The Dominican Republic: A land of sensations

Latin Trade, April, 2003

Q: What kind of growth are you projecting?

A: The Dominican Republic was the first country in the region to recover from the recent crisis in international tourism, having effectively overcome its effects by late 2002. In 2003, we are expecting an average growth of 10 percent, a figure that we are confident will be surpassed by a large margin in places such as Punta Cana and La Romana-Bayahibe. By improving the tourist environment and building up the infrastructure, we will also upgrade domestic tourist destinations, especially extremely popular sites like Puerto Plata, Cabarete and Rio San Juan.

Q: Will the range of choices you offer visitors increase?

A: By building complementary facilities such as marinas, golf courses, amusement parks, aquariums and many others, we expect to diversify quite a bit the choices the Dominican Republic offers tourists. We already enjoy a large influx of visitors associated with eco-tourism, conventions, cultural tourism and purely recreational tourism, in addition to the segment that's looking for sun and beaches.

Q: What does the Dominican Republic offer that other places do not?

A: What sets us apart is the wide range of choices we offer visitors. Our white beaches and warm waters are very special. If we combine that with other options, such as golf, fishing and surfing, the Dominican Republic is the perfect tourist destination.

Q: What incentives do you offer tour operators?

A: The Ministry of Tourism has adopted the policy of striking strategic alliances that include attractive incentives. Using this flexible policy, the Dominican Republic has succeeded in restoring business relationships with many regional operators who had opted out of the market because of a lack of incentives.

Q: What is the revamped role of the Ministry of Tourism in promoting tourism?

A: The Ministry sees itself as the driving and controlling force behind the country's tourist activity, and a goal of the present administration is to develop strategic alliances with the private sector. We have come up with a new system of incentives designed to encourage the development of fresh tourism options to complement those already in existence. In addition, we have stimulated the renovation of the infrastructure - including ports, airports and the electric system - that supports the industry.