas that number came in at 5.1% and 3.7% in the Caribbean.  During this same time period, tourism in the Dominican Republic registered at 5.8%.

The Dominican Ministry of Tourism also provided important information on the country's tourism industry.  The Ministry revealed that 5.5 million tourists visited the country, and that the industry generated approximately US$6.1 billion, representing a 9.2% general increase. The total number of hotel rooms in the D.R. during 2015 closed with 70,030 rooms.

The countries that generated the highest number of tourists to the D.R. were the United States (2 million tourists); Canada (754,000); Germany (247,000); France (227,000); Spain (172,000); Venezuela (167,000); England (142,000); Brazil (140,000), Argentina (133,000) and Puerto Rico (115,000).

Tourism industry executives at this year's Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (DATE) conference announced several developments to the future of the country and expressed great enthusiasm for the projects to come. Radhamés Martínez-Aponte, Technical Vice Minister of Tourism, opened the event with a number of updates pertaining to Dominican Republic's overall tourism health and news in each major sector within the country.

Tourism Growth
Dominican Republic announced a growth of 5.8 percent in overall tourism to Dominican Republic, a number alone growing faster than the Caribbean's overall rate of 3.7 percent. Simón Suarez, President of the National Hotel & Tourism Association (ASONAHORES), added that growth rates in the country are double the world average, tracking at a median growth of 5.1 percent over the last 5 years. The country is projected to reach 6 million total visitors in 2016 – based on numbers thus far, the country is on track to meet the targeted 7 percent growth needed to achieve this. Both speakers also noted that the United States remains the largest source market for Dominican tourism with 2 million visitors in 2015, and Canada following with 780,000. 

Hotel Announcements
Dominican Republic's hotel occupancy rate was also greater than that of overall Caribbean numbers, with 75.5 percent of hotel rooms occupied in 2015 and an expected average of 80 percent in 2016. Punta Cana leads accommodations in Dominican Republic, currently offering 37,000 rooms in the area. Its lead is followed by Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo, boasting 18 percent and 10 percent of rooms available in-country, respectively. Dominican Republic is pleased to see an increase in interest of hotel chains coming to the country and reports a boom in both the development of new properties – such as those by Barceló, Intercontinental and Hard Rock – as well as in remodelling and expansion projects, such as those occurring at Santo Domingo's historic Hotel El Embajador. By 2019, it is expected that 18,000 new hotel rooms will open in the country, thanks to more than 55 new hotel projects and investments worth $2 billion coming into the tourism pipeline. 

Air Arrivals 
Officials announced that plans are underway to offer preclearance facilities at Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) for U.S. travellers returning from Dominican Republic to allow a bypass of U.S. customs after their return to the States, slated to begin in May 2017. PUJ continues to be the main point of entry into Dominican Republic – welcoming 66 percent of travellers – followed by Santo Domingo's Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) and Puerto Plata's Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP). Together, the three airports represent 92 percent of foreign air travel into DR. Dominican Republic currently has an open-sky policy, allowing for a large influx of flights – nine nationalities do not require a tourist visa, while 145 others (including the US and Canada) need only to purchase a tourist card upon landing. It is the country's dream to eliminate the need for visas entirely and allow all to freely enjoy the variety of attractions offered in the country. 

Cruise Arrivals
With Amber Cove in Puerto Plata opening in October 2015, cruise arrivals increased by 64 percent, coming in at 550,000 visitors. Since Amber Cove's inauguration, an average of 5,000 cruise visitors arrive weekly to the area, shifting by season. The country plans to expand its cruise market beginning in December 2016 in Cap Cana, signing contracts with 11 providers and continuing discussion with six others. 

Diversification of Offerings
Numbers show that tourists are continuing to look for vacations beyond the beach and are showing greater interest in multi-destination travel – 80 percent of all visits to Dominican Republic's protected areas are by foreigners, demonstrating that visitors are increasingly looking to explore beyond their hotel.

