To help in the fight against climate change

BREAKING NEWS: The tourism industry should take steps towards energy efficiency and renewable energy development , which can help find a solution to the misuse of resources and minimize energy losses. This according to Omar Ramirez, executive vice president of the National Council on Climate Change and Clean Development Mechanism (CNCCyMDL).

Mr. Ramirez said that the tourism industry is a key pillar supporting the economy in many Caribbean countries, however, it is usually characterized by high per capita water consumption and poor energy efficiency practices throughout the world.

He said among the measures that can be implemented are solar water heaters, photovoltaics, wind power, and efficient motors, lighting and heat recovery.
Mr. Ramirez suggested a better use of water through recycling, improvement of sewage and waste systems to help decrease the pressure on coastal and reef ecosystems.

If we contribute to a more sustainable tourism sector by means of simple and cost effective, we will contribute to the solutions and adaptation of the impending consequences of climate change, he said.

He added that the actions in the sector can be an important source of emission reductions, such as fuel savings, adoption of alternative fuels, new technologies and the construction of road infrastructure and mass transit.

Omar Ramirez’s statements came during a lecture to members of the National Association of Hotels and Restaurants (Asonahores). He said the world needs to reach an agreement about international climate policy, because Kyoto has not been effective in achieving a rapid and extensive transformation of the tourism sector.

He noted that one of the problems of tourism development is the lack of diversification leaving the activity concentrated only in coastal regions.

Dominican Republic Live, 02.08.10

The Dominican Government invests RD $1.5 million to reforest border areas

Under the National Plan Quisqueya Verde

BREAKING NEWS: The Dominican government, through the National Plan Quisqueya Verde, has been planting more than 250,900 native pine trees, Grevilea and other species, in the Dominican and Haitian border area at a cost of RD $1.5 million pesos.In these communities, crews paid by Quisqueya Verde working in the Riviere River basin, in the buffer zone of the Neyba Mountains National Park.

The brigades are directed by the women of these communities to ensure that the resources that are delivered are dedicated to improving the situation of families on both sides of the border.

In the Haitian communities of Matigara, crews have planted more than 85,000 plants, including; Pino Creole, Gravilea, tamarind, mahogany, mango and oak.

The production and transport of a plant used in the reforestation process undertaken by the National Plan Quisqueya Verde costs more than RD $12 pesos each.

The director of Quisqueya Verde, José Enrique Baez Ureña, the coordinator of Frontera Verde, Cornelio Acosta Monegro and technician, Pedro Taveras, during a tour of the area of supervision of the work, met with members of the brigades, where they announced a training course on forest fire control

The officials explained that the Dominican Government, through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, has buegun to reforest the border to create an island with a brighter future for its inhabitants.

They stressed that international resources are being sought to take the project to the next level, and that currently over 40 brigades are in operation. The brigades, which are made up of Haitian and Dominican workers, were told that they must care for trees because they would guarantee the rains, health, lumber and money and also would help in the prevention of forest fires.

A community leader who coordinates several grassroots organizations in Haiti, said they are very grateful for the programs that are in place and that many people who have land in Haiti are interested in planting trees on their land with the support of Quisqueya Verde.

However, many believe that there are not enough people working in the brigades and that the number must be increased to complete the task of reforesting large tracts of land.
They also asked the Dominican authorities to install a nursery close to the communities to produce the trees needed for the reforestation.

Dominican Republic Live, 02.09.10

Dominican Republic chosen as the most affordable destination in the world

According to the International Magazine, Budget Travel

BREAKING NEWS: The International magazine, Budget Travel, selected the Dominican Republic as the cheapest and most affordable destination in its Readers Choice Award, announced the chief editor Nina Willdorf.

More than 181,800 readers around the world chose the country in the Readers Choice Award, which recognized the afford ability and accessibility for travelers, especially for North Americans. Magaly Toribio, Vice Minister of International Promotion, Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic, said he felt very honored to have been chosen as the most affordable destination by readers of the magazine Budget Travel.

This award is very significant for us because it comes from experienced travelers who have visited our country and have experienced first hand what the unique Dominican culture has to offer, said Mr.Toribio.

He added that the Ministry of Tourism will continue to support initiatives of the distinct sectors, so that there are offers for every taste and budget, such as, eco-adventure, incredible nature, world class beaches and modern hotels.

During 2010 several hotels in the country were chosen in different categories by various publications, such as, Excellence Punta Cana, one of the ten best resorts to enjoy under the bright sun, chosen by USA Today, the magazine Conde Nast Traveler elected Peninsula House in Samaná, as one of the most luxurious places in the Caribbean and the Golden Dolphin Villa in Cabrera, was chosen as one of the ten Best Places for a Family Reunion.

