NOVEMBER 2009

President Leonel Fernández heads the closing ceremony of the international symposium XXX years of Democracy

At the Global Foundation, Democracy and Development

BREAKING NEWS : President Leonel Fernández has chaired the closing ceremony of the international symposium XXX years of Democracy: Growth with equity and social cohesion in Latin America, which took place at the Global Foundation, Democracy and Development (FUNGLODE) for two days with the participation of over 45 experts from 18 countries.

The Regional Director for Latin America of the Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), Daniel Zovatto, ensured that the region was currently facing a new challenge, which was to reconcile democracy with the development and growth with equity.

That is to say that if we do not have growth, we have no jobs and employment generation is fundamental, and for this job, there must be growth, and for having this growth, we must be competitive and to be competitive, we must be productive, and we arrive there by investing heavily in education, training of human resources said Mr. Zovatto.

He stressed that these processes were closely interrelated, and that all he can do in democracy should be done at the same time as they advance in development.

By generating growth, quality jobs, reducing poverty and inequality, said the Director of International IDEA.

In the field of democracy, without setting aside the fact that remains are significant gaps to fill, the results are highly positive, said Mr. Zovatto.

He explained that currently the discussion focused on the quality of democracy, how to deepen it and how to get to it is growing increasingly.

Concerning the takeover in Honduras, Mr. Zovatto considered it necessary to seek an exit policy, negotiated, and that solutions had been proposed by President Fernández at the symposium.

It consists of regular elections, free, and when a president is elected, Mr. Zelaya would meet its mandate to deliver the formal power to the new government elected in these elections.

The international expert said that the International Symposium of Santo Domingo would be held every year in the Dominican Republic as part of ongoing monitoring of developments in democracy, development and safety on the continent.

Dominican Republic Live, 02.11.09

Brazil’s investment in Dominican Republic

XIV Congress of the Latin American Centre for Development Administration

BREAKING NEWS : SALVADOR DE BAHIA, Brazil.- The Vice-President of the Dominican Republic, Rafael Albuquerque, praised the commercial exchange between Brazil and the Dominican Republic and assured that the Brazilian investment in the country had contributed to the execution of major development projects.

He explained that the government led by Leonel Fernández, will continue to strengthen relations between the two nations, in order to attract more investments.

Mr. Alburquerque spoke after a bilateral meeting with the Governor of the State of Salvador Bahia, Jacques Wagner, who said that trade exchange between the Dominican Republic and Brazil had increased during the last years.

The vice president further revealed that Mr. Wagner will visit the Dominican Republic in November to meet the President Leonel Fernández.

He added that the trade between the two nations amounted to 450 million per year, after explaining that the objective of the Dominican Republic was to increase imports of Creole products to Brazil in order to reduce the deficit of trade balance.

Mr. Alburquerque is currently in Brazil and participated in the XIV Congress of the Latin American Centre for Development Administration (CLAD), as guest speaker.

Dominican Republic Live, 03.11.09

Dominican Republic will participate in the World Travel Market 2009 of London

The country will present its new tourist attractions on its stand

BREAKING NEWS : With a promotional stand of 200 square meters, presenting the new tourist attraction of the country, the Dominican Republic will participate in the International Fair World Travel Market 2009 in London England, from November 9th to November 12, 2009.

The information was disclosed by the Minister of Tourism Francisco Javier Garcia, who explained that 17 hotel companies, tour operators and travel agencies from Dominican Republic will be on the stand.

Among these companies, there are National Associations of Hotels and Restaurants, (Asonahores), Amhsa Marina, Caribbean Nexus Tours, Casa de Campo, Club Caribe, Coral Hospitality Group, Domitur, Hola Tours, Majestic Resorts Europe, NH Real Arena Oasis Hotels & Resorts Occidental Hotels & Resorts, Paradisus Palma Real, Punta Cana Resort & Club, VIP Travel Services, VK Hotels Group and Viva Wyndham Resorts.

Mr. García Fernández added that a delegation of media managers, editors of specialized sections and journalists will also be present to witness the promotion work made by the Tourism Ministry in order to make the Dominican Republic the primary option to host tourists in the Caribbean.

The Minister of Tourism said that the WTM last year drew 49 963 professionals worldwide, and 5 615 exhibitors representing 187 countries.

The show takes place at Excel London, and it is one of the most significant events dedicated to the travel and tourismindustry.