MITUR is committed to expanding the country's multi-destination offerings and diversifying its segmentation. With more than 8,000 kilometres of roads created or expanded within the past three years, all major touristic areas are now connected and most are accessible within a 2-hour drive. With opportunities for a wide range of tourism on the same island, Dominican Republic continues to hold a large advantage over other destinations and is positioned to expand the diversity of its offerings, with MICE, ecotourism and luxury travel among the largest niches of focus for the coming year. 

While sun and beach remain the country's most sought attractions, Dominican Republic continues to work to expand its competitive offerings in the tourism marketplace. Between adventurous Puerto Plata, lush Samaná, sunny Punta Cana, luxe La Romana, historic Santo Domingo and more, the country prides itself on offering something for every type of traveller and budget. This year's DATE conference was held from April 19-21 at the Paradisus Palma Real in Punta Cana.

Multigenerational Travellers Find Their Bliss in The Dominican Republic 

"Wide variety of unique attractions for guests of all ages make the Caribbean country the perfect family getaway"

Known for its wide variety of accommodations and attractions, Dominican Republic remains one of the most popular Caribbean destinations for families, offering something for groups with any interests or budget size. 

The country is continuing to grow in popularity as an option for multigenerational travellers, thanks in part to the increasing number of direct flights from many major U.S. cities, making it a convenient travel destination. Along Dominican Republic's nearly 1,000 miles (approximately 1,575 kilometres) of coastline, families are sure to find accommodations and activities perfectly suited to their needs. The country offers a wide array of hotels and resorts that cater specifically to families. Many of them are all-inclusive, making it an ideal spot for those who want all meals, drinks and entertainment to be rolled into one affordable price. 

"Dominican Republic hotels and tour operators have perfected multigenerational travel offerings, anticipating the needs of family travel groups and catering to them," said Magaly Toribio, Marketing Advisor for the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. "No matter the age of visitors to our country, all guests are sure to find something perfectly suited to their interests, activity levels and budgets." 

Easygoing All-Inclusives

For groups looking for an all-inclusive experience, the country offers award-winning resorts throughout the country – La Romana, Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, Samaná and others offer all-inclusives inspired by the unique flavor of each region. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic's most well known destination, offers multigenerational groups something everyone can agree on: picture-perfect beaches. The east coast's languid azure waters lap at the area's pristine white sands, dotted with an array of family-oriented hotels and resorts offering a playground for guests of all ages. Many of the accommodations here have high-quality onsite kids clubs and excursions catering to children as well as spas, designer golf courses, nightlife opportunities and more for adults, making it one of the best destinations in the Caribbean for family vacations. Punta Cana's off-resort excursion offerings range from cenote swimming, dolphin encounters, parasailing and moonlight zip lines to educational day trips to historic Santo Domingo, tours into Punta Cana's countryside, snorkelling at La Romana's offshore islands and more, with the majority of tour operators providing free transport and convenient pickup from guests' hotel lobbies. 

Adrenaline-Pumping Adventures

With nine distinct ecological zones, Dominican Republic offers a wide variety of terrain for many types of adventure activities, with the northern coast and north-eastern Samaná Peninsula historically the most popular. The north coast's Puerto Plata is an active destination especially well suited for families and multigenerational groups with a love of sports and adventure. The choppy Atlantic waves along the shore make Puerto Plata's beaches hotspots for water sport enthusiasts of all ages, with the province's town of Cabarete known as the Kite boarding Capital of the World. Those looking for a unique day trip in Puerto Platacan visit parks offering everything from zip lines to interactions with small native monkeys, or take teens and tweens on a canyoning, rappelling or ATV tour in Puerto Plata's geographically-diverse natural playground. Other popular adventure destinations include mountainous Jarabacoa, offering access to the highest peak in the Caribbean and some of the Caribbean's best white-water rafting. 