In addition, Travel Agent Magazine, selected Barceló Punta Cana as one of the top five environmentally friendly resorts in the Caribbean; Turtle Bay Resort & Club, was awarded the Five Star Diamond award by AAA, and International Luxury Living , included Coson Beach in Las Terrenas, and Juanillo Beach in Punta Cana, in its annual list of Top 10 Beaches to live like in paradise.

As for golf, one the areas that best demonstrates the country´s quality, the Punta Espada Golf Course in Cap Cana, was voted the best in the Caribbean and Mexico, for the second consecutive year.

Golf Week has included nine Dominican courses in its edition of The Best Golf Courses in the Caribbean and Mexico 2010 Diente de Perro (Casa de Campo) in La Romana, Dye Fore (Casa de Campo) in La Romana; Playa Grande in Rio San Juan Roco Ki Faldo Legacy, Punta Cana, La Romana Country Club (Casa de Campo); Guavaberry Golf & Country Club in Juan Dolio, La Cana Golf Course (Punta Cana Resort & Club), and the Golf Links Course (Casa de Campo) in La Romana.

Dominican Republic Live, 03.09.10

The Organization of American States organized ministerial meeting in Dominican Republic

To address the issue of sustainable development

BREAKING NEWS: The Organization of American States (OAS) announced today that its second ministerial meeting on sustainable development will be held in the Dominican Republic. from November 3rd to the 5th.

During the session, member countries will discuss issues such as risk management in planning and adaptation to climate changes, and will give progress reports on the commitments they made at the first ministerial meeting, which took place in Santa Cruz (Bolivia) in 2006, during the American Council for Integral Development (CIDI).

According to an article published in the newspaper ´Hoy´, the Government Information Center, the secretary general of the Organization of American States (OAS) Jose Miguel Insulza, and the Dominican Republic’s ambassador to the OAS, Virgilio Alcantara, signed an agreement to prepare for this second meeting.

The first preparatory meeting was held in June, in Washington, and the second will be held in Mexico City on September 6th and 7th.

Mr. Insulza thanked the Dominican Republic for offering to host this meeting, which he said is crucial for the survival of the planet.

An OAS representative pointed out that 2010 will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Convention for the Protection of Flora, Fauna and Beautiful Natural Scenes of American Countries, one of the first international agreements concerning the environment.

Seventy years later we return to the same task of asking the world leaders to sustain their efforts to preserve our environment, said Mr. Insulza.

Ambassador Alcantara said during the meeting that there will be adopted a Declaration of Santo Domingo to the sustainable development of the Americas , which will serve as a guide to the work of the OAS in the area of sustainable development in the coming years.

The ministerial meeting will be coordinated by the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development, together with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Environment and Natural Resources and Agriculture.

Dominican Republic Live, 06.09.10

Ministry of Education wants to provide the public schools with broadband internet

In collaboration with the Dominican Telecommunications Institute

BREAKING NEWS: The Dominican Institute of Telecommunications (Indotel) and the Ministry of Education (Minerd) are establishing a strategic alliance aimed at helping the government to bring broadband services to schools, through joint projects and actions that include access to educational content through broadcast and the satellite system, with the assistance of telecommunications companies in the country.

The Minister of Education, Melanio Paredes, met with the new president of the Board of Indotel, Dr David Perez Taveras, to discuss details of the projects and actions to be taken by their respective institutions, along with support from private companies.

Mr. Taveras said, after the meeting with Mr. Paredes, that he will give full support to the Education Ministry’s plans to bring broadband connectivity to all schools. The official was accompanied by the director, Dr. Juan Antonio Delgado, who took an active part in the meeting.

The minister visited Indotel, accompanied by a team of technicians from the Ministry of Education, in order to share his vision about the education of the youth in all schools in the country and his concept of what would be a new model of educational intervention focused on media convergence.

He described the interest of his Ministry to connect the campuses to broadband connectivity as part of a project conceived by the governing body of the national education system.

The Minister of Education requires the support of Indotel to gain access to broadband that will connect the schools that are within range of the telecommunications companies, specifically in communities covered by the Rural Broadband Connectivity project being proposed by Indotel.

The Minister of Education also raised initiatives to connect schools that are within the coverage of cable television to bring educational content to these centers.

Mr. Taveras expressed his pleasure to the Minister of Education for his visit to the institution, and added that the Board of Indotel will give its full support and backing to the broadband connectivity project being initiated by the Ministry of Education.

The officials agreed to hold joint meetings in order to develop projects that will provide broadband connectivity, and therefore support the so-called new model of structured Education.

