Island flight specials, infrastructure upgrades, environmental designations and construction developments
DELTA AIRLINES OFFERS SPECIAL FARES AND EXPANDS SERVICE
Delta Airlines is offering special fares of US$258 per person to Punta Cana and US$358 per person to Santo Domingo. Trips must be started on or before December 14, 2006, and finished by January 13, 2007.
In addition, Delta is expanding its service so that as of winter 2006 they will offer seven daily flights between the United States and the Dominican Republic (DR). Effective December 9, 2006, Delta is adding non-stop flights between Atlanta and Santiago, as well as a New York (JFK) connection to Punta Cana. Additionally daily non-stop service between Atlanta and Puerto Plata on the north coast begins December 15, 2006.
NEW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO OPEN IN NOVEMBER
The new El Catey International Airport located in Samana is scheduled to open November 1, 2006. With a total area of 55 million square feet, El Catey features one terminal and two concourse levels where three restaurants and retail stores will be located. Situated approximately 20 minutes from the popular town of Samana, El Catey provides easy access to popular tourist destinations and will open with flights from the United States and Europe.
DR BEACHES QUALIFY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGNATION
The beaches of Costa Dorada in Puerto Plata and Coson in Samana are on their way to achieving Blue Flag status, which works toward sustainable development. After having received submission approval by the national Blue Flag jury and having met criteria of the international beach certification program, they will be judged by the international Blue Flag jury.
In order to achieve Blue Flag status, eligible beaches must meet strict criteria relating to water quality, cleanliness and safety. The Blue Flag award is presented each year to 3,100 beaches and marinas in 36 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, New Zealand, Canada and the Caribbean.
Cesar Vargas, national program coordinator and vice minister for the north coast, commended the hotel directors at Coral Marien by Hilton, Iberostar Costa Dorada and Viva Wyndham, Samana for their efforts in preparing the beaches.
DR INITIATES BEACH PRESERVATION PROJECT
The Ministry of Tourism recently announced its investment of US$18 million to improve the beaches of Long Beach, Playa Dorada and Cabarete on the north coast and Boca Chica and Juan Dolio along the southeast coast. Already restored is Long Beach in Puerto Plata, where the occasion was celebrated with a weekend-long event.
DR INVEST MILLIONS IN NORTH COAST TOURISM
The Ministry of Tourism is investing US$30 million in north coast tourism infrastructure. This includes the recovery of Long Beach and the development improvements in Puerto Plata related to the protection of natural resources, water processing, sanitation systems and new roads and walkways.
Part of the investment includes plans to expand Puerto Plata’s Malecon. Recently announced by Tourism Minister Felix Jimenez, one project for the area currently in the final planning stages is an amphitheater to be constructed beside the San Felipe Fort, along with a 130-foot-wide dock in front of the Malecon. The new dock will feature restaurants, bars and Victorian-style architecture. The design of the projects is entrusted to architect Sara Garcia, daughter of businessman Isidro Garcia, owner of VH Hotels & Resorts, and the architect behind the Casa Colonial boutique hotel.
GOLF COURSE CONSTRUCTION BEGINS AT ROCO KI
Roco Ki, the first Westin resort to be built in the DR, recently broke ground on its first golf course, Alto Verde, an 18-hole championship Nick Faldo signature course comprised of spectacular cliffside and oceanview holes. The course will be managed by Troon Golf, renowned golf management experts. Roco Ki is slated to open in October 2007.
WORK PROGRESSES ON SANTO DOMINGO PORT
Construction and expansion is progressing on Santo Domingo Port, which is preparing to receive cruise ships in October 2006. Developed by San Soucí Tourist Investments, the group is putting US$400 million into the project. As part of the development, the group plans to construct a 500-capacity boat marina, reconstruct the Don Diego and San Soucí terminals and build 1,500 apartments.
DR HITS TURNING POINT IN TOURISM
According to a recent report released by the Central Bank, tourist arrivals to the DR for the first seven months of 2006 are up 9.42 per cent. Statistics show that 51.95 per cent of tourists originate from either the United States or Canada, a major turning point in DR tourism as it is the first time North America has surpassed Europe in tourist arrivals to the country.
With the constant increase in tourism numbers, the Ministry of Tourism anticipates four million international arrivals this year. The continued growth is attributed to the increase in hotel development and promotion of the DR which, in turn, has increased the number of flights to the country.
For information on travelling to the Dominican Republic see their country listing at www.caribbean.com.
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