Exciting Eco-travel

The country's robust ecological diversity makes it a haven for multigenerational groups looking to reconnect with nature and marvel at Caribbean flora and fauna – areas like Jarabacoa, Constanza, Bayahibe and Samaná each offer a distinctive picture of the island's natural beauty. The Samaná Peninsula in the country's north-eastern corner is a widely untouched area of Dominican Republic, ideal for eco-travel, providing opportunities for families to have a quiet Caribbean escape. The area is sprinkled with some of the best resorts and seafood restaurants on the island, tucked between private coves and bays, and specializes in nature activities. Families will find plenty to explore here, such as visiting the 618 square miles of caves, mangroves and islets in the famous Los Haitises National Park, viewing the thousands of humpback whales wintering in the Samaná Bay, and enjoying a refreshing post-hike dip in the pool of the peninsula's breathtaking Salto el Limón waterfall. In the opposite corner of the island, the south-western province of Barahona offers a more arid climate – families looking to observe nature can find everything from American crocodiles to endemic birds in this region. 

Urban Explorers

For groups preferring the familiar comfort of bustling cities, city centres such as downtown Santiago, Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo offer numerous options for culture and entertainment. As the most cosmopolitan city in Dominican Republic, and also the oldest city of the New World, Santo Domingo offers both modern amenities as well as a rich background. Founded in the late 1400s, Santo Domingo is a city of firsts – multigenerational groups can explore winding cobblestone streets and charming ruins together in the city's Colonial City, enjoying a variety of high-end cuisines and convenient day-trips to other areas of the country, with numerous plazas, museums, live music, parks and much more just steps from one another in the capital city. Accommodations in the area range from affordable boutique hotels to international hotel chains, with private homes or villas available for rent to families preferring to have their own space to call a home-away-from-home. 

With its lush nature, rich history, modern accommodations and friendly people, Dominican Republic Has It All. For more information on family-friendly attractions and destinations in the country, visit www.GoDominicanRepublic.com. 

Puerto Plata Announces Increase in Tourism Numbers and Active Travel Initiatives - highlights influx of visitors and announces tourism fair dates:

Representatives from Dominican Republic's Puerto Plata Tourism Cluster (CTDPP) highlighted the area's strong tourism numbers at the 2016 Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (DATE). CTDPP was pleased to announce an increase in visitors to Puerto Plata of 11.5 percent over 2015 numbers.

Currently, more than 12,500 hotel rooms are available in the area, expected to grow to meet increasing tourism interest. Puerto Plata has seen significant tourism developments in the past few years – most notably the completion and grand opening of the Amber Cove cruise port, welcoming high-profile cruises such as Carnival's voluntourism-oriented Fathom – and it expects to welcome more than 400,000 cruise passenger arrivals this year.

Puerto Plata is famous for its world-class water sport offerings, with its town of Cabarete known as the Kite boarding Capital of the World. With endless opportunities for adventure tourism – through activities such as hiking, canyoning and rappelling, complemented by mountain biking and white-water rafting nearby – Puerto Plata happily welcomes active travellers and promotes its offerings to key niche audiences looking for a fit vacation. CTDPP announced that it will also begin to tout the area's ecotourism options to new audiences, phasing out its "Smile You're in Puerto Plata" campaign in favour of one promoting the area's natural attractions. To kick-start its eco-friendly efforts, the tourism cluster is working with Puerto Plata residents and businesses to ensure its message of environmentalism becomes well rooted in the community.

Infrastructure officials are working on a number of improvements throughout the province, such as constructing an amphitheatre, restoring historic buildings, developing sailing ports, installing new safety surveillance systems and improving roads in Sosua and downtown Puerto Plata. Lorenzo Sancassani, Interim Director of Tourism, also noted its intentions to construct an artisanal marketplace in the Imbert municipality – as handicraft is growing in demand with tourists, this marketplace will allow simplified access to the popular goods created by Puerto Plata artisans.

Dominican Republic tourism representatives speaking on behalf of the National Hotel & Tourism Association (ASONAHORES) announced at DATE a growth of 5.8 percent in overall tourism to the country – a number alone growing faster than the Caribbean's overall rate of 3.7 percent. Dominican Republic is projected to reach 6 million total visitors in 2016 – based on numbers thus far, the country is on track to meet the targeted 7 percent growth needed to achieve this.

