Cultural Routes celebrates the cultural and historical values of the Dominican Republic

BREAKING NEWS: The Ministry of Culture presented to the Tour Operators of the country, the institutional program Cultural Routes.

This action is intended to provide agencies, associations and tourism businesses the necessary logistics for travel and tour packages that extol the cultural and historical values of the Dominican Republic.

The presentation was given by, Director of Cultural Tourism, Japonesa Capellán, who explained the general and specific objectives that could be achieved through the implementation of these routes.

Our desire is that culture becomes a part of the tourist attractions of the country. We want to encourage domestic and foreign visits within the Republic by showing cultural and natural attractions, and the intangible values of the inhabitants of each province in order to promote the economy, said Capellán.

Among the guests at the presentation were representatives of the Association of Tour Operators of the Dominican Republic (OPERTUR), Dominican Tourist Press Association (ADOMPRETUR), Dominican Association of Tour Operators (ADOTUR), Dominican Association of Travel Agents (Adavi) and the Tour Guides Association of the Dominican Republic (ASOGUITURD).

Also, delegates from the National Association of Hotels and Tourism (Asonahores), Caribbean Tourism Exchange (BTC), the tourist TV station, Caribbean Traveling Network (CTN), the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Environment, cultural managers, and provincial authorities.

Cultural routes began in 2009 and to date have made six trips to different parts of the country: Moca, San Cristobal, Samana, Monte Cristi, Hermanas Mirabal province and La Vega-Jarabacoa.

These areas were chosen by taking into account different aspects such as, history, cuisine, handicrafts, architecture, beliefs, important persons and visual arts.

Dominican Republic Live, 01.10.10

Quisqueya Verde has planted more than 90 million trees since its inception

A major step toward a pollution-free country

BREAKING NEWS: The National Plan Quisqueya Verde has planted more than 90 million trees in the country since its inception in 1997.

José Enrique Baez Ureña, director of the Plan, called on all sectors to become part of the process of reforestation and environmental protection for a country free of contamination.

Mr. Ureña Baez said that from the inception of the republic until 1997, the country had planted 10 million trees, but the planting has increased due to the participation of different social, economic, religious, youth and government institutions.

He explained that one of the goals of the United Nations, as part of the responsibilities of the Millennium Goals, was that each nation plant 1 billion trees. The Dominican Republic has planted about 90 million, which represents 10% of their overall commitment.

Speaking at the tree planting ceremony on the second day of reforestation month, which was attended by the Ministers of Environment and Natural Resources, Jaime David Fernandez Mirabal, Armed Forces, Joaquin Virgilio Perez Feliz, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Navy, Air Force and the Dominican National Army, Baez Ureña said the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources seeks to unite all Dominicans in the reforesting of the country.

On the second day, with the participation of a hundred members of the Armed Forces, 500 trees were planted near Yuna Lakes, in the community of Los Mameyes de El Talao, San Isidro.

There hasn´t been a day in which we haven´t planted trees in the country as part of government efforts to repopulate the Dominican Republic, and in these efforts the armed forces have been involved in the work of reforestation in the border towns he said.

He stressed that the armed forces have been at the forefront in the program developed by the Frontera Verde , which is behind a lot of the work to change the desertification of border communities through the greeness of the trees.

All weekend the military institutions have been working in the reforestation process carried out by Frontera Verde in border communities where it is scheduled to reforest the different areas.

Dominican Republic Live, 04.10.10

President of the Inter-American Development Bank praises cultural activity in the Dominican Republic

During the inauguration of the Seminar on Culture and Development in Washington

BREAKING NEWS: The President of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Luis Alberto Moreno, pointed to the level of development of cultural activities in the Dominican Republic has experienced in recent years.

At the opening of the Seminar on Culture and Development, at the IDB headquarters in Washington, the chief executive of the institution highlighted the cultural exercise taking place in the Dominican Republic, comparing the Dominican with nations such as, Argentina, Mexico and Colombia.

On two occasions during his speech, the IDB President spoke glowingly about the Dominican Republic and its high level of development of significant artistic and cultural activities.

Mr. Moreno opened the event, which took place at the Conference Center of the IDB, and was attended by the Ministers of Culture from Latin America and the Caribbean, along with representatives from various international organizations.

The IDB President mentioned the fact that it is the first time that development banks convened the Ministers of Culture of the region to analyze the importance of culture as a key vehicle for development, and the transcendent integration of it in plans to boost economic growth.