Dominican Republic Live, 07.09.10

Dominican Republic had favorable results in Brazil Road Show

Travel agents learn more about the country’s tourism

BREAKING NEWS: The OPT Brazil brought together approximately 400 travel agents during the Road Show held from the 16th to the 19th of August in the cities of Porto Alegre, Belo Horizonte, Campinas and São Paulo. The events showcased the developments of the Caribbean tourist destination and the characteristics of eleven hotels and tour services offered by three operators in the Dominican Republic.

During the closing of the event, in the evening of the 19th, in São Paulo, 150 travel agents participated in the Road show at the restaurant Circulo Italiano. Travel agents in Campinas hosted the event on the 18th, and the tourism professionals in Belo Horizonte played host to the activities on the 17th.

According to Nodalia Arias, assistant tourism promoter for the Dominican Republic in Brazil, the events held in the four Brazilian cities were successful in both attendance and results.

Dominican tourism professionals had a unique opportunity to interact with the Brazilian market, allowing travel agents to learn more about the country’s tourism and thus increase sales to the destination, he said.

This year the Road Show was attended by; Barceló Hotels, Casa de Campo, IFA Villas Bavaro, Sivory Punta Cana, Viva Wyndham Resorts, Iberostar, Palace Resorts, Palladium Group and Sol Meliá.

In attendance also were; Otium tour operators, Connect Travel and Domitour, Avianca airlines and Solvero enterprises, representing the Majestic Hotel Resort.

Dominican Republic Live, 08.09.10

VII Edition of the National Journalism Award for Tourism

235 news reports were submitted

BREAKING NEWS: Two hundred and thirty five news articles, on subjects related to tourism in the Dominican Republic, were submitted for the the seventh edition of the National Journalism Award for Tourism Epifanio Lantigua. This figure surpasses the record set last year when 154 articles were submitted.

This awards ceremony is organized by Occidental Hotels & Resorts and the Dominican Association of Tourist Press (ADOMPRETUR). The proceeds from the event are donated to the Juan Luis Guerra Foundation.

Winners will receive their awards at the Tourist Journalism Gala Dinner, which will take place September 16th, 2010 at 8:00 pm at the Hotel Occidental Embajador, in Santo Domingo.

The event is sponsored by: the Ministry of Tourism, MITUR, Occidental Hotels & Resorts, Casa Vicini, American Airlines, Cerveceria Nacional Dominicana, Information and Communication Centre (CICOM), ADOMPRETUR, Banco Popular, Grupo Punta Cana, Orange Dominicana, Banco Reservas, Omar CD’s System, Prosonidos, Inventivas, Skene, and the Jose Ignacio Morales Foundation.

At this seventh version of the award, 50 journalists and writers presented their reports, of which 113 were in print media, 33 television broadcasts, 1 radio broadcast, 16 were digital media ; three TV documentaries, 43 photographs, and 26 articles (a new category included this year). The jury will select one winner in each category, one of whom will earn the Grand Prize.

The jury is composed of twelve renowned journalists, academics from different universities and professionals linked to tourism, they are Altagracia Salazar, Arturo Villanueva, Aurelio Henriquez, Cesar Perez, Evelyn Diaz, Jose Rafael Vargas, José Rafael Sosa, Luis Felipe Aquino, Luis Chávez José Oscar López Reyes, Rafael Paradell, and Tony Perez.

Dominican Republic Live, 09.09.10

The Ministry of Tourism participates in the MICE Workshop 2010 in Prague

The Dominican Republic is one of the most popular destinations for Czechs

BREAKING NEWS: On the eve of the 2010 winter tourist season, the Tourism Promotion Office (OPT) of the Dominican Republic in Prague participated in the MICE Workshop 2010, managed by organization of congresses and incentive activities.

Connect Travel Service, Majestic Resorts and Princess Hotels, from the Dominican Republic, joined major companies based in the Czech Republic, traditionally allied to the Dominican tourism, such as Air France, Czech Airlines and Microsoft.

The Dominican Republic has become one of the most popular destinations for the Czechs, who travel the country throughout the year, but the most attractive period for the Czechs to spend a nice holiday on our island is the winter, said Leila Boasier, director of the OPT for the Czech Republic and Eastern Europe.

It is well known that the Dominican Republic is a perfect destination for family vacations, divers, golfers, and sports enthusiasts, as well as for organizers of conferences and incentive activities, added Boasier.

The Dominican delegation was represented by: Senators, Julio Cesar Valentin, Tommy Galan, ans Luis René Canaan; Congressman Manuel Díaz; journalists, Julio Martínez Pozo and José Hernández; the Dominican consul in Prague, Ramon Carreno, and the director of the OPT, Leila Boasier.