CTDPP also announced that it's own tourism conference, the Discover Puerto Plata Marketplace, is set to return October 5-7 of this year and is to be hosted at the IBEROSTAR Costa Dorada Resort.

The Dominican Republic Is Top Leader of Golf Tourism in the Caribbean

The Dominican Republic features 18 world-class golf courses built by some of the industry's most important golf architects and designers. And, because of its enviable geographic location, the country has become the regional leader in golf tourism. Such world-famous architects as Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Nick Price, Robert Trent Jones, Jose “Pepe” Gancedo and PB Dye, have built some of the country's most beautiful courses. 

The International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) indicates that golf tourism in the D.R. grew by 10% during 2014, in comparison to 2013 numbers. The Ministry of Tourism reported that 140,000 golf tourists arrived in the country in 2014. 

1.3 Million Visit Dominican Republic Protected Areas

The country's protected areas receives millions visitors annualy. The great majority, 86% (1.1 million), were international visitors. The Eastern National Park, specifically Saona Island, received 49% of all visitors. The surface territory of the Dominican Republic is 48,000 square kilometres, of which 52.8% has been declared protected areas. According to local statistics, some 146,000 visited the country's protected areas during the month of March. In January the number of visitors was 137,465 and in February 127,200. The country's protected areas include national parks, scientific reserves, marine sanctuaries, natural monuments and wildlife refuge. 

The Eastern National Park, specifically Saona Island, received the highest number of national and international visitors. In total, 641,503 (49%) visited the off-shore island, followed by the Three Eyes Cave in Santo Domingo (160,077), an important habitat for local wildlife and Catalina Island, an important stop for international cruise companies, with 130,744 visitors.  The Dominican Republic currently features 119 protected areas, classified in 12 categories, covering a total area of 25,472 square kilometres. 

Eastern National Park - Situated in the country's southeast corner, specifically between the fishing villages of Bayahibe and Boca de Yuma, the park's main attraction is Saona Island. The beautiful tropical small key features important attractions, such as ancient caves and absolutely beautiful beaches. Visitors are transported to Saona Island on board catamarans or speed boats. 

Three Eyes Cave - Situated on the outskirts of the capital city of Santo Domingo the caves feature four sulphur-water underwater natural pools. Three of the natural pools are situated in a large ancient cavern.

Catalina Island - This small key is situated off-shore from the east coast city of La Romana and is considered one of the country's most important natural monuments. The key features a land surface of nine-square kilometres, with beautiful white sand beaches. The island's interior surface is covered with a dense tropical forest. It is the perfect destination for snorkelling and scuba diving. Small boats leaving from La Romana and the nearby fishing village of Cumayasa transport tourists to the island on safe boats.  Silver and Christmas Banks - The country's foremost marine mammal sanctuary is situated in the Atlantic Ocean some 140 kilometres from the north coast city of Puerto Plata. The sanctuary has become one of the Caribbean's most important natural destinations because it is here where the humpback whales visit during the first months of the year to breed in the warm waters. The area is comprised of an underwater coral-based platform with an average depth of 20 meters. It is part of a system that extends from the Bahamas to the Bank of Christmas, off the north coast of the Dominican Republic. Most tours to the region take place during the visit of the humpback whales, from January 15 to late March. February is when most tours visit the area.  “Salto del Limon” (Limon Waterfall) - This absolutely beautiful 300-meter long waterfall, situated in the northeast fishing village of El Limon, in Samana Province, is reached either on horseback or four-wheel vehicles.  Damajagua Waterfall - This protected area, now part of the Dominican Treasures initiative is located in the north coast province of Puerto Plata. It is a six-square kilometre area featuring small waterfalls and 27 natural pools that visitors can visit through adventurous hiking trails.   The 10 Best Happy Hours in the City of Santo Domingo 

A fun way to come into contact with fun people in the capital of the Dominican Republic is to visit some of the city's most popular happy hour spots. 