Dominican Republic Live, 04.11.09

The Global Foundation Democracy and Development open an exhibition

Don Juan. Retratos

BREAKING NEWS : The Global Foundation Democracy and Development (FUNGLODE) and the Committee of Permanent Tribute to Juan Bosch, has officially opened Tuesday, November 3 the exhibition Don Juan. Retratos, by the artist Hendrick Gil.

At the opening ceremony, Carolina Bosch, daughter of Juan Bosch, has expressed her emotion by looking at the works of Mr. Gil in which she found Dad’s eyes, his gestures. She thanked the author for his dedication and FUNGLODE for its welcome.

According to the critique of the Conservator Abil Peralta collection of portraits, carefully structured from stylistic resources of North America hyperrealism offered by Hendrick, enables us to interact with the soul and the critical spirit of Juan Bosch, by us showing in a segment of its production firmness of the statesman and leader, the freshness of the human-being man and the brotherhood of the human-being man during difficult tasks and times.

This exhibition will be held in the Art Gallery of FUNGLODE until November 15th.

Dominican Republic Live, 05.11.09

Dominican Republic very present in the Tourist Fair of Brazil

2010 will be the year of Brazil for the Dominican Republic

BREAKING NEWS : Once again the Dominican Republic was presented at the ABAV Fair, the main tourist event in Brazil, with a stand of 60^m2, where were promoted the beauty and tourism options for the Brazilian market, which is growing on the Issue of tourists to the country.

For this edition, the stand of the Dominican Republic received the largest delegation of all years, reflecting the importance of the Brazilian market for tourism destination.

The participation of the Dominican Republic in ABAV Fair was organized by the Tourist Promotion Office (OPT) of Brazil, and representatives of the hotels NH Real Arena, Casa de Campo, Occidental Hotels, Princess Hotels & Resorts, Hotels Catalonia and Oasis Hotels & Resorts; of local tour operators such as Colonial Tours, Domitur, Connect Travel, Club Caribe, Turmaya, and Otium Tour Operador, among others, have represented the country.

According to the Director of Tourism Promotion of the Dominican Republic, Isabel Vásquez, Brazil is a very important market for the country and the goal is to reach 20000 tourists from Brazil in 2009.

She highlighted the fact that airlines have opened new flights and expanded the number of places from Brazil and to the Dominican Republic, which indicates that tourists are increasingly attracted by the country. We are confident that 2010 will be the year of Brazil for the Dominican Republic.

The assistant tourism promotion of the OPT Brazil; Nodalia Arias said that participation in the Salon ABAV allowed to promote the country.

We want to show to brazilians a Dominican Republic, which, in addition to beautiful beaches, offers a rich culture, exuberant fauna and flora, tradition, history and much more, she said.

From January to August 2009, 11 162 Brazilian tourists visited the Dominican Republic, or 23% more than in 2008 at the same period.

Regarded as the main event of the tourism sector of the Americas for the professional audience, the show ABAV takes place since 50 years and brings together leading companies in sectors such as airlines, tour operators, hotels, businesses Boat Cruise etc.

Dominican Republic Live, 06.11.09

More and more ecotourism in Dominican Republic

A modality that can democratize tourism

BREAKING NEWS : The consulter for ecotourism and adviser of the Standing Committee of Natural Resources and Environment of the Senate, Bolivar Troncoso, informed that the ecological tourism democratizes tourism funds because they go to communities, which is not the case of the traditional sun and beach model.

Mr. Troncoso explained that the community of Jarabacoa receives each year visit of 120 000 tourists, according to statistics from the Ministry of Tourism.

This represents further development of tourism complement, which has become an economic alternative to unemployment that affects many areas of the country.

In this sense, the official added that the majority of sustainable tourism projects in the Dominican Republic have been developed through foreign cooperation.

Furthermore, he stated that the Dominican Alliance for Sustainable Tourism, in conjunction with the USAID-supported 19 projects of ecological tourism in the country.

According to Mr. Troncoso, adventure tourism offers Jarabacoa to generate over 100 million pesos, which shows that it is a viable option for economic growth in the nation.

Dominican Republic Live, 06.11.09

Russians are interested by Real Estate in Dominican Republic

International Real Estate Federation

BREAKING NEWS: The President in Russia of the International Real Estate Federation FIABCI, informed that Russian customers qualified the real estate in the Dominican Republic as one hundred percent satisfying, concerning investments.

