Tourism to Play Vital Role in Dominican Republic's Recovery

Business Wire, Oct 6, 1998

SANTA DOMINGO, Dominican Republic--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct.6, 1998--Representing over 70 percent of the nation's $3 billion (U.S.) in revenues from exports, the tourism industry is expected to continue its role as the major contributor to the Dominican Republic's recovery efforts, following the damage caused by Hurricane Georges.

Hardest hit by the hurricane was the agricultural industry, which represented approximately $407 million (U.S.) of the country's revenues from exports in 1997, according to information provided by the Dominican Republic Central Bank.

"Our agricultural industry was negatively affected by Hurricane Georges, so we are very fortunate that our major tourism areas and tourism industry were relatively unharmed, thereby ensuring that tourism will remain a catalyst for the success of the country's economy and recovery effort," said Felix Jimenez, Secretary of Tourism from the Dominican Republic.

"All of the islands in the Caribbean, except Cuba, can fit in the Dominican Republic's territory. It is important because many believe when a Caribbean island is hit by a hurricane, the entire island is adversely affected. However, because the Dominican Republic is so large, the hurricane only affected certain parts of the country. For example, Punta Cana sustained some damage, while Puerto Plata, which is in the country's North Coast, remained untouched."

One of the Caribbean's largest islands, the Dominican Republic is 19,000 square miles, or twice the size of New Hampshire.

The General Office of Civil Aeronautics of the Dominican Republic announced that Las Americas International Airport and Puerto Plata International Airport are both operating 24 hours. Barahona International Airport, Cibao International Airport and Herrera International Airport are maintaining regular schedules of operations until 10:00 p.m. Punta Cana International Airport and La Romana International Airport, both located in the country's southeastern region which was hardest hit by the hurricane, are operating 24 hours and from dawn to dusk, respectively.

Much of the country's infrastructure and public services were unharmed. In the North Coast, none of the public services were interrupted. In Santo Domingo and the other tourist zones, electricity, electronic banking (ATMs), telephones and other communication foundations have been completely restored. All major roads are open, and public transportation systems are in working order.

Most of the country's 40,000 hotel rooms were unaffected by the storm. Hotels in the North Coast from Puerto Plata to Samana, as well as hotels in the capital city of Santo Domingo are operating normally. In Punta Cana, Bayahibe, La Romana, Juan Dolio, Boca Chica and Bavaro, the tourist zones most affected by Hurricane Georges, 13 hotels -- approximately 5,800 rooms -- sustained damage that interrupted normal operations.

The following hotels are currently open for business:

Punta Cana: Punta Cana Beach Resort, Paradisus Punta Cana, Melia Bavaro, Barcelo Bavaro Beach Complex, Fiesta Bavaro, Iberostar Bavaro, Iberostar Dominicana, Iberostar Punta Cana, Carabela Resort, Hodelpa and Villas Bavaro.

Juan Dolio: Capella and Metro

Boca Chica: Coral Hamaca and Boca Chica Resort

All hotels in these areas are planning to re-open by or before December, the country's highest tourism season. The following is a list of those hotels that will be opening in the coming months.

Punta Cana

-- Club Mediterranee will open in November 1998.

-- Natura Park will open in November 1998.

-- Allegro Resort Bavaro will open Nov. 15, 1998.

Bayahibe

-- Club Dominicus will open Oct. 31, 1998.

-- Casa del Mar will open Dec. 1, 1998.

La Romana

-- Casa de Campo will open Nov. 1, 1998.

Boca Chica

-- Hotel Don Juan will open Oct. 15, 1998.

Juan Dolio

-- Melia Juan Dolio will open Dec. 1, 1998.

-- Caribbean Village Decameron will open Dec. 20, 1998.

-- Coral Costa Caribe will open December 1998.

-- Marena will open December 1998.

-- Talanquera will open December 1998.

-- Occidental Playa Real will open Nov. 20, 1998.

"Last year, nearly 1.8 million tourists chose the Dominican Republic as a vacation destination, and through August of 1998, we have welcomed more guests than ever before. In spite of the damage inflicted by Hurricane Georges, our airports are open and accepting international flights. Most of our hotels are operational and we are optimistic that by December, practically all of the hotels will be functioning at full capacity," said Rafael Blanco, president of the National Association of Hotels and Restaurants (ASONAHORES).

For brochures and other printed information, please call 800/723-6138. Tour operators may call the Dominican Republic tourism office in New York at 888/374-6361 for more specific information.