The seminar was attended by the Ministers of Culture from: the Dominican Republic, José Rafael Lantigua, Uruguay, Ricardo Ehrlich, Jamaica, Olivia Grange, Colombia, Mariana Garces, El Salvador, Jesús Héctor Samour, Costa Rica, ManuelObregon, Peru, Juan Ossio Acuña, Bahamas, Charles T. Maynard, and Barbados, Steven D. Blackett.

The Dominican Minister of Culture was the first speaker on the panel on Policies and incentives in the private sector for expansion of cultural production, which also included presentations by the cultural officials of Barbados and El Salvador.

The seminar also featured a presentation on Contributions of cultural industries to the GDP, by Monica Guariglia, Director National Cultural Policy of the Ministry of Culture, Argentina, Charles Maynard, Minister of Culture of the Bahamas; and José Manuel Heredia, Minister of Culture in Belize.

Another topic addressed was Strategies implemented in the region to ensure sustainability and growth of cultural industries, which was presented by Olivia Grange, of Jamaica, Ricardo Ehrlich, of Uruguay, and Winston Peters of Trinidad and Tobago.

Finally, there was a presentation on Culture and Credit: how to compete for funding of infrastructure projects, which had as its central speaker Carlos Villaseñor, president of the Academic Council of Cultural Interaction and Development in Mexico.

Dominican Republic Live, 05.10.10

Dominican Republic celebrates its day at Expo Shanghai 2010

Starring Juan Luis Guerra

BREAKING NEWS: Yesterday was the Dominican Republic’s Day at Expo 2010 in Shanghai. The Dominican hopes to open new routes to the possibility of building diplomatic ties with China. Activities included a conference led by Minister of Tourism and a performance by Juan Luis Guerra.

Minister Francisco Javier Garcia, was received at the Expo by Wang Jinsheng, deputy chairman of the Chinese Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).

Together they presided over a ceremony in which soldiers from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army hoisted for the first time in history, the Dominican flag in the Republic.

Trade relations between the two countries are continuing to strengthen, and in the near future we hope to expand these ties, and that the exchange between us will be complete and absolute proclaimed Mr. García.

The Chinese official stated that China attaches importance to developing relations with the Dominican Republic, and is currently willing to strengthen mutual exchanges of personnel and expertise and to promote bilateral exchanges and cooperation in economic, commercial and cultural areas.

However, he noted that this should not affect the peaceful development of relations between the two sides, and does not preclude building conditions for the development of relations between China and the Dominican Republic.

Mr. Wang added that, we hope that the Dominican Government continues to address the issue of Taiwan with discretion, to support the great cause of peaceful reunification of China, and work toward the peaceful development of relations across the Straitof Taiwan.

The Dominican Republic maintains diplomatic ties with Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its territory and has been governed separately since the end of the Chinese civil war and the proclamation of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.

We hope that, sooner rather than later, our relations with the PRC will become complete and absolute, Mr. Garcia told reporters today.

Meanwhile, he added, we will try to get the most out both the Chinese and the Dominican sides of economic relations, and we’ll try to create a way that will allow Chinese citizens to visit the Dominican Republic.

The minister was very interested in attracting a growing part of the Chinese tourist market with ability to travel abroad, although for now, the absence of diplomatic relations makes it impossible for the Dominican Republic to become one of the authorized destinations for tourism of Chinese citizens.

Mr. Garcia said, without elaborating, that I think there are more than two or three ways to do that, making it possible to travel to their country despite the current lack of formal relations, so now we are going to sit and plan this with the relevant authorities of this country.

The fundamental basis of relations these days are not political relations, because the effects are gone from what was called the Cold War, claimed the Dominican minister, before adding that, relations now have a base of support that are rooted primarily in economics.

The Day of the Dominican Republic at the Expo concluded last night with a concert by the most popular Dominican singer / songwriter in the world, Juan Luis Guerra.

Dominican Republic Live, 06.10.10

Dominican Republic is the first Timeshare destination in the region

The Caribbean attracts 59% of the visitors of this mode

BREAKING NEWS: The Dominican Republic has become one of the countries that most benefits from timeshare tourism, as it is known among the developers of this mechanism of exchange of vacation ownership properties. The development of investment property or second home tourism is what has brought this concept to the forefront.

What many investors have done is buy a villa or a room or part of a hotel. The business is to join one of the companies in charge of managing the property, which in turn provide other complexes anywhere in the world. The owner keeps their investment intact and can go on holidays in other resorts on the network.

A study, showing the preferences of the members or affiliates of Interval International, states that the Caribbean region dominates the market and the Dominican Republic is in the lead with more than half. 59% of members plan to travel to the countries in the region over the next two years and only 37% are thinking of traveling to Europe.