Tatiana Rodionova attributed the appreciation to the climatic and geographical conditions of the country, citing the excellent climate and the coasts. It is very important for the Russians to have property on the coast, she said.

In addition, she highlighted the fact that it was possible to invest both in the economic and the luxury market. She specified that the price that the Russians were willing to pay, to purchase properties, varied.

40% of Russians want to invest in properties which prices are between 100 000 $ and 300 000 $ dollars, said Mrs. Rodionova.

She also added that more than 8% of Russians are looking for luxury properties, from 1,500,000 $ dollars, and that 12% preferred ownership economy with a price below 75 000 $.

Mrs. Rodionova, who is also director of the International Zone of the Association of Russians Real Estate Corporate made the comments after attending the first meeting of Discovering RD, an initiative of the Fiabci-RD which seeks to achieve commercial-property missions with countries members with a tourist or business relationship with Russia.

Dominican Republic Live, 11.11.09

III Dominican Republic Global Film Festival

International stars will be on the Orange Carpet

BREAKING NEWS: Famous actors and directors of international cinema will be on the Orange Carpet of the III Dominican Republic Global Film Festival, which will be inaugurated on the 18th of November at 7am at the National Theatre, attended by President Leonel Fernández.

In Santo Domingo, the Orange Carpet will be held at the National Theatre, Wednesday, November 18, while on Tuesday 17, celebrities will open the Festival in Santiago, Puerto Plata and Nagua, cities where movies are projected.

The orange carpet receives the crew of the film Touched composed by Shalim Ortiz, Holliston Coleman, Jackie Watson, Shirly Brener, Aloma Wright and Salvatore Di Cione, and actors La Soga, Manny Perez, Denise Quinones, Juan Fernandez, Paul Calderon Jaime Whitlock, and Fantino Fernandez.

Priscilla Star, the famous rap singer of Harlem, and also the heroin of P Star Rising and actress from the television series The Electric Company, will visit the festival together with his colleague Jesús Díaz and Director Gabriel Noble.

The Dominican artists who participated in the documentary Sol Caribe, which will close the Festival will also be present: Milly Quezada, Johnny Ventura, Luis Vargas, Joseíto Mateo, Wilfrido Vargas and Fernando Echevarría y La Familia Andre.

Latino American Directors awarded in several famous film festivals internationally will also attend the event, as Ciro Guerra, whose film Los Viajes del Viento, recently screened for the first time at Cannes, will be released.

Gemma Cubero present in the country Ella es el matador (She Is The Matador), which received the 2008 Tribeca All Access Creative Promise Award for Documentary.

Beadie Finzi, director of the Brazilian film Solo cuando bailo, and the male lead actor, Irlan Santos will also there.

Not to mention Simon Hutchins, actor The Cove, the documentary that evidence of the slaughter of dolphins in Japan, and which has won 13 awards during international festivals.

Dominican Republic Live, 12.11.09

The Minister of Tourism announced a tourism project for Pedernales

An investment of five billion dollars by English businessmen

BREAKING NEWS: The Minister of Tourism, Francisco Javier García, announced an investment of about five thousand million dollars by English investors to Pedernales and capitalization of the company Air Dominicana, with an amount of 300 million dollars from businessmen in Spanish, and the start of direct flights London-Puerto Plata.

Mr Garcia said investors wanted to develop an English tourist project of 70 million meters of land in Pedernales, south of the Dominican Republic, which in his opinion will change the lives of the south-west.

We met a group of English investors, who assessed the entire Caribbean region to make significant investments, and it has expressed its decision to build in the Province of Pedernales a tourist town, with an investment exceeding five thousand million dollars, he said.

He said that investors will travel to Dominican Republic in the coming weeks to make public the whole project.

This is a very important investment for the region south of the country, and it is important to such extent as when we met, we asked them if they were assured of funding, but they are related businesses financial institutions that are fully insured for funding this project, said the minister.

It is a vast complex, a tourist town that will totally transform not only the province of Pedernales, but also throughout the South, which includes part of the region of Barahona and Independencia Bahoruco said the Minister.

In addition, Mr. Garcia announced the intention of some Spanish entrepreneurs to enter the capital airline Air Dominicana.

He said a committee of these businessmen would visit two weeks in the Dominican Republic to make a formal proposal to the Government for entry into the capital of Air Dominicana.

