The tireless charm of Dominican tourism was on display last week, capturing the public’s admiration with its beautiful stand in two of the most important tourism and travel promotion fairs taking place in New York City, sponsored by the New York Times and the Beneath the Sea Foundation.

Large hotel chains, among them Casa de Campo, Majestic Colonial Resort, Blue Bay Hotels, Hacienda Life Style, Renaissance Jaragua and the Oasis Resort, along with the Association of Hotels of Santo Domingo who presented a wide variety of offers to travel agents, airlines, tour operators, potential travelers and journalists from the Big Apple, New Jersey and Connecticut, according to a press release from the Ministry of Tourism.

And it was no surprise the colorful stand made by the Nexos Company was surrounded by people, what with the distinct rhythm of the perico ripiao, dancers, dexterous cigar rollers, rum tasting and all manner of promotional and informative material about the Dominican Republic.

“As this is the most important and most visited travel fair in this city of skyscrapers, we decided we should display all that is attractive about ourselves to this important market,” said Lucien Echavarría, Director of the Office of Tourism Promotion (OPT) for the Northeast United States.

Echevarría pointed out that the fair attracts wide coverage from CNN in English and Spanish, Opción New York and other influential US media outlets.

Included in the OPT New York delegation were Albania Santana, Assistant Director, Shasha Cruz, Public Relations Director and Andrea Jiménez, Secretary.

The Dominican Republic Is Among the Most Fascinating Destinations for Diving

Another activity in which the Dominican Republic was represented through the OPT New York office was the largest consumer ocean adventure and dive show in the United States, Beneath the Sea, which celebrated its 32nd annual show.

During this event, with more than 300 exhibitors and at least 15,000 visitors, seminars and workshops were given by specialists in this exciting sport.

Lucien Echavarría, Director of the Office of Tourism Promotion (OPT) for the Northeast United States, led the Dominican delegation at this event which took place in the Meadowlands Convention Center of Secaucus, New Jersey.

In addition to sun and beaches, the Dominican Republic is a well-known destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. With an underwater world of remarkable reefs and a rich, colorful sea life, it is among the Caribbean’s ten most popular diving destinations, Ms. Echavarría told visitors at the Dominican stand.

She said many of the all-inclusive hotels offer diving lessons and certification for anyone interested in learning more about this thrilling sport. Diving enthusiasts can explore ship wrecks from hundreds of years ago or just enjoy the warm waters of this southern section of the country.

“Beneath The Sea” is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about underwater life in the world’s seas and oceans and the importance of protecting it.

República Dominicana, en las ferias del New York Times y Beneath the Sea.

República Dominicana, en las ferias del New York Times y Beneath the Sea.

República Dominicana, en las ferias del New York Times y Beneath the Sea.

República Dominicana, en las ferias del New York Times y Beneath the Sea .