The Dominican Republic continues registering growth in tourism data over the last year, with a large part of that increase coming from South America.

Taking into account that throughout all of 2007, 22,028 Chilean tourists arrived at the airports in the DR, current projections show a major upsurge in this thriving market.

To confirm this, the Central Bank reported that 16,251 visitors arrived from Chile in the first semester of this year, up fully 50.2% from last year when 10,816 were registered.

Taking into account that throughout all of 2007, 22,028 Chilean tourists arrived at the airports in the DR, current projections show a major upsurge in this thriving market. This jump in numbers has much to do with the work being done by the Office of Tourism Promotion (OPT), under the direction of Carmen Rodríguez.

This growing interest in the DR was further evidenced by the country´s participation in the workshop “Caribbean Encounter 2008” organized in the Grand Hyatt Hotel by Kuality, one of the most important tour operators in the Southern Cone, according to the Ministry of Tourism.

“Participating in this event were exhibitors from hotels and airlines who showed their products and offerings for the July-August winter season to more than 300 travel agents. Many, to be sure, showed great interest and enthusiasm for the Dominican Republic and talked about the growth of the market as well as the warmth with which Chilean tourists are greeted in the DR,” said Carmen Rodríguez.

The Dominican OPT Director in Chile, stressed the qualities of our country as a destination, particularly in the Northern Zone, Puerto Plata and Samaná. She also pointed to the growth perspectives in this market as reflected in the increased frequency of airline flights to the country by important airlines such as Avianca and COPA.

Those in attendance at the activity receive copies of La Cotica 2008, the CD “Tireless” (“Inagotable”), maps, and other Tourism Ministry (SECTUR) material as well as the pleasure of listening to live Dominican musical shows.

Carmen Rodríguez, OPT Director in Chile and Ximena Veliz, Manager of Promotion and Marketing of Kuality Tour Operators.