Dominican Republic Live, 10.09.10

Delegation to represent the Dominican Republic at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai

The event will bring together 192 countries and 50 organizations

BREAKING NEWS: Minister of Tourism, Francisco Javier Garcia, was appointed by President Leonel Fernández to head the official delegation that will represent the country at the World Expo 2010, which is being held October 5th in Shanghai, on the occasion of the celebration of the National Day of the Dominican Republic.

The delegation will include ; Héctor Risek, Félix García, Aquiles Bermudez, Manuel Alejandro Grullon, Arturo Villanueva, Carlos Manuel Alvarez, Eugenio Baitinar, Franklin Leon, George Nader, Guillermo León, José Manuel Torres, Kai Schoenhals, Michael Lama and Rosa Ng Baez.

The president also appointed as members of this delegation, the Minister of Industry and Commerce, José Ramón Fadul, the minister of Culture, José Rafael Lantigua, the director of the Center for Export and Investment (CEI-RD), Eddy Martinez, the director of the National Council for Free Trade Zones, Luisa Fernández Durán and the president of the National Energy Commission, Enrique Ramírez.

The decree notes that the persons nominated to participate in the official delegation, will assume everything related to their participation in such acts and will take the responsibility for the successful representation of the country during that day.

The Dominican government created the National Commission for the Participation of the Dominican Republic in the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai on May 29th, by Decree 279-10.

As a gesture of thanks for the interest shown by the Dominican government in participating in this international event, the Shanghai World Of Coordination Bureau, decided to designate October 5th as the National Day of the Dominican Republic.

The aim of this event, which brings together 192 countries and 50 organizations, is to have the participating nations discuss solutions to the challenges facing big cities.

Urban life, which is summarized in the motto Better City, Better Life, will be the central theme of this international exhibition. The event will be divided into five major aspects or subtopics; multicultural coexistence in the city ; the Prosperity of economic inclusion; scientific and technological innovation in the city ; Remodelling of communities in the city ; and Interaction between urban and rural areas

Each country, international or national organization and business partner has been invited to present their particular point of view, from its own idiosyncrasies and expertise on this issue and initiatives and provide examples of how to solve current problems pertaining to cities around the planet.

Dominican Republic Live, 13.09.10

Dominican Republic is the best selling destination in the Caribbean

Integration is emphasized during the Third International Tourism Fair of Venezuela (Fitven) 2010

BREAKING NEWS: Integration was the keyword at the Third International Tourism Fair of Venezuela (Fitven) 2010 and an example was provided by the Dominican Republic.

The Dominican, which had a booth at the event, has incorporated this strategy more strongly in conjunction with several other nations, said Yakelin Pineda Ministry from the Ministry of Tourism. She added that seven years ago they began to place more attention to this area, especially in 2009.

This year has seen an increase of four thousand tourists compared to the same period last year. More than 45 thousand passengers visited from Venezuela in 2009.

She noted that the best-selling destination in the Caribbean is the Dominican Republic, because of its strong hotel infrastructure and attractive areas such as Punta Cana and Puerto Plata, as well as the variety of attractions such as, extreme sports or excursions to see whales.

Dominican Republic Live, 14.09.10

Five companies could invest up to $ 700 million in new projects

Leonel Fernández seeks to facilitate the procedures for foreign investment

BREAKING NEWS: President Leonel Fernández will submit to Congress a bill to create Single Window for the purpose of facilitating foreign investment procedures.

This was reported by the director of the Center for Import and Investment of the Dominican Republic (CEI-RD), Eddy Martinez, on Tuesday, after leaving a meeting with President Fernández and the Investment Committee at the Trinitarian Hall of the National Palace. At this meeting projects were reviewed for the establishment of international companies that would create thousands of jobs for Dominicans.

Mr. Martinez said that five companies submitted several projects that could mean investments of US $700 million.

What we are doing, at the behest of the president, is formalizing an approach that will creat a single window for investment, by seeking ways to accelerate the investment process, particularly in reviewing business strategies and addressing the obstacles that arise, he said.

He explained that there is a large-scale agriculture project focused on rice production for export, as the country has the potential to become, not only self-sufficiency, but also a major exporter for items like this, that have huge international demand.

There is also a proposal by the Teleformance company, which is the largest call center in the world, which is interested in opening operations in Dominican territory that could create one thousand jobs immediately, and could eventually create as many as 5,000.

Speaking specifically of the telecommunications firms, Mr. Martinez argued that the issue could be solved by having local councils combine with the central government to streamline procedures, as these investments could mean hundreds of millions of dollars.

