Dominican Republic will be at the International Golf Travel Market

The Dominican Republic will once again showcase at the International Golf Travel Market to be held in Tenerife 4-8 October 2015. International Golf Travel Market is the meeting place for the global b2b golf travel community. Over 600 golf tourism suppliers will join 350 pre-qualified buyers and 100 international press for four days of pre-scheduled appointments, networking opportunities and industry updates.

Golf tourism contributes over 200 million dollars a year to the Dominican Republic Economy, a figure that is projected to increase in 2016, according to a study by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators subsidiary North America (IAGTO North America).  In 2014 the growth of this niche market was 10%, of arrival to the country, totalling around 140,000 golfers who visited the Dominican Republic to play golf.

According to Magaly Toribio, Marketing Advisor of the Ministry of Tourism, "The average golf tourist spending exceeds US$240 per day, on holiday packages. While "All inclusive" tourist spends around US$ 128. She said that investment in tourism promotion is US$50M annually, of which more than US$2M is spent on promoting golf.

Easy access is also a key, thanks to six international gateways that all have courses close by, so golfers can get a round of golf in both on the day they arrive and the day they leave if the flight times allow. New roads have dramatically reduced travel times between key resorts as well as with the capital, such as Santo Domingo, Punta Cana and La Romana, so golfers can now comfortably combine playing courses in different areas without having to change hotels.

Dominican Republic, the undisputed “It” destination for golf, is widely known as having the most magnificent golf courses in the Caribbean and Latin America. The country boasts a growing list of world-class designer golf courses by some of golf's most acclaimed course architects including Pete Dye, P.B. Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones Sr., Gary Player, Tom Fazio, Nick Faldo, Nick Price and Greg Norman. In fact, nine of the country's golf courses are included in Golfweek Magazine's 2010 list of the top 50 courses in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Dominican Republic is the second largest country in the Caribbean and also one of the most ecologically diverse nations in the world.  Stunning vistas, including waves crashing over dramatic coastlines, coconut palm groves, lush, sun-kissed fairways, gentle mountains and exotic nature set the scene for uniquely designed and distinct golf courses. Sports champions and golf enthusiasts alike cannot resist playing the island's challenging courses blessed with clear blue skies, azure seas and constant beautiful weather.

Whether you are a professional golfer or a beginner, it's easy to play golf in Dominican Republic since most clubs provide clinics, lessons with some of the most elite players and offer a variety of golf vacation packages. These packages cater to both the serious and the recreational player, and often include accommodations, meals and drinks, as well as green fees and cart rentals. And, you don't need to worry about packing your golf clubs as each course provides affordable club rentals.

Play golf year-round in the Dominican Republic. Temperatures range from a high of 91°F (33 degrees Celsius) in August to around 62°F (17 degrees Celsius) on winter mornings, although average daily temperatures between summer and winter generally fluctuate less than 10 degrees. Even in the quieter summer months, weather forecasts typically call for partly sunny skies, but with a chance of a shower usually in the late afternoon. Wait 10 minutes or so and you can usually continue your round in bright sunshine again.

And don't miss Santo Domingo – the Dominican Republic's historic capital with a soulful heart - Santo Domingo is not only the nation's capital and largest city, it is also the oldest continuously-inhabited European settlement in the New World and is the largest and most vibrant city in the Caribbean. History is everywhere you look, particularly in the Colonial Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll around by day and you can enjoy the sights, eating out and people-watching in pavement cafes. Then by night, soak up the city's effervescent atmosphere, with the sounds of meringue and bachata spilling into its ancient streets. 

For further information on the destination please contact:   Esther Smith -   pr.uk@godominicanrepublic.com - Tel/fax: 01962 711239 – Mobile: 07768 901197 skype: esthercsmith1 - Photo library – www.drsmartlibrary.com 

About Dominican Republic:

Rich in history, the Dominican Republic's first tourist was Christopher Columbus in 1492. Since then, it has developed into a diverse and luxurious destination offering both Dominican Republic and European flavours to more than 220,000 British visitors each year.  A leader in eco-tourism, the Dominican Republic created the world's first Whale Sanctuary and has established protection zones for more than 20 percent of its land and coastal areas. The country boasts some of the world's best golf courses and beaches, the largest marinas in the Caribbean and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families. Visit the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism's official Web site at: www.godominicanrepublic.com or call +44 (0)20 7242 7778.