The centers and resorts participating in the timeshare should take note of the results of the study. The preferred activities of vacationers are; swimming, shopping, games, staying close to the sea, golf, movies, fishing, spas and others. 82% of respondents thought that looking at the sea is relaxing.

Although there is now an increase in time-sharing activities, mainly in the Caribbean region, the concept is not new.

The notion of time share was created in Europe in the 1960’s. According to industry figures, a resort development (Hapimag) in the French Alps started marketing the mechanism by promoting stop renting a room and buy the hotel.

Dominican Republic Live, 07.10.10

The sanitary situation is top rate in the tourist resorts of the Dominican Republic

Appropriate regulations are applied in hotels, bars and restaurants

BREAKING NEWS: The health situation in the tourist areas is currently unbeatable and will remain that way due to the persistent effort of the Dominican government, according to public health and Tourism authorities.

The issue was discussed during a meeting of the National Health and Tourism Commission, which was convened to ensure the effectiveness of prevention and risk management in tourism centers in the country through the Operational Plan 2011.

Deputy Minister of Public Health, Dr. José Rodríguez Aybar, who represented the head of the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Bautista Rojas Gomez, said that there is appropriate regulation being applied in hotels, bars and restaurants that make up the entire tourism sector of the Dominican Republic.

He said that the new regulations of the National Health and Tourism seek continuity of the health conditions of the tourists and other personnel working in the tourism sector.

The said body is composed of 21 institutions of the State; among them were representatives of the Ministries of Public Health, Tourism, Education and Armed Forces. In addition, the National Institute of Water, the Politur, the Sewerage Corporation of Santo Domingo (CAASD) and the Niga Municipal Dominicana, among others.

Dominican Republic Live, 08.10.10

Dominican Republic’s economy expected to grow by 5.5%

According to a report by the International Monetary Fund

BREAKING NEWS: Countries in the Caribbean will see their economies grow by 2.4% this year, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), this is 0.9% higher than the prediction released in April.

The Dominican Republic is expected to see 5.5% growth this year and next. In April, the agency had anticipated that this year’s increase in gross domestic product for the Dominican Republic would be 3.5% and 6% for next year.

Another of the leading countries is Haiti, which this year will suffer the worst developments of the continent, with a contraction of 8.5%. For next year, prospects are better and the IMF points to a growth of 9.8%.

The IMF sees Latin America in general, as recovering from the global economic crisis more quickly than expected, due to the booming market for raw materials and good macroeconomic policies.

However, there are countries that because of their economic relations with the United States, can feel the negative effects being experienced by the world’s largest economy.

The IMF included Mexico in this group, but also other Central American and Caribbean nations as they are dependent upon tourism and remittances sent from the United States.

The IMF stated in the document that the international demand for commodities remains robust and that benefits the majority of Latin American countries, because lessons the economic weakness that is expected by the more advanced nations.

Dominican Republic Live, 11.10.10

Governor of Puerto Rico to arrive in the Dominican Republic Wednesday

To encourage investments in the country

BREAKING NEWS: The Governor of Puerto Rico, Luis Fortuño, will come to the Dominican Republic this Wednesday on an official two day working visit, during which he will meet with President Leonel Fernandez to discuss investments between the neighboring islands.

Mr. Fortuño will arrive in the Dominican in the morning, accompanied by his wife Luce Vela, assistant secretary of state, José Rodríguez Suárez, Secretary for Economic Development and Trade, Joseph R. Pérez Riera and a group of major investors from Puerto Rico.

At 10:00 am, he will meet with Foreign Minister Carlos Morales Troncoso, before going to the National Palace for a meeting with President Fernández at 11:00 am.
The Governor will also give a speech and a press conference at the monthly luncheon of the American Chamber of Commerce.

At 3:20 pm the Governor will offer two wreaths: one at the Altar de la Patria and the other in the National Cemetery before the remains of Puerto Rican politician, educator and writer, Eugenio María de Hostos. At night, the U.S. Embassy will host a reception at the ambassador’s residence.

On Thursday the 14th, Mr. Fortuño will lead a Business Round table, which will address the topics Bilateral Business Success Story and Joint Investment Opportunities to be held in Hotel V Centenario and will be attended by a group of 54 Puerto Rican investors and representatives from the Dominican business sector.