Entering the planned capital of the Spanish investors completely transformed the original concept of Air Dominicana, a company that has emerged with an initial capital of 10 million dollars, but the Spanish company has planned an investment of more 300 million for this project, he added.

Finally, Mr. Garcia announced the agreement with the airline Virgin Atlantic, through his company tour operator Virgin Holliday for the arrival of two new flights from winter 2010 from London and to Puerto Plata.

Dominican Republic Live, 13.11.09

Dominican Republic leader in maritime connection in the Caribbean and DR-CAFTA countries

The best connected country in the foreign market

BREAKING NEWS: The Dominican Republic is a leader in the Caribbean and among the countries of DR-CAFTA in maritime connection, according to the index of connectivity of navigation in 2009, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

Andrés Van der Horst Álvarez added that it was calculated by the number of boats that make stops, the capacity of vessels that can access the ports, the number of shipping services offered and the companies working in the territory.

According to Mr. Alvarez, the index shows that the Dominican Republic has better opportunities for access to loads of export and import merchandises, as the country is better connected to the foreign market.

He stressed that these numbers were a reward for the quality of infrastructure, the cost of port services, proximity to strategic markets and the generation level of economy achieved by the Dominican Republic.

He added that this was possible thanks to investments made in recent years on national ports, as well as close and harmonious relations developed between the public and private sectors, which resulted in an increase in competitiveness, and a step forward for achieving the objectives proposed in the National Plan for Competitiveness Systematic, made by the CNC.

Dominican Republic Live, 16.11.09

Dominican Republic obtains great results

At the International Tourism Fair World Travel Market in London

BREAKING NEWS: London, Great Britain: The presence of the Dominican Republic at the International Tourism Fair World Travel Market (WTM-2009) has been very positive, according to the products demand from the tourism sector in Europe.

The Minister of Tourism Francisco Javier Garcia, and representatives of Casa de Campo, Punta Cana and Oasis Hotels & Resorts, explained that the business meeting with tour operators and English all over Europe had been very positive, since they had expressed their interest to explore the Dominican Republic.

Francisco Javier García, Minister of Tourism, said that the private and public sector had renewed agreements with airlines, tour operators and hotel chains to ensure that the Dominican tourism maintains its position and continues its positive trend, as it was the case during the last months.

Mr. García Fernández met with representatives of tour operators TUI, Thomas Cook and SunWinf, with whom he discussed marketing plans for 2010.

The Minister also met with representatives of British Airways, and the Federation of Tourism Tour Operators (FTO).

He informed that the TUI Group will conduct a weekly flight to the airport of La Romana in summer 2010 (May-October) and flights to Punta Cana should rise for the same season.

This show is the largest held in London and throughout in England, and for us the English market it is very important because it’s the third largest issuer in Europe and the fifth largest market reception for the Dominican Republic he said.

On the other hand, the Dominican Minister announced an increase in the frequency of flights to the Dominican Republic from the United Kingdom, which ensures the growth of this market.

For its part, Jeannette Sánchez López, vice president of sales and marketing for Casa de Campo, said she had received a large number of Europeans professionals, especially the English market.

Direct flights that have recently started between London and Punta Cana push us to look to this market because there are wealthy individual customers who do not take charter flights, and I can say about our participation in the WTM that it has been very successful.

Similarly, Alberto Abreu, Executive Director of the Hospital Punta Cana Group has informed that during the WTM, he had negotiated with markets such as Sweden and Denmark, to attract a new audience in addition to that which has always preferred Dominican Republic at the time to take a vacation.

The International Tourism World Travel Market 2009 held in London, England. The Dominican Republic participated in the event with 16 hotel companies, tour operators, travel agencies, and service companies in the country, and with the presence of a delegation of the National Association of Hotels and Restaurants (Asonahores).

Promotional Stand of the Dominican Republic was composed of tables of Asonahores, Amhsa Marina, Caribbean Nexus Tours, Casa de Campo, Club Caribe, Coral Hospitality Group, Domitur, Hola Tours, Majestic Resorts Europe, NH Real Arena, Oasis Hotels & Resorts Occidental Hotels & Resorts, Paradisus Palma Real, Punta Cana Resort & Club, VIP Travel Services, and VK Hotels Group Viva Wyndham Resorts.