Another project that was discussed in the meeting was a furniture manufacturer in the United States, based in the People’s Republic of China, who wish to move their operations to the Dominican Republic.This company produces 90 thousand pieces of furniture per year, which are marketed to the United States and Europe.

This is the fourth meeting of the Cabinet for the Investment in the Dominican Republic, headed by the President, together with members of his staff, to review plans for expansion of investments by foreign companies that are in the Dominican Republic or others who would like to invest in the country, he said.

In attendance at the meeting were; the Administrative Ministers of the Presidency, Luis Manuel Bonetti, Economy, Planning and Development, Temistocles Montas, Environment and Natural Resources, Jaime David Fernández, Industry and Trade, Ramón Fadul, Tourism, Francisco Javier Garcia and the director of the National Energy Commission (CNE), Enrique Ramírez, among others.

In addition, were the chief executives from; Teleformance, Gustavo de Hostos, Orange Dominicana, Jean Marc Harion and Jean Marc Escalettes, and from Codetel, Oscar Peña, Freddy Dominguez, Ensa Holdings, Jonathan May, Mario Mendez, FelipeThomas and Ramon Martin.

Dominican Republic Live, 15.09.10

Leonel Fernández says the potential wealth of Pedernales lies in tourism

A Canadian company will invest one billion dollars in an ambitious project

BREAKING NEWS: President Leonel Fernández, said Wednesday that the vast wealth potential that this province in the south has, is to transform tourism into a big industry.

So, we must work to make Pedernales a definite tourist power in the Dominican Republic, said Dr. Fernandez, after announcing that he would invite the Cementos Andino company to reconcile the problems that have arisen and stalled tourism development in that region.

Dr. Fernandez stated that the government must find a way to allow the company to continue working without becoming an obstacle to further development of tourism in the area.

The President indicated that a Canadian company plans to invest US $800 million in a tourism project in Cabo Rojo that is paralyzed by a problem with this company.

Furthermore, the Minister of Tourism, Francisco Javier Garcia, announced that another Canadian company has plans to build a billion dollar project that would have over a thousand rooms, a golf course and other facilities.

Mr. Garcia also mentioned other tourist businesses on the agenda, and added that this will definitely be the year that tourist development begins in Pedernales.

Both, President Fernandez and the Minister of Tourism, appeared before the Provincial Development Council, where community representatives explained the various problems they face.

On behalf of the people of Pedernales, the welcoming speech was given by Senator Dionis Sánchez, while pastor Antonio Fernández handled the religious invocations.

Dominican Republic Live, 16.09.10

Direct British investment amounts to one billion dollars

British company and the Vicini Group to build a film studio in the Dominican Republic

BREAKING NEWS: Investment in the Dominican Republic by companies from Great Britain have reached a billion dollars, said the British ambassador to the country, Steven Fisher.

Mr. Fisher took the opportunity to also announce the completion of a very significant investment from a British company and the Grupo Vicini to build a movie studio in the Dominican Republic, which will be the largest film studio in the region.

He claimed that last year British exports to the Dominican Republic totaled 150 million dollars, which he felt was « not very much, but as I said we are regaining some of the market that we had lost in the Dominican.

That amount represented a 30% growth as compared to last year, and in the current year investments are up 78%. In terms of direct investment we have already reached one billion dollars, which means that we the fifth country with fixed investment in the country, the European diplomat explained.

Mr. Fisher noted, moreover, that the United Kingdom of Great Britain was « the first country in the world to recognize the independence of the Dominican Republic, after which British investment and exports began arriving » to the Caribbean nation.

He mentioned that in 1813, 50% of direct investment in Latin America and the Dominican Republic came from Britain, and 25% of imports came from British sources. However, during the 20th century we lost the Dominican market, but during the past 20 years.we have been in the process of recovering it.

Dominican Republic Live, 17.09.10

Dominican Republic recognized for its fight against poverty

The International Fund for Agricultural Development congratulates the country

BREAKING NEWS: The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) congratulated the Dominican Republic for running programs in the country, through the Ministry of Agriculture, to improve the living conditions of residents in rural areas.

The president of the international body, Kanayo F. Nwanze, in a letter dated in Rome and sent to the Minister of Agriculture, Salvador Jiménez, points out the support and effective implementation of rural development projects co-financed by IFAD.

Mr. Nwanze noted that during his visit to the Dominican he could verify the leadership role of the Minister of Agriculture, Salvador (Chío) Jiménez, and his commitment to increase opportunities for small producers to benefit frommajor development projects.

The IFAD President said it is an honor for the international organization to contribute to the objectives of reducing poverty in rural areas throughout the Dominican Republic.