Dominican Republic Live, 12.10.10

The Center for Exports and Investment of the Dominican Republic to participate in international exhibition

Fresh Summit PMA 2010

BREAKING NEWS: The Center for Exports and Investment of the Dominican Republic (CEI-RD) will participate in the upcoming exhibition of the Produce Market Association (PMA), known as Fresh Summit PMA 2010.

This is the largest international exhibition and convention of fruits and vegetables in the Americas. It will take place from the 15th to the 19th of October at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, USA.

The main products to be exhibited are: avocados, conventional and oriental vegetables, fruits, greenhouse products, such as bell peppers, cubanuela peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes, among others.

Among the companies exhibiting are: Agribusiness Ocoeña, B & R, C. by A.; CONAVEX; Del Campo Inc., Don Julian; Agrimar, S. A., Greenhouse Cluster, PROMEFRIN, Refrigerators and Markets Program of the Ministry of Agriculture and Greenhouses, among others.

This event is being coordinated by the CEI-RD, together with the Office of Agribusiness in the Dominican Republic (DARD), supported by the National Bank for Housing Development and Production (BNV) and in cooperation with aid from Taiwan.

The objectives of the business delegation are to interact with industry leaders, renew ties with their current suppliers, gather information for future purchasing decisions, and above all develop their business.

This annual event features the participation of retail supermarkets, importers, exporters, growers, packers, shippers, agents, transporters, wholesalers, suppliers, distributors and food service operators.

Dominican Republic Live, 13.10.10

Strengthening the strategic partnership between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico

President Leonel Fernández meets with Luis Fortuño at the National Palace

BREAKING NEWS: President Leonel Fernandez met with the Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Luis Fortuño in his office at the National Palace on Wednesday. The two leaders agreed to strengthen the strategic alliance between the two countries in the areas of trade, battling drug trafficking, investment, security, energy, as well as, educational, scientific, cultural and technological exchanges.

The president said that in each of these areas working subcommittees were formed to further the proposals that were made, such as the project related to energy integration in the Caribbean, which now requires that feasibility study be done in order to understand indetail the scope of the benefits for Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

Speaking to journalists at a press conference held in the Hall of Ambassadors of the National Palace, President Fernandez said he was deeply honored and pleased to have the visit of the governor of Puerto Rico.

We will contribute to strengthen the close ties of friendship and brotherhood that historically exist between Puerto Rico and the Republic Dominican, said President Fernandez.

He also stated that they agreed to work towards reviving the ferry operation that made the journey from Santo Domingo to Mayagüez, which has been paralyzed by a conflict between private parties.

In addition, Fernandez and Fortuño congratulated the government and the people of Chile for the rescue work of the 33 miners that had been trapped since August 5th.

Governor Fortuño announced that he was pleased to be visiting the Dominican and said the ties between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic will further strengthen the leadership of President Fernández.

He said that the issue of energy, which was discussed during the meeting, is important for both countries and we need to work toward lowering the cost of energy, ensuring energy supply to our people and ensuring that environmental damage is minimized in the process.

Mr Fortuño thanked the Dominican president, his leadership and his team for what have achieved, and I promise that the Puerto Rican people will put the same energy that the Dominican people have for this strategic alliance between the two countries to the benefit of all our peoples.

The meeting was attended by the Ministers of: Foreign Affairs, Carlos Morales Troncoso, of the Presidency, César Pina Toribio, Administrative, Luis Manuel Bonetti, of Economy, Planning and Development Temistocles Montas, of the Interior and Police Franklin Alemyda Rancier, and of Industry and Commerce, José Ramón Fadul, among others.

Dominican Republic Live, 14.10.10

Dominican Republic to participate in International Film Festival in Cairo

From November 30^th to December 9^th, 2010

BREAKING NEWS: The Dominican Republic will exhibit two film productions at the International Film Festival Cairo, Egypt, taking place from November 30^th to December 9^th.

The Dominican ambassador in Egypt, Gabriella Bonetti, reported that the films, Jean Gentil, and La Soga, are those that have been selected for presentation at the most important film festival in the Middle East region.

Jean Gentil, was shot by Laura Amelia Guzmán and Israel Cárdenas, received a special mention at the Venice Film Festival. La Soga, written by Manny Perez and directed by American Josh Crook, was presented at festivals in Toronto and the Los Angeles Latino Film Festival.

Mrs. Bonetti, who has given her support to the filmmakers and producers of both films, welcomed the selections.

Many Latin American countries have been promoting their movies for years. Today we in the Dominican Republic have world class productions and we must promote them at the best festivals in the world. That is why we are present at the Cairo International Festival, added the diplomat.

