November 2008 - Dominican Republic - Francisco Javier Garcia, Minister of Tourism overseeing the Caribbean�s fastest growing tourism destination, will pay his first visit to World Travel Market November 2008 (Stand Number CA8000). The Dominican Republic is one of the Caribbean�s largest countries located about 800 miles south of Florida and is in the midst of a major tourism enhancement programme by increasing their portfolio of world-class hotels, marinas, championship golf courses and cruise port developments.

Minister Francisco Javier Garcia said, �The Ministry of Tourism�s strategic vision will take the DR into the next decade and expand on our amazing tourism success to date by increasing visitor numbers to the country and sharing with them our natural beauty, culture and friendly people.�

�In the years to come, we will enhance the well-planned tourism growth that has provided positive economic impact while also preserving our large island�s natural beauty. We will create new marketing strategic programmes and continue with thoughtful developments to welcome visitors to our diverse country and ensure that the Dominican Republic is the premier, sophisticated destination of choice for centuries to come,� he added.

Garcia graduated in Economics and Law from the Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo (USAD) and from the Unversidad del Caribe (Unicaribe). He graduated Summa Cum Laude from the latter, and replaces former Tourism Minister, Felix Jimenez who successfully led the Dominican Republic�s tourism industry for eight years overseeing its establishment into the respected and loved international tourism destination it is known for today.

-Ends- 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.

Contact: SabrinaCambiaso: dominican.rep@btconnect.com Tel 020 72427778 - www.godominicanrepublic.com