Dominican Republic Live, 17.11.09

First Dominican Republic Tourism Forum

Organized by the RCI company

BREAKING NEWS: The opportunity for growth and expansion of the vacation property and residential tourism in the Dominican Republic will be the topic discussed at the First Tourism Forum for the Dominican Republic organized by the company RCI, which will take place this November 18th from 9am, in the Convention Centre of the Hotel V Centenario ofSanto Domingo.

Eugenio Macouzet, Director General Business Development for the Caribbean of RCI informed that participants in the event, entitled The new age of the vacation property and residential tourism in the Dominican Republic, will have the opportunity to be informed by local and international experts concerning perspectives for these areas and the opportunities they bring to the country.

RCI is a worldwide leading company in programs of holidays exchange. It is composed of 7,800 employees scattered in 60 offices and has a range of 50 000 hotels and resorts accommodations available to its members in over 100 countries on five continents.

Moreover, with its Registry Collection brand, the company offers trading holiday in more than 160 luxury properties in 25 countries. Last year RCI has made over 1.6 million transactions for 35 000 members, worldwide.

Occidental Hotels & Resorts, Viva Wyndham Resorts and Palace Resorts are part of the largest hotel chains with a local presence which are members of RCI, in order to offer their customers a wide range of options to spend their vacation with the opportunity to access the best tourist destinations in the country and around the world.

Among the international speakers who will be present at this event, we can cite Gurnik Gordon, president of RCI North America, Eugenio Macouzet,Vice President and General Manager for the Caribbean of The Registry Collection, and Gregg Anderson, Vice-President of Global Product RCI.

Francisco Javier García, Minister of Tourism, Haydee Kuret de Rainieri, president of ASONAHORES Rafael Blanco Canto, vice president of Viva Vacation Club Nanum Luis, president of Occidental Vacation Club, Denis Ebrill, executive vice president of the Soi Melia Vacation Club, Alain Grange, chairman of Grange Group and Enrique Ruiz, CEO of Hotetur, will also be part of the event.

Dominican Republic Live, 17.11.09

The Minister of Education highlights the successes and challenges of the Dominican education system

1000 X 1000 Program

BREAKING NEWS: The Minister of Education, Melanio Paredes, presented Tuesday the outline of the main successes and challenges of the Dominican education system at Forums to Assess the Decennial Plan developed by the government of President Leonel Fernández.

The Minister met in Barahona the different actors of public education to explain that through this plan, 97 percent of school coverage of some of the levels had been reached.

He added that since his first period at the government, President Leonel Fernández developed a comprehensive program to modernize the education system, which allowed the installation of computer labs on almost all national educational centres.

Mr. Paredes said that through the Decennial Plan, 3118 million pesos had been invested in repairing and building schools, for the installation of new desks, and to buy uniforms and shoes for students, among others.

Among the greatest achievements of the sector, the official cited the inclusion of 78% of children under five years at the initial level, while over one million students receive daily breakfast at school.

Mr. Paredes said that the main purpose of his institution was to achieve the objectives of the 1000X1000 Program which are reflected by a thousand hours in quantity by a thousand hours of quality in all Dominican schools.

Melanio Paredes said that the Decennial Plan has also aimed to create a participatory education that includes parents in the learning-teaching process.

These Forums are organized jointly by the Ministry of Education and the Directorate of Information, Press and Publicity of the Presidency, to evaluate the first year of the Decennial Plan for Education.

Dominican Republic Live, 18.11.09

Inauguration of the Office for Tourism Promotion in Vienna, Austria

The Dominican Republic is the beautiful and most diverse Caribbean tourism destination

BREAKING NEWS: The Dominican Republic now has a new space for promoting attractions, diversity and its investment facilities, enabling it to attract new tourists and developers from Central Europe.

The Tourism Promotion Office (OPT) in Vienna, Austria, was officially inaugurated this week by the Minister of Tourism Francisco Javier Garcia, and is directed by Ana Mendez Abreu, who was asked by the minister to work intensely on promotional schemes to make Austria and other Central European countries the main transmitters of tourists to the country.

Mr. García Fernández explained that the main objective of this office was to revitalize the Dominican Republic so that it receives as much tourists from this area than in the past.

When the tourism office opens in a city like this, the flow of visitors to our destination changes, he added.

During his visit to Vienna, the Minister of Tourism said that the Dominican Republic was the most beautiful and most varied tourist destination in the Caribbean, and took the opportunity to meet with businessmen from major tourism businesses, which he explained plans and visions for the development of tourism in the country, with emphasis on environmental protection.

