Dominican Republic Shows Off Caribbean Culture in Brussels

Visitors, the majority of whom were Belgian, stopped by the Dominican stand which is located in the Caribbean pavilion along with Aruba, Jamaica and Curazao….

Visitors, the majority of whom were Belgian, stopped by the Dominican stand which is located in the Caribbean pavilion along with Aruba, Jamaica and Curazao. Most visitors came with the specific idea of planning their vacations to the Dominican Republic for this year, 2010.

Samanda Fersobe, Director of the Office of Tourism Promotion (OPT) for the Dominican Republic in Brussels, said the Salon de Vacances is open to the general public. It is a tourism fair in which the DR has been participating since 2001.

Fair organizers estimate that more than 105,000 visitors will attend this year’s 2010 fair during the course of five days. It is open from 10 am to 6 pm.

At least 800 exhibitors are participating in this event between those working in tourism offices, as tour operators, in travel agents, air lines, hotel and restaurant representatives, tourism service companies and other related businesses.

The Fair, focused on the general public, has warmly welcomed the Dominican Republic. The Dominican stand has people stopping by its stand from all walks of life, middle to upper classes.

“The demand for information has been extraordinary. We’ve distributed a considerable amount of promotional material as many people at the fair have stopped by to visit our stand and gather information. This indicates to us that there is a lot of interest in the DR as a tourism destination in this market,” said Fersobe.

Visitors seeking information to help them plan their vacations to the Dominican Republic.

Loris Brea and Félix Vargas doing a merengue exhibition at the Dominican stand.

Gina Mercedes, looks at some of the food enjoyed by visitors as the Dominican stand in Salon des Vacances.