Dr Kanayo Nwanse came to the country in August for the start of these projects, and also to hold meetings with President Leonel Fernández, the Ministers of Agriculture, Finance, Economy and Planning, among others.

The IFAD, at an investment of US $62 million, runs two agriculture and poverty reduction projects in rural areas of the country.

These projects, which have been developed in 20 provinces around the country, contribute to food security, the competitiveness of small producers and the battle against rural poverty.

Dominican Republic Live, 20.09.10

Cabinet approves National Development Plan

Multi-Year National Public Sector Plan 2010-2013

BREAKING NEWS: The Council of Ministers, in a session led by President Leonel Fernández on Monday, approved the National Development Plan for 2010-2013, called the Multi-Year National Public Sector Plan 2010-2013 (PNPSP).

The plan includes a total of RD $118,830 million to finance current expenditure on social protection programs in the areas of; education, health, social protection, environment, women’s care and public safety.

It also provides for RD $346,855 million to fund the development of 1,905 investment projects, of which 54% are already in place and 46% are new.

This is the first medium-term plan (four years) conducted in the framework of the Law 498-06, which establishes the National System of Planning and Public Investment, according to the Communications Unit of the Ministry of Economy Planning and Development (MEPyD).

With the National Development Strategy and Public Sector Multi-Year Plan, the Dominican Republic joins a small group of countries in the Latin America and the Caribbean with modern planning systems aimed at improving the quality of governance over the short, medium and long term.

The PNPSP contains objectives and sector targets that are in line with the proposed National Development Strategy, which is currently under discussion at the national level, the statement said.

The PNPSP also contains specific indicators by which progress toward development goals can be monitored and assessed.

It will also be the framework to be used for the formulation of annual budgets for the quadrennial 2010-2013. In fact, the 2011 budget was formulated by taking into account the main policies and priorities set out in this Plan.

The Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development considers that, in the medium term, there will be a more comprehensive plan that will integrate, with a greater degree of completeness and consistency, the institutional strategic plans formulated under certain general parameters previously defined in the framework of what will become the National Development Strategy 2010 to 2030.

Dominican Republic Live, 21.09.10

Dominican Republic participates in the International French Travel Fair – Top Resa 2010

The country displays its tourist attractions in this international fair

BREAKING NEWS: The Dominican Republic is participating in the International French Travel Fair – Top Resa 2010, with the objective of consolidating itself as the premier destination for visitors from France and other European countries.

The fair, which runs from Monday the 21st to Friday the 24th, is being held at the Porte de Versailles Hall. It is the most important tourism event in this country as it brings together 1,200 brands and 1,600 companies from all areas of the tourism sector.

The Ministry of Tourism, along with 20 representatives from hotels, tour operators and airlines, will display the tourist attractions, new technologies, and services in an attractive booth, decorated with posters of beaches, hotels, monuments and images of Dominican culture.

The Dominican delegation is headed by Tourism Minister Francisco Javier Garcia, who, on the first day of the fair, signed agreements with the French authorities and tourism operators in Europe, and the president of the National Association of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism (Asonahores), Julio Llibre.

The director of the Office of Tourism of the Dominican Republic in France (OPT), Mercedes Castillo, said that at Top Resa 2010 combines the most varied range of tourism offers from worldwide destinations, and also attracts more than 26 thousand visitors and 1,000 journalists.

The director said the country seeks to consolidate the French market, which in 1996 accounted for 17,000 tourists a year, and today accounts for around 300,000, which makes the Dominican Republic the most popular destination for the French in the Caribbean and Central America.

Dominican Republic Live, 22.09.10

Education is the key to converting the Dominican Republic into a developed nation

Leonel Fernández pronounces at a lecture at William Patterson University

BREAKING NEWS: President Leonel Fernández said that one of the main goals of his presidency is laying the foundation for the transformation of the Dominican Republic into a developed nation, with high standards in education.

To achieve these objectives, the president said, he has begun discussion of the National Development Strategy, which seeks to establish a 30-year plan which will have as its basis, social stability, development of democracy and high standards in education.

The only hope for countries that are developing is that its citizens have high levels of training, enabling them to face the challenges of an increasingly competitive society, he said. He recalled that the country’s economic system is changing, that it has gone from an agricultural economy to a service economy and that it aspires to be an economy that promotes an Era of Knowledge.

I have no doubt that we can and have the ability to transform the Dominican Republic into a fully developed nation, with this goal in mind we must find training opportunities in different research centers around the world, he said.

He stressed that the Dominican government has made efforts to provide scholarships for the youth, so that they may have access to quality education in countries such as ; the USA, Spain, France, Brazil, Taiwan, South Korea, Canada and others.