Tourism is an activity which, in addition to entertainment, enables humans to experience the culture, history, idiosyncrasy, gastronomy and human development of each country they visit, so we committed to develop tourism not only in Dominican Republic, but also in the Caribbean, said the Minister of Tourism Dominican.

Tourism in our country has progressed considerably, and we get a lot of investments in different areas of the world to continue to strengthen.

Mr. Garcia explained that during the last eleven months, the Tourist Development Council (Confotur) had approved 83 new tourism projects with an investment of 15.300 million, and the next six months of next year, projects exceeding over a 12,000.00 million had been proposed.

The opening ceremony of the new OPT Vienna, was attended by José Ramón Fadul, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Doris Koepf, Attorney Lauda Air; Jeannie Hernández García, Engelbert Egger, president of GEO Travel, Sena Uzgüren, director of TUI Austria and Central Europe; Kozourek Reinhard, director of Thomas Cook Austria and Central Europe; Ana Méndez-Abreu, director of the Office of Tourism of the Dominican Republic to Austria and the ’Central Europe and her husband Alexander Schaufler, MBI Director Marketing Consulting International.

Dominican Republic Live, 19.11.09

The Dominican Republic is increasing investments

In the hotel and real estate industries

BREAKING NEWS: The Vice-Minister of Tourism, Radhamés Aponte Martínez, informed that during the first ten months of the year, the Tourist Development Council had approved 44 projects listed for 7.938 $ million dollars, involving 54,725 extra hotel rooms and complementary offerings.

The projects should be built over a period of 10 years. In the last thirteen months, 87 projects were approved with a total investment of 17.000 $ million.

65% of these investments correspond to projects in the province of La Altagracia, 12.5% in the province of Samaná, 10.2% in the province of San Pedro de Macoris, and 12% in the rest of the country.

This investment is for 55% related to hotels and real estate sectors (both sets), while 43% is totally dedicated to tourist real estate . The remaining 2% are on additional offers.

Mr. Aponte Martínez spoke while attending the First Forum of Tourism for the Dominican Republic, entitled The new era of vacation property and residential tourism in the Dominican Republic, organized by the RCI company, representing Minister of Tourism Francisco Javier Garcia.

These numbers disclosed by Mr. Aponte Martínez, reflect the general development of the vacation property in the Dominican Republic.

71% of the total investments are distributed equally between Dominicans and Spanish. The Americans in turn provide 21% of investments, and thus the remaining 8% is divided between several nations, including Russia.

Mr. Aponte Martínez said that it is clear that the Dominican Republic is an example of success and that the country is experiencing a boom in tourism real estate development.

Dominican Republic Live, 20.11.09

Internet is the new tool for tourism development in the Dominican Republic

85% of visitors inform themselves with Internet

BREAKING NEWS: The country’s tourism has grown significantly in recent years due to ease of communication offered by Internet, according to the expert in public relations and marketing, Yesawich Meter.

The development of tourism has changed lately with the tools offered by Internet, such as rapid access to information, in addition to various tourist services, such as last minute offers and details about what the person is about to visit or buy.

Mr. Yesawich said that in 2009, 85% of people who travelled to the Dominican Republic had been informed by Internet. Furthermore, he highlighted the fact that the change produced by this tool technology was important, since according to a survey by the American company Yparneshit, 66% of people who travelled to the Dominican Republic had been informed by Internet.

The communications expert recalled that in 2002 only 52% of tourists had used the internet as a source of information for select destinations.

Tourism businesses allied to technology services seek to reactivate the sector through Internet, to significantly improve economic and social returns in this area of the Caribbean, preferred by many at the time to prepare his vacation.

The Dominican Republic is not lagging behind in technological competition, skewing the tourism and economic sectors to adapt or simply disappear.

For example, in 2008, the International website of the Sectur received 390 000 visits according to Magali Toribio, Vice-Minister of Tourism.

Dominican Republic Live, 24.11.09

Argentines prefer to spend their holidays in the Dominican Republic

International Tourism Fair in Argentina

BREAKING NEWS: Magaly Toribio, Vice-Minister of International Tourism Promotion informed that the Dominican Republic had become on of the main holiday destinations in the Caribbean for the Argentines, and forecasts indicate that 2009 will end with the arrival of more than 40 000 tourists from that country. This equates to an increase of seven percent compared to year 2008.