The Cairo International Film Festival, established in 1976, is an annual event of prime importance in the Arab world and highly regarded by the Egyptian public as an opportunity to see films made in various parts of the world.

This year the Festival has the special participation of Mexican director Arturo Ripstein, who will head the jury of international competition.

Ambassador Bonetti said that a few months ago, there was a Dominican film series shown at the Instituto Cervantes in Cairo, and that she has approached the International Children’s Film Festival in Cairo to explore the possibility of an exchange with the International Children’s Film Festival in Santo Domingo, organized by the Office of the First Lady Margarita Cedeno de Fernández.

Dominican Republic Live, 15.10.10

More than US $17 billion in foreign direct investment over the last 16 years

18.9% of these investments went to the tourism sector

BREAKING NEWS: Over the past 16 years and first three months of 2010, the amount of foreign direct investment (FDI) totaled US $17.196 billion, of which US $3.256 billion went to the tourism sector, representing 18.9% of total investments.

Following the investments in tourism, according to Central Bank figures, were: trade and industry with US $2.762 billion, (16.5% of total investments), followed by telecommunications with US $2.479 billion, (14.4%) and electricity with US $1.976 billion, (11.5%).

The country with the largest direct investment in the Dominican Republic has been the United States, with US $4.974 billion, followed by Spain, with US $2.932 billion, Canada with US $2.699 billion and Mexico, with US $1.396 billion, according to Central Bank figures for the years 1993 through March 2010.

During the first quarter of this year the country had 67,197 hotel rooms, with an occupancy rate of 79.6% and revenues of US $1.305 billion. Tourism revenues last year amounted to US $4.064 billion. The sector generates about 200,000 jobs.

In 2009 alone, the Minister of Tourism, Francisco Javier Garcia, announced that there had been approved some 63 projects to be implemented in the country, with an investment of US $15.3 million, which included building a baseball stadium in Los Corbanitos, Bani.

The Metro Country Club Group has invested over US $800 million in recent years. Among the major investments are the big hotels in Bávaro, Punta Cana, La Altagracia, as well as large real estate projects being developed in La Romana, Juan Dolio, San Pedro de Macoris and the Samaná province.

Dominican Republic Live, 18.10.10

IX National Population and Housing Census 2010 from November 24^th to 30^th

At a cost of a billion pesos

BREAKING NEWS: Decree 578-10 of the executive office stipulates that the 24^th to the 30^th of November will be the Days of the Ninth National Population and Housing Census, but clarifies that the census enumeration period will not affect the normal development of public and private activities.

The decree explained in the second article that the census enumeration will take place nationally over a period of seven days, and that the National Statistics Office (ONE) will adopt procedures for its implementation. Also the fourth article of the decree warns of possible fines for those who refuse to answer the required questions in the census, but does not specify what form those sanctions will take.

The decree states that public institutions must make themselves available to the ONE for two weeks, including, staff and vehicles with drivers and fuel and associated costs to support the development of the IX National Population and Housing Census.

The Director of the Office of Statistics (ONE), Pablo Tacto, said that his office will be able to collect all the information in one week, considering that there will be 42,000 enumerators and another 20,000 that will be distributed between supervision and support material, bringing the number to over 60 thousand people conducting the census..

Mr Tacto added that all people who participate in the next National Census of Population and Housing, are being trained effectively and in order, ie provincial managers first, then national trainers are taught in the different extracts census structure, then those in charge of estates, and finally supervisors and enumerators.

He noted that the National Census of Population and Housing cost RD $700 million pesos and an additional RD $300 million for the preparatory phase, making the total one billion pesos for the collection of the data.

The population and housing census is the largest scale statistical operation that takes place in each country, and therefore is the main source of information for planning and decision making. Hence, the importance of the participation by the entire population.

The information collected is confidential and for statistical purposes only, in addition, the results are reported as groups, and therefore individuals to whom the data relates can not be identified.

Dominican Republic Live, 19.10.10

Dominican Republic continues to attract more Latino tourists

Growing number of visitors from South America and the Caribbean

BREAKING NEWS: The Dominican Republic is being visited by more and more tourists from South America. For the period January-August this year the country registered an increase of 51,639 visitors, to move into second place behind only North America, who recorded 54,710 non-residents, while the European market continues to see its numbers fall.

From Central America and the Caribbean there was an increase of 16,858 visitors, which together with the figures obtained from the North American and South American countries offset the decline that occurred in the number of visitors from Europe.

