Hi, I have been reading and enjoying the DR1 forums for months now and have finally decided to get involved. It has been very entertaining to say the least but boy is it informative....there's an awful lot of knowledge within these here pages...thanks to you all.
My reason for posting is I'd really like some honest opinions as to the tourist situation in Puerto Plata at the moment. I've been looking to buy a small apartment (translates to cheap) to use mainly for myself, family and friends for holidays...yes sorry I am only a tourist (for now - but I live in hope!)...but also to rent out to others in the hopes it will pay for itself. I first visited the area over 2 years ago and have been back 6 times to date - I love the place and although I realise I'm not always seeing the real DR I have been out and about with locals who I made friends with. I stayed in the All inclusives a couple of times and recent visits were to private apartment rentals in Torre Alta and Bayardo. One thing I THINK I've noticed is the drop in visitor numbers. I have been sent info on a few really nice properties in Cabarete so far and I am really tempted, but before I take the plunge financially I need to know that I'm doing the right thing, and that I will be able to rent out for a good part of the year. Realtors and salespeople all sing the same tune that tourism is unaffected by the current economical climate, but I'm not so sure. As mentioned earlier I do have some friends out there who tell me that hotels are closing and that employment within tourism areas is not good at the moment. I thought I'd ask if anybody had any feelings either way..Is it a good or bad move. It will just be good to get an across the board view.
Thanks
My reason for posting is I'd really like some honest opinions as to the tourist situation in Puerto Plata at the moment. I've been looking to buy a small apartment (translates to cheap) to use mainly for myself, family and friends for holidays...yes sorry I am only a tourist (for now - but I live in hope!)...but also to rent out to others in the hopes it will pay for itself. I first visited the area over 2 years ago and have been back 6 times to date - I love the place and although I realise I'm not always seeing the real DR I have been out and about with locals who I made friends with. I stayed in the All inclusives a couple of times and recent visits were to private apartment rentals in Torre Alta and Bayardo. One thing I THINK I've noticed is the drop in visitor numbers. I have been sent info on a few really nice properties in Cabarete so far and I am really tempted, but before I take the plunge financially I need to know that I'm doing the right thing, and that I will be able to rent out for a good part of the year. Realtors and salespeople all sing the same tune that tourism is unaffected by the current economical climate, but I'm not so sure. As mentioned earlier I do have some friends out there who tell me that hotels are closing and that employment within tourism areas is not good at the moment. I thought I'd ask if anybody had any feelings either way..Is it a good or bad move. It will just be good to get an across the board view.
Thanks