Magaly Toribio further stated that from January 2010, two weekly charter flights will be added from Buenos Aires to Punta Cana through the Argentine Airlines and Gol Airlines.

Ms. Toribio who represented the Minister of Tourism Francisco Javier Garcia at the International Tourism Fair (FIT) in Argentina, said that currently the country was linked to the Dominican Republic through airlines like Taca, Lan Tours and Copa Airlines.

The outlook for the end of the year and for 2010 is excellent referring to Argentine market, thanks to the demand of leading tour operators, travel agencies and airlines, she said.

The deputy minister added that during the FIT, she had met with major tour operators from Argentina, such as Julia Tours, Sol y Son, Marsans Solways Iberojet, Free Way, Vacaciones Barceló, Ola Tours Euro VIP and others.

The promotional stand of the Dominican Republic was composed of 15 companies based in the country.

During the FIT, Ms. Toribio was joined by the Dominican Ambassador in Argentina, Guillermo Piña Contreras and director of the Tourist Promotion Office (OPT) of Dominican Republic in Argentina, Tati Font Bernard.

Dominican Republic Live, 25.11.09

The Canadian Embassy highlights the important relationships with the Dominican Republic

Opening of a new area

BREAKING NEWS: The Ambassador of Canada, Todd Kuiack, informed that during the past five years, tourism and trade with the Dominican Republic had increased considerably, reflecting the good relations existing between the two nations.

Mr. Kuiack explained that during this period, the number of Canadian visitors arrived in the country had increased from 300,000 to 700,000, meaning that the majority of the 200,000 employees of the tourism sector, have already met a Canadian tourist.

He added that trade between Canada and the Dominican Republic had doubled in 5 years, from 100 millions to 200 millions dollars in exports.

The Ambassador said that as a result of trade and diplomatic relations between the Dominican Republic and Canada, his offices were moved to the Citigroup Tower at Acropolis Center, 18th floor.

We grew up together, said Mr. Kuiack speaking of the development of these relations. The transition of an embassy from a small area with few employees, to a larger area and more mixed staff (Canadian and Dominican) in order to grow while maintaining quality services with the general public, shows the desire of Canada to continue to develop these relationships, said the Canadian Ambassador.

He said that diplomatic relations between the Dominican Republic and Canada, which were officially established in 1954, have been successful and are steadily improving.

Furthermore, he recalled that Canada has been very active in various sectors of national life: in the field of cooperation, Canadian religious and priests, like Father Louis Quinn, and sister Leonora Gibbs supported the Dominican communities, and this work of cooperation continues today with efforts in reforestation and health programs.

In banking, Scotiabank is an entity that has been linked to economic development.

The Falconbridge and Barrick Gold made an investment of 2.7 billion dollars, and the presence of other business in other areas such as SNC Lavalin, Dessau and Gildan, among others, transformed the Dominican Republic in a nation of great natural resources.

The Ambassador said he was confident regarding the continuity of cooperation between the two countries. Not only locally but also through the regional and multilateral cooperation.

Dominican Republic Live, 25.11.09

Leonel Fernández will travel to France

A very important official visit

BREAKING NEWS: The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr.Morales Troncoso announced that President Leonel Fernández will visit France on December 2nd, for a very important visit, given the significant trade relations between the two countries.

In addition, the Minister explained that the Dominican Republic had a great tourism potential that interested the French market.

He ensured that this year, exports of goods to France and throughout the European Union will increase by over 25%.

He stated that the purpose of the journey of Mr. Fernández was to continue to promote the country as a safe destination for foreign investments, pointing out that many French businessmen had investments in the country.

The Minister explained that the trip also aimed to strengthen relations between France, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, the three nations engaging in development projects.

Dominican Republic Live, 26.11.09

Leonel Fernández will attend the Ibero American Summit in Portugal

And make an official visit to France

BREAKING NEWS: The President of the Dominican Republic, Leonel Fernández will travel to Portugal on Friday, where he will participate to the XIX Ibero American Summit of Heads of State and Government, and then will make an official visit to France. He will meet with investors in both countries.

According to the program, the Head of State will leave the country at 11am to Madrid, Spain, where he should participate in important and private meetings.

This Sunday, the President will travel to Lisbon and meet Portuguese investors and businessmen who are interested in the market of the Dominican Republic.