Delivering the keynote address The Challenges of Education in Latin America at William Patterson University in New Jersey, Fernández said young people should take advantage of the vast range of opportunities offered by technology to learn.

He said the challenge facing the Dominican Republic is to strengthen democracy and achieve social equality that is required by the population.

Introducing the Dominican president, the chancellor of William Patterson University, Dr. Kathleen Waldron, said that the school was honored to receive a leader at the level of President Leonel Fernandez.

She said that Fernandez is not only a prominent politician in Latin America, but a great thinker and supporter of the social sciences, with a grand vision of the world’s problems.
Fernandez received two awards, one granted by the Association of the Students of the University, for his efforts to ensure that his country has improved education.

A second award was presented by the Chair of the academic center to show what an honor it is for us to have the presence of President Fernández in our institute of education.

Dominican Republic Live, 23.09.10

Agriculture and tourism are the two elements of national development

According to the Inter-American Development Bank

BREAKING NEWS: According to Manuel Labrado, who represents the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), agriculture and tourism are two of the elements that have driven the development, productivity and competitiveness of the Dominican Republic.

In Mr. Labrado´s opinion, these two sectors have a competitive advantage over other products. In the case of tourism, which is already the leader, the advantage is obvious because of the nature and beaches. However, he believes it must be provided with additional support in energy, transportation and water infrastructures, to improve the quality of tourism.

In regards to agriculture, Mr. Labrado said the IDB developed the Program for Competitive Agricultural Transition (PATCA), and supports clusters such as, Cocoa, Mango and others.

He noted that the Dominican Republic, because of its size, geographical location and proximity to markets in the United States and Canada, has a competitive advantage.
Mr. Labrado added that the IDB is also heavily involved in renewable energy, through wind power, and supports programs for rural and urban water, and transportion, via Atlantic Boulevard or via tourist infrastructure.

Mr. Labrado was interviewed in the Business Tower at the end of the presentation of an IDB study presented by Carmen Pagés, principal research economist and director of study for this institution.

The IDB has approved the sum of US $953.8 million in the Dominican Republic, of which 42% has yet to be disbursed.

For 2010-2013, the IDB has set its strategies to focus in the areas of public finance, social protection, education, job placement, electricity, transport, water sanitation, agriculture and tourism.

Dominican Republic Live, 24.09.10

Francisco Javier García described as successful the country’s participation in Top Resa fair

Important agreements were signed to increase the arrival of European tourists

BREAKING NEWS: The Minister of Tourism, Francisco Javier Garcia, described the Dominican Republic´s participation in the Top Resa International Fair as successful. He noted that important agreements were signed that will ensure an increase in the arrival of European tourists to the country.

The Dominican booth at this year´s fair displayed several new products, among which could be found: a promotional application for iPhone, a French-language website, the presentation of an official page on the social network Facebook, a sales manual for professional golf with the magazine Tour Hedbo and the publication of the supplement to the magazine Univers des Voyages.

The minister mentioned the importance of the agreement between the ministries of tourism of the Dominican Republic and France.

He said that through this agreement the two countries would seek to promote multi-destination tourism, develop tourism products that combined cultural and eco tourism, and facilitate cooperation between companies in the sector.

We must learn and benefit from the experience of France, a country of 66 million people that receives 88 million tourists every year, which demonstrates its leadership in the tourism sector.

During the three days of Top Resa, the minister met with businessmen from France and other European destinations, with whom he agreed on actions to increase the flow of tourists to the Dominican Republic.

The minister met with Nicolas Delaporte, general manager of Air France, Laurent Magnin, president of XL Airways, Oliver Kervel president of NG Travel, Jaen Mare Siano, President of Nouvelles Frontieres Group, and Patrice Caradec, Chairman of Transat Fracia, among others.

Dominican Republic Live, 27.09.10

President Fernández meets with United States businessmen

Interested in investing in Dominican Republic

BREAKING NEWS: The President of the Republic, Dr. Leonel Fernandez, met with a group of local businessmen who have shown an interest in investing in different areas in the Dominican Republic.

President Fernández spoke with American business executives, to whom he explained the legal and physical facilities provided by the Dominican nation to foreign investors.

The American businessmen work in the areas of energy, infrastructure, tourism, telecommunications, biotechnology, software development, renewable energy and transportation.

Among the San Diego businessmen who met with President Fernandez were: Michael Holleran, Chairman, Julliet Holleran, Randy Teffeteller-CEO, Robert Shine, EVP, and Jean-Paul Rojo, on behalf of the DCM Group (sponsor). This company is dedicated to renewable energy production, manufacturing, housing and safety.

