Minister García Fernández Says Tourism Will Show Positive Results This Year

Minister García Fernández Says Tourism Will Show Positive Results This Year

Tourism Minister, Francisco Javier García, said 2009 will end with positive economic data as things began to look up starting in May when the global economic crisis took a turn for the better. “This is a year with many positive expectations after the huge crisis that affected the world, despite the first four months of the year…above all, in February and March when the tourism dropped by more than 6 points but later recovered once again in May by 2.75 growth points,” he said.

He noted that the key for continued tourism growth in the DR is the cohesion and alliance that exist between the private sector and public sector.

García Fernández explained that the numbers clearly indicate that 2009 will end in the black for the Dominican Republic.

The Tourism Minister released this information in a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 23rd Marketing Exhibition of the National Association of Hotels and Restaurants (ASONAHORES) to open this Saturday, August 29th at the Dominican Fiesta Hotel this, according to a press release from the Press and Communications Office of the Tourism Ministry (SECTUR).

He noted that the key for continued tourism growth in the DR is the cohesion and alliance that exist between the private sector and public sector.

“In the year and eight days since we have had the Tourism Ministry, there has not been a single difference between any of the deputy tourism offices in the entire Dominican Republic,” stressed the Minister.

Francisco Javier said the tourism sector is moving the country’s other economic sectors in a positive direction and, for that reason, it should be protected at all costs including strengthening any weaknesses it encounters.

He noted that when he took the position of Tourism Minister he encountered a situation that caused concern in the some of the tourism areas around the country, mainly with infrastructure. But, now in Bavaro the problem with the roads has been practically resolved in the first phase. In the second phase, they will be doing more roadwork and putting in sidewalks. He added that currently they are repairing various roads and highways used by tourists, such as the Samana – las Galeras and the Sánchez – Las Terrenas highways as well as paving the streets of Juan Dolio, repairing the streets and passageways in Boca Chica, and the asphalt in Bayahibe and Las Terrenas, among other work to be done.

He also reported that his ministry is working in coordination with the private sector in the development of domestic tourism as noted in the “Around the Dominican Republic in 80 Caravans” campaign, which will be launched this month. The idea is to get all Dominicans, regardless of social-economic level, to get to know their country, take pride in its beauty and contribute to the development of the different tourism areas we have in our possession.

Francisco Javier García, Tourism Minister at the opening of the ASONAHORES Fair 

Francisco Javier García, Tourism Minister at the opening of the ASONAHORES Fair