The president of the National Association of Hotels and Restaurants (Asonahores), Julio Llibre, explained that the interest shown by South Americans for coming to the Dominican Republic is due to the ease of air links between South America and this country, and the increase in flights scheduled through Copa and Taca Airlines.

Mr. Llibre added that the increase in tourists coming from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and Venezuela was also made possible by the lesser impact that the international economic crisis had in the South American markets. Furthermore, they were attracted by the beautiful beaches and proximity, as compared with Europe, which makes the cost of flights to the Dominican much lower.

The countries with the greatest increase in absolute terms during the study period were the United States with 60,706 visitors, Argentina 18,314, Puerto Rico14,246, Brazil, 9,939, Chile9,014, Peru 6,515 and Venezuela 4,175.

Major European markets, such as, Spain, England, Italy, France and Germany continue to show declines in arrivals, while European countries like Russia 12,919, Scotland 1,698 and Sweden 1,869 increased their influx into the country.

Data from the report on tourist flow from the Central Bank (BC) explained that during the month of August 2010, the arrival of non-resident passengers to the country by the various international airports showed an increase of 2.22% over the same month last year, which meant 7,247 additional tourists, for a total of 333,110 visitors.

The country received during the first eight months of this year, by different international airports, a total of 3,260,014 passengers, an increase in absolute terms 119,243, Which compared to the same period last year amounts to a variation of 3.80 %, overcoming the negative rate of -4.62% during the same period last year.

In the analysis of tourist flow to the arrival of non-resident passengers in January-August period this year shows that the cumulative arrival of tourists was 2,949,596 for an increase of 2.94%, exceeding the -2.29% experienced reduction for this segment in the same period of 2009.

Dominican Republic Live, 20.10.10

Dominican Republic is an example of success in the tourism sector

To Latin America and the Caribbean

BREAKING NEWS: Vice President of Communications and Public Relations of Cap Cana, Ellis Perez, highlighted the benefits and potential of the Dominican tourism during the Sixth National Congress of Tourism in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

Mr. Perez said the Dominican Republic is proving to be a success in the industry and an example for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Juan Bendeck, president of the National Chamber of Tourism of Honduras (CANATURH), corroborated Perez considerations, and said the Caribbean country is an example for the rest of the Americas and the world.

Mr. Bendeck added Honduras is going through a very difficult situation right now following the events of last year, sa a result of the coup d’etat, where the hotel business and tourism have been the most affected.

He added that they needed someone who would lift the spirits of investors and the state of the sector of Honduras. The Sixth National Congress of Tourism in Tegucigalpa each year brings together prominent representatives of the private tourism sector and the state of Honduras.

Dominican Republic Live, 21.10.10

The United Nations Children´s Fund and the Association of Hotels and Tourism signed an agreement

To support the Millennium Development Goals

BREAKING NEWS: United Nations Children´s Fund, UNICEF, and the Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic, ASONAHORES agreed to a cooperative alliance to support the Millennium Development Goals, giving priority to the protection of life and childhood and adolescent development.

The institutions signed an agreement by which they are committed to mobilizing resources through fund raising programs and establishing in the hotel and tourism industry in the Dominican Republic a healthier and safer environment for children and adolescents.

The signing of this agreement was made in the lecture hall of Asonahores, and was signed by UNICEF representative Maria de Jesus Conde, and the president of Asonahores Julio Llibre.

They recognize that achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which contribute to Health, Education, Equality and Protection of children and adolescents, requires a cooperative alliance between different sectors, including government, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, multinational corporations, and small and medium-sized national corporations.

The commitment involves advocating the rights of children and adolescents in the Dominican Republic that everyone has the right to survive and thrive, to protect and prevent HIV & AIDS, to be protected from violence, abuse and exploitation and be a priority in public policy

The document states that UNICEF brings to the partnership a deep understanding of development issues for children in the country, as well as credibility within its vast network of associates, while ASONAHORES deploy its experience and credibility in the tourism and hospitality industry and its proven ability to successfully execute programs within its extensive network of hotels.

UNICEF and ASONAHORES defined in its objectives to make a measurable difference in the lives of children and adolescents in the Dominican Republic. The memorandum stipulates that the agreement will last for three years, although the parties could extend it for a longer period.

Dominican Republic Live, 22.10.10

Dominican Republic is welcomed as a member of the International Organization of the Francofonia

Vice-President highlights country’s commitment to the values of the Francofonia

BREAKING NEWS: The Dominican Republic was accepted as a member in good standing of the International Organization of the Francofonia (OIF), which comprises more than 49 countries and francophone states. The credentials were received by Vice President, Rafael Alburquerque, under the Thirteenth Summit of Presidents and Heads of State and Government.