The president also received representatives of the Greenhouse, a group of companies dedicated to green technologies, infrastructure and security.

Also present were, John Galt and Ken Robinson, from CNN’s National Security and Analyst, Brian Bonfiglio, CEO of Patronus. Imageware was represented by Jim Miller-Pres/CEO, whose specialty is the production of software, BK Strategies (sponsor), dedicated to global services and information technology, which was represented by Samuel Toribo, Bryan Kassinger, CEO and Kate Berger.

Similarly, representatives of the San Diego Regional Minority. Supplier Development Council, which is a group composed of a dozen companies engaged in tourism and are interested in organizing trips from the west coast of the USA to the Dominican Republic.

The secretary of state and director of the Center for Export and Investment of the Dominican Republic (CEI-RD), Eddy Martinez, said U.S. investors reported to President Fernández their interest in traveling to the country to initiate contacts prior to their potential investment.

He added that in the coming months a committee of executives representing various companies located in the city of San Diego will visit Santo Domingo to meet with officials in the economic and business sectors.

Mr. Martinez also reported that President Fernandez called on the U.S. businessmen to explore investment opportunities in the border area between the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

Dominican Republic Live, 28.09.10

President Fernández says its prime time for Dominican Film Industry

Highlights the importance of this industry during his visit to California

BREAKING NEWS: The Dominican Republic’s President Leonel Fernandez, said that this is a turning point for the Dominican film industry because of the interest shown by Dominican entrepreneurs to invest in that industry.

The President explained that there has always been a connection with the East Coast and Washington, the political capital, but the Dominican Republic must now take advantage of this opportunity to connect with the Western region, especially in California.

One reason is the high-tech companies involved in the manufacturing of products and services, and their usefulness in the training of Dominican labor.

You can not change an economy without the training of human resources, so it’s important to connect to California, said the Head of State after receiving a recognition from the University of California (UCLA).

The president mentioned that the film industry in the Dominican Republic has been helped by the adoption and promulgation of a law that establishes the legal framework for incentives for the Dominican and foreign investors interested in this activity.

He said that both Dominican and American businessmen intend to build film studios in the Dominican Republic, which explains his visit on Tuesday and contacts with executives from Warner Brothers and Sony Pictures Entertainment.

This can benefit the country because the film industry promotes tourism, creates new jobs, and attracts celebrities who might eventually build second homes in the Dominican Republic. Fernandez was recognized by UCLA and its chancellor Gene Block, who said that the university recognizes the Dominican President’s role in the rebuilding of Haiti after the tragic earthquake in January.

The head of state was also acknowledged for his work in bringing about peace between Venezuela and Colombia.

Fernandez and his delegation made a tour of the Warner Brothers studios and met with executives and entrepreneurs at a luncheon attended by Dominican businessmen Manuel Corripio, Juan and Felipe Vicini, Dona Elena Villeya, Ricardo Hazoury and former major league baseball player, Juan Marichal.

Dominican Republic Live, 29.09.10

Dominican Republic signs an agreement with Orange

To aid the country’s technological development

BREAKING NEWS: The Dominican government and the company France Telecom, through Orange Dominicana, signed an agreement to install Orange Lab, a research and development institute, which will advance the technological development of the nation and facilitate access to information and technology skill training to students and young professionals.

Dominican President, Leonel Fernández, said that with this new Orange-Lab in the Dominican Republic, Orange has 19 such laboratories worldwide. He added that the idea is to establish a research institute or laboratory of cyber development that will mean a breakthrough in the areas of telecommunications, especially mobile communications and social networking, which is the wave of the future.

So with the signing of this agreement between the Santo Domingo Cyberpark and Orange, the Dominican Republic takes a big leap forward as it becomes a generator of technology, said Fernandez.

The President of Orange, Jean Marc Harion, said the focus of this laboratory will be on the development of mobile applications, social services and applications of blackberrys, which will be supported by the company Research In Motion (RIM).

Mr. Harion noted that we feel pleased to be able to have the Dominican Republic as the nineteenth country in the world in which there is an Orange Lab. The laboratory will be installed in November at the Cyber Park.

This agreement was signed in the presence of President of the Republic, by Jean Marc Harion, president of Orange Dominicana and Eddy Martinez, Secretary of State and director of theCEI-RD .

Also, a second agreement was signed between the companies Research In Motion (RIM), makers of mobile phones and Orange Blacberrys allowing the creation of new applications for BlackBerrys in the Cyber Park.

Accompanying the Head of State were: the First Lady of the Republic, Dr. Margarita Cedeno de Fernandez and the consul general of the Dominican Republic in California, Celeste Jimenez.

Dominican Republic Live, 30.09.10