DR1 Travel News - 2 May 2017

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DR wants to lead in medical tourism in the Caribbean
Light tackle fishing tournament in Punta Cana
Air Century and Thrifty join to present Fly & Drive
DATE ready for Punta Cana 



DR wants to lead in medical tourism in the Caribbean
The Dominican Republic is working hard to be recognized as the leading medical tourism destination in the Caribbean. The 2016 Medical Tourism Index Report shows the DR in 15th place in the global ranking. The DR is ranked 15th in environment, 5th in medical tourism industry and 22th in quality of facilities and services. The average Medical Tourism Index score for the Americas is 64.48 and the DR’s MTI is 67.58. 

In an interview with reporters from Hoy, spokesmen for a leading medical center pointed out that findings of the Medical Tourism Association Medical Tourism Index Report are that people are already spending around US$100 billion a year on medical tourism, and that the sector would grow by around 25% per year over or the decade. The DR seeks to increase its market share of this market with improvements in its medical industry and better marketing.

During the interview, Centro de Diagnóstico, Medicina Avanzada, Laboratorio y Telemedicina (Cedimat), executives Jesus Saavedra, Luis Betances and Michel Saint-Amand highlighted the importance of reaching strategic alliances to promote the country as a medical tourism destination. 

They explained medical tourism not only impacts the medical centers but also provides benefits to hotels, transport companies, and the leisure travel sector, in general. They estimated that a foreigner who visits for medical services spends eight times more than a leisure tourist and the stay is usually longer. 

The main attraction for medical tourism in the country is the high quality of service and the considerably lower cost of many medical procedures here than abroad. 

They explained the country provides the latest medical technologies, state of the art installations, a high level of trained physicians and staff, many of whom are bilingual.

https://www.medicaltourismindex.com/destination/dominican-republic/
http://hoy.com.do/rd-puede-ser-principal-destino-turismo-medico-del-caribe/


Light tackle fishing tournament in Punta Cana
The 77th Light Tackle Fishing Tournament organized by the International Light Tackle Association (ILTTA) and the Santo Domingo Yacht Club is taking place this week through Saturday, 6 May 2017 in Punta Cana. Anglers from the United States, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, South Africa, Guatemala, Mexico and the Dominican Republic are participating. The Dominican Republic won the championship during the tournament held last year in Puerto Rico. 

So far, 25 teams have enrolled, with three fishers each. This is a catch and release tournament, with white and blue marlin, sailfish and spearfish counting for points. Teams include Texas Tournament Angles, Ocean City Light Tackle Club, Port Aranzas Rod & Reel Club and Tournament Anglers Association for the United States. For Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico Light Tackle 1, 2 y 3, Arrecho Fishing Club, the San Juan Yacht Club and Cangrejos Yacht Club. For Venezuela: Playa Grande Yachting Club, Club Suéltalo and Keep Fishing.


Air Century and Thrifty join to present Fly & Drive
Executives of the airline Air Century and car rental Thrifty seek to attract travelers from Port-au-Prince, Haiti and San Juan, Puerto Rico with up to 40% off in discounts on flights and car rental. To cash in on the savings, the travelers need to choose the Fly & Drive program offered at the websites of Air Century and ThriftyRD when making the reservation. 

Air Century operates regular flights to Port-au-Prince Haiti and San Juan, Puerto Rico from La Isabela International Airport. 


DATE ready for Punta Cana 
The most important event for the Dominican Republic tourism industry, the Dominican Annual Travel Exchange (DATE 2017) opens Wednesday, 3 May 2017 at the Barceló Bávaro Convention Center in Punta Cana. 

The event will run through Friday, 5 May and is organized by the National Hotel & Tourism Association (Asonahores) and sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism. 

The business exchange matches international wholesalers, tour operators, incentive groups, airlines and charter operators with the Dominican Republic's leading suppliers.