On Sunday evening the Dominican Committee will visit Estoril, to attend the inauguration ceremony of the Ibero American Summit to be held at the Monastery of los Geronimos.

Monday 30th, the Dominican President will attend the luncheon hosted by His Majesty Juan Carlos I, King of Spain, and the President of the Spanish Government, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, in honour to the heads of states participating in this international event.

Then there will be the official opening of the XIX Ibero American Summit, with speeches of the President and Prime Minister of Portugal, and the various presidents present. Then, after the opening ceremony, the Dominican representative will sign a financing contract between the National Housing Bank and the Bank Caixa Geral Deposit.

The President will then offer a press conference with reporters from newspaper Le Figaro, before attending the dinner hosted by President of Portugal.

On Tuesday 1st of December will be the second plenary of the Summit, and the afternoon, Mr. Fernández will go to Lisbon, where he will visit the Institute of Social Sciences at the University of that city.

On the same day, the Dominican President will travel to Paris, France, where he will meet representatives of the newspaper Le Monde.

Wednesday, December 2nd, the Head of State Dominican will meet French President Nicolas Sarkozy and attend a lunch with the Circle of Economists in Paris, and will also visit the National Assembly and have lunch with Jacques Attali.

Thursday, Leonel Fernández will meet with French businessmen who will present an investment project in the Dominican Republic, as well as the new Director of UNESCO.

The Dominican President will also visit French universities and  institutes, have lunch with intellectuals, and inaugurate the School Juan Bosch, at the Academy of Creteil.

Saturday 5th, the Dominican representative will leave to New York and return to the country on Monday 7th during the afternoon.

Dominican Republic Live, 27.11.09

Leonel Fernández meets significant economic groups in Portugal

He goes to France tomorrow to consolidate economic and political relations

BREAKING NEWS: Dominican President Leonel Fernández has met with key groups of Portuguese investment in the fields of electricity, renewable energy, construction, manufacturing technology and the creation of electrical circuits, with whom he discussed the facilities of Investment in the Dominican Republic.

At the arrival in the capital of Portugal, Lisbon, Mr. Fernández met with Santo Group, represented by Manuel Fernando Espirito Santo, president of the company and Pedro Neto, president of Espírito Santo Resources.

At this meeting the Dominican President highlighted the need to work on linking Portuguese, Brazilian, Angolan and Dominican enterprises in several areas of investment that would develop major projects in Dominican Republic.

With the SAM and BHM Group, Mr. Fernández has worked on creating a fund of 50 to 60 million dollars to build 2,500 homes for disadvantaged families, which will begin in the first half of next year.

With EFACEC Group, producer of electrical equipment, represented by its president Luis Felipe Pereyra, and its director Francisco Sabino, the Dominican representative discussed the possibility of investment in the field of manufacturing technology and electrical circuits.

On the other hand, the consolidation of economic and political relations will be a key objective of the visit of President Leonel Fernández in France which starts on the 1st of December, according to sources with the Embassy of France in Dominican Republic.

In addition to economic issues, the trip will take place from the 1^st of December until December 5^th, aims to relaunch the political dialogue between the two nations and strengthening cooperation, both in the academic and in the development fields.

French investments in the Dominican Republic reach 2 247 million dollars.

Regarding trade relations, the Dominican Republic has a small surplus, as the country exports to France for $ 90 million, according to 2008 data, while France exports to the nation of goods amounting to 88.7 million.

The amount of cooperation, which is managed by the French Development Agency (AFD), reaches 100 million dollars a year. This visit is the first official visit by a Dominican president in France since 1999.

Mr. Fernández will meet with French President Nicolas Sarkozy and French businessmen who will present an investment project for the Dominican Republic.

During his visit to France, the Dominican President will be accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Relations Carlos Morales Troncoso, Minister of Tourism, Francisco Javier García, Minister of Public Works Víctor Díaz Rúa, the Minister of Labor Max Puig, and Director of the National Housing Bank, Joaquín Jerónimo.

Mr. Roland Dubertrand, Ambassador of France in Dominican Republic, Manuel Grullón, President of Banco Popular, Jean-Marc Harion, President of Orange Dominicana and Joan Giacinti, Foreign Trade Advisor, will also accompany Mr. Fernández during his visit to France.

Dominican Republic Live, 30.11.09