Welcome to the Dominican Republic (DR) – a destination like no other – featuring a stunning array of sandy
beaches, dazzling landscapes, mountains studded with waterfalls and rivers, lush green forests, exotic cuisine and a remarkable variety of arts and entertainment options. On behalf of the DR’s warm and hospitable people, I would like to invite you to explore our amazing country. The pulse-pounding
thrill of the merengue, intriguing relics from centuries past, premium cigars and even
world-class baseball await you. The DR is a surprising place that will delight even the most
experienced traveler. The DR is a colorful tapestry of Spanish, French and African influences woven by a rich
and storied history. Christopher Columbus described this lush land as “a beautiful island
paradise with high forested mountains and large river valleys”. This statement is still as
true today as it was in 1492. Our beaches are widely celebrated as being among the world’s best. We boast more than 1,000 miles of sugar-colored sand gently lapped by warm waters so clear and blue one has
to see to believe. Year-round sports, effervescent nightlife, distinctive souvenir shopping, magnificent
national parks, and world class gambling make for a jam-packed vacation to-do list.
Outdoor activities like snorkeling, windsurfing, kiteboarding, and boating are a thrilling
way to experience the natural beauty of land and sea. A favorite golfing destination of U.S. celebrities, the DR is fast becoming the golf Mecca of the Caribbean with courses set on dramatic coastlines and year-round warm weather. The DR is one of the leading Caribbean travel destinations. Twenty-five percent of all travelers to the Caribbean chose the DR as their vacation spot of choice. North Americans remain the largest group of visitors to the DR at 49.8 percent. In fact, more than one million of North American visitors in 2007 were from the U.S. This represents the third consecutive year the DR has welcomed over one million U.S. visitors. With over 65,000 hotel rooms and 675 properties ranging from luxury resorts to family-friendly hotels to a variety of boutique properties, the DR offers an abundance of accommodations fitting the tastes of any traveler. International investment opportunities abound as celebrated hotel chains purchase property and high-level real estate projects develop in this top Caribbean destination. In addition, the DR government plans to invest approximately $1 billion in tourism infrastructure developments by 2012, including expanding and building new roads, enhancing ports, developing a ferry to Samana and contemplation of a new convention center in Santo Domingo. The DR’s significant investment demonstrates our country’s commitment to enhancing transportation options and developing meeting venues as the DR continues to enhance its world-class destination status. In the midst of our tourism growth, the magnificence of nature sets the scene for quaint villages, charming cities and first-class accommodations for visitors. The DR government has taken a very systematic approach to ensure this natural beauty remains unspoiled by setting aside 20 percent of the country’s land for preservation. This has resulted in 83 areas that are protected including 19 national parks, six scientific reserves, 32 natural monuments, 15 natural reserves, two
marine sanctuaries and nine protected parcels of islands also called panoramic views. Several marine areas have been classified as national parks and many animals have found refuge here where 14 percent of the world’s coral reefs reside. In fact, a Sanctuary of Humpback Whales in Samana in the DR ensures the thousands of humpback whales that return to the area each year to give birth and mate will be protected from hunters in our waters. The DR offers a fantastic combination of environments to capture your imagination and refresh your soul. And with seven international airports and U.S. flights increasing every year, paradise has never been easier to explore. Please visit us soon, return often and enjoy our breathtaking comforts of sun, sea and sand that will captivate your senses and build lifetime memories.
Jess Kalinowsky, Friends Travel, has been to the Dominican Republic and is waiting to assist you with your travel plans.
JESS Kalinowsky FriendsTravel@earthlink.net
International Flights and Airfare, Hotels, Resorts, Tours and Cruises.