During his speech, Mr. Alburquerque spoke of the Dominican government’s commitment to the defense of peace, cultural diversity and other values of the French.

The vice president added that the Dominican Republic fully supports linguistic diversity, peace, democracy, human rights, education, research and sustainable development, which are the issues identified as priorities by the International Organization of the Francofonia.

During his presentation, the Dominican Vice President explained that several historical, political and geopolitical factors justify the country’s participation in the European forum, among which he cited the fact that during the 40 years following the declaration of Dominican independence, the Napoleonic civil and criminal codes were used in all courts in the country, without any modification, which he felt was a unique case in Latin America.

Today, our Civil Code still remains an emanation of the French Civil Code, and all lawyers Dominican are required to learn the language of Molière and Victor Hugo at the beginning of their college careers, said Mr. Albuquerque.

He also pointed out the French presence on the island, which dates back more than 4 centuries, claiming that the French buccaneers arrived at the same time as the Spanish colonizers.

He also indicated that the geopolitical attributes of the country are similar to those in the OIF, explaining that the Dominican Republic is very close to some of the major components of the French-speaking world, and highlighted the case of Haiti, a country with which it shares the island.

He explained, however, that beyond this natural environment, President Leonel Fernandez would welcome the opportunity to expand the Dominican Republic’s relations with all countries of the Francophone, including its neighbors in Latin America, as well as those in Europe, Africa and Asia.

He mentioned that the Dominican Republic endorsed the principles of the defense of cultural diversity, established by the UNESCO Convention in October of 2005, which became part of the new Dominican Constitution, adopted on January 26th, reinforcing the protection and promotion of cultural diversity.

Our country is chairing the America group of the Forum for Francophone Affairs (FAA). This can be an important platform in promoting the French language and values as well as economic development throughout our region, he said.

I can assure you, dear friends, do not come here to add the OIF to the list of international organizations to which we belong. But on the contrary, we are proposing concrete projects of cooperation, while respecting the limits that our observer status imposes. You will always find us a willing and enthusiastic partner, said the vice president who heads the country’s official delegation at the summit of the OIF.

Dominican Republic Live, 25.10.10

Tourist arrivals to the Dominican Republic increased by 7.22% in September

The country welcomed more than 3.5 million tourists between January and September 2010

BREAKING NEWS: The arrival of non-resident passengers to the Dominican Republic through the various airport terminals increased 7.22% in September, a total of 14,770 extra visitors over the same month last year.

This increase was composed of two parts; an 8.33% increase in the arrival of non-resident foreign visitors, 13.867 tourists over the same month last year, plus a 2.38% increase in the influx of Dominican non residents.

3,514,357 in all, entered the country in this period from January to September of this year, an increase in absolute terms of 134,594 passengers.

North America accounted for the largest contribution of 64,514 additional tourists; South America increased 56,038; Central America and the Caribbean were up 16,370. These positive numbers helped to offset the decline in European visitors, which was down -66,973.

The Central Bank report, in analyzing the foreign tourist arrivals by country, showed that the U.S. remained the largest market in absolute terms, with 65,709 more visitors this year, followed by Argentina (19,743), Puerto Rico (13,297), Brazil (11,197), Chile (10,008) Venezuela (5,273) and Peru (5,200).On the contrary, important source markets like Spain, England, Italy, France and Germany continue to show a decline, due to the effects of the economic crisis affecting the continent.

However, the Russian market was up, with 16,825 extra visitors. The report also claimed that 91.39% visited the country for recreation and leisure, mainly using hotels as a place to stay.

In relation to gender, 54.27% were females and 45.73% male, while 64.72% of tourists who visited were between 21 and 49 years old.

Dominican Republic Live, 26.10.10

Dominican Republic keeps the border with Haiti open

Cholera outbreak will not affect tourism

BREAKING NEWS: The Dominican health authorities said today that the border with Haiti will remain open, despite the outbreak of cholera that has killed over 290 people in that country.

At a meeting today in the Dominican city of Dajabón, on the northwest border with Haiti, Health Minister Bautista Rojas Gomez said that the passage across the border will continue barring some event that forces its closure.

Mr. Gómez Rojas added that the Dominican authorities plan to reopen the markets operating in Dajabón and in four other provinces in the region, which were suspended yesterday as a precaution against the outbreak of Cholera in Haiti.

However, he stated that it is not convenient to perform the exchange of goods in the city center. What you have to do is find a place outside the town where you can hold market operations, stated the minister at a high level meeting.