Happy hours are very popular in all top bars and restaurants in Santo Domingo and are excellent places to unwind after a hard day at work.  Young Dominicans tend to visit these fun spots in the early evening, looking for a place to share a happy moment. Most happy hours in Santo Domingo offer two drinks for the price of one during a specific time period, specifically between Monday-Friday. 

Here is a selection of Santo Domingo's most popular spots to enjoy a perfect Dominican happy hour, where guests can enjoy good food and drinks.

Segafredo

Situated on the first floor of Santo Domingo's Novo-Centro, one of the city's most modern and centrally located restaurants, happy hours run from 5-8 p.m.  On Tuesday, the regular scheduled is extended until midnight. Wednesdays is Sangria Night, Thursday offers guests three Corona beers for the price of one, and there is also a special happy hour on Sundays.

Friday's

This international franchise is situated in Acropolis Centre, in the very heart of Santo Domingo.  Friday's happy hour features half price drinks and cocktails. There is always a Daily Special which the restaurant posts on their social media sites. Other options during the week: karaoke, happy hours until 10 p.m., Women's Night.  Hours: Monday through Saturday, 5-9 p.m., and Sundays from 3-7 p.m.

Outback

Situated in Acropolis Centre and in Punta Cana, on the country's eastern region. The restaurant's happy hour schedule:  Monday to Friday, featuring a 2×1 in different drinks, from 5:00 p.m. to 11 p.m. “Tuesday Wine” offers a 2×1 special until 9 p.m.

Tony Roma's

Also in Acropolis Centre and on Sarasota Avenue, one of Santo Domingo's nicest upper-middle class residential areas.  Their happy hour runs from 16:00 to 21:00. Drinks included in the offer are half price.

Chilli's

Famous for its Margaritas and Mojitos, the world-famous international franchise is situated in Blue Mall, one of Santo Domingo's high-end shopping plazas, and Bella Piazza. Wednesdays and Fridays feature all-night 2×1 drinks.  On Wednesdays there is also a 2 x 1 deal on Margaritas and on Thursdays and Fridays guests can receive 2×1 Mojitos.

Casa Avila

Also situated in Blue Mall. Monday to Friday, from 6-9 p.m., all drinks are half price.

Hills

Hills is situated in the Silver Sun Gallery shopping plaza. Their happy hour is daily, from 5:00 to 8 p.m.

Applebee's

Located in the Silver Sun Gallery shopping plaza. They have extended happy hour 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays “girls night out” and live music. Wednesdays are cold, beer specials president. Saturday is 4-8 p.m., also have discounts on appetizers or entries pm and 5-7 on Sundays is 6-11 p.m.

Celeste Brasserie

Also situated in the Novo Centro building.  The second glass or bottle is on the house during its happy hour from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m./Monday through Friday.

Maruja Bar

The Bar is situated on Gustavo Mejia Ricart Avenue, in one of Santo Domingo's nicest residential neighbourhoods. Daily, from 5:00 p.m. Their specialties: Mojitos, Daiquiris and Caipirinhas at US$2.50 + taxes.

For the latest news on the Dominican Republic see - http://www.accessdr.com/ 

About Dominican Republic
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the north and the Caribbean Sea on the south, our lush tropical and paradisiacal country boasts nearly 1,000 miles (1,609 km) of coastline, 250 miles (402 km) of the world's top beaches, magnificent resorts and hotels, and a variety of sports, recreation and entertainment options. Here you can dance to the pulse pounding thrill of the merengue, renew in our luxurious and diverse accommodations, explore ancient relics of centuries past, delight in delicious Dominican gastronomy or enjoy ecotourism adventures in our magnificent national parks, mountain ranges, rivers and beaches. Known for our warm and hospitable people, Dominican Republic is a destination like no other, featuring astounding nature, intriguing history and rich cultural experiences like music, art and festivals, plus uniquely Dominican specialties such as cigars, rum, chocolate, coffee, merengue, amber and larimar. Dominican Republic features the best beaches, fascinating history and culture, and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families alike. Visit Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism's official website at: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.

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 (See separate calendar of events for further activities) and for the latest news on the Dominican Republic see - http://www.accessdr.com/ 

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