Meanwhile, the former governor of Dajabón, Augusto Socías, reported at the meeting that military servicemen at the border permit mass entry of undocumented Haitians in exchange for handouts.

The preventive measures taken on this side of the border are worth nothing if the military allow illegal entry of Haitians into the country, explained the former official.

The complaint by Socias occurred in the presence of General Joaquin Felix Pérez, who promised to investigate the situation and find a quick solution.

The purchase and sale of goods of all kinds takes place in the border provinces Dajabón, Montecristi, Elías Piña, Independencia and Pedernales, areas where the health authorities say they have provided health checks.

Fransisco Javier Garcia: Cholera will not affect tourism

Minister of Tourism, Francisco Javier Garcia, said that cholera cases in Haiti are not affecting tourism in the Dominican Republic, mostly because the tourist resorts are located far from the border areas.

Although there have been no cases of the disease reported in our country, we are following up with public health authorities, who are handling the problem very professionally, but in general, I believe that this epidemic will not affect tourism, said the official.

As reported in Diario Libre, Mr. García has said that we are confident that the actions that Public Health is taking will control this epidemic in the Dominican Republic. We are monitoring their work and will take all preventive measures.

Dominican Republic Live, 27.10.10

Dominican Republic and other countries are asking the international community to provide all necessary assistance for Haiti

Take preventive measures in tourist areas

BREAKING NEWS: The governments of the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama, Honduras, Costa Rica and Belize, called on the international community to provide all necessary medical aid to Haiti to help combat the cholera epidemic which this Caribbean nation is currently suffering through.

Dominican Vice President Alburquerque, who is in Colombia representing the country at the Twelfth Summit of Heads of State and Government for Dialogue and Agreement of Tuxtla, stressed the importance of the event’s final declaration, after stating that the international community and developing nations must urgently come to the aid of the Haitian people, to prevent a pandemic of unpredictable consequences.

The heads of state, who are participating in this summit, agreed to work together to strengthen the fight against organized crime in all its manifestations, through the creation of a forum that allows the prosecution of criminal organizations at the inter-territorial level, of the nations that make up this regional organization.

Albuquerque also said the prosecution of crime and organized crime should not have borders, while noting that cooperation between governmental agencies is essential to achieving success against international criminal organizations.

The leaders of the region determined to take all measures necessary to combat and eliminate the trafficking of weapons and expressed its support for the Central American arms control plan.

They also pledged to continue working toward the strengthening of democracy and institutions of countries in the Mesoamerican region, after expressing their support for the President of Ecuador, Rafael Correa, a recent victim of an attempted coup.

Preventive measures taken in tourist areas

The Minister of Health, Dr. Bautista Rojas Gomez, took a tour of Punta Cana, Bávaro and Bayahibe, in La Altagracia province, as well as, Plata Dorada, Cabarete and Sosua, in Puerto Plata.

Meanwhile, the various sectors of Dominican society have joined together to combat the outbreak of cholera affecting Haiti, and urged people to avoid the spread of the disease, which has caused 284 deaths in the neighboring nation and has affected about 3,700 people.

Dr. Rojas Gomez met with regional and provincial directors of health of the seven provinces of the East, along with bishop, Monsignor Gregorio Nicanor Peña Rodríguez, tourism entrepreneurs, and civil society representatives, in order to form a committee of vigilance against cholera.

The minister said that he is making a tour of all the regions and hospitals to verify that the actions recommended by health authorities, aimed at preventing the penetration of cholera, are being applied as instructed.

During the tour, Dr. Rojas Gomez was accompanied by Senen Caba, chairman of the CMD , Lilian Reneau Vernon, a representative of PAHO / WHO , José Rodríguez Aybar, the Vice Minister of Public Health, and Luis Emilio Felix Roa, and Moscat Nelson, Directors of Environmental Health and Provincial Health Development, among other officials.

Dr. Rosario Valdez Romero, president of the Infectious Diseases Society, said the increasing number of cholera cases in Haiti makes it essential that health authorities take the necessary measures to guide the population to prevent the disease from entering the country.

He explained that cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which is transmitted by ingesting water or food contaminated with feces, but that is not transmitted from person to person.

He urged people to thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water or by using an alcohol gel, especially before handling food or after using the toilet.

Also UASD rector, Dr. Franklin García Fermín, announced that the institution revived the Risk and Disaster Management Commission, to combat the cholera epidemic affecting Haiti that could reach this country.

Dominican Republic Live, 28.10.10