Joachim and decline in Euro-Tourism

A report posted by Joachim about the decline in Eurotourism passed by without much notice. The report indicates the downturn in that tourist class and efforts to regain the momentum by promoting US tourism instead.

Well, Dominican promoters are hitting both ends of the spectrum. On one hand, a new promotional campaign is being directed at reviving the Puerto Plata area boom, which has seen a decline due to the problems with the European economies. Nevertheless, another culprit of the PP decline is the upstart Bavaro and Punta Cana area with its newly developed infractructures and exciting offers. It is obvious that Bavaro is pulling the right strings. With newly state of the art medical facilities, new airports, new marinas, water treatment plants and energy self-sufficiency in needed areas, it is giving PP a run for the money.That and big names dropping constantly give the area a boost. With Pueblo Bavaro in the works, adding now a real town to the area and the new highway to shorten the tedious trip to two hours, going to Bavaro will be a breeze. Puerto Plata just needs to catch up, but the potential is there.

Investor confidence is by no way down.Thousands of more new rooms are being added to an already solid number and with the future addition of the Hainamosa Caribbean convention center near the Americas Airport in Santo Domingo, by Global with thousands of Sq. meters of meeting rooms, conference halls and exhibition areas, tourism will be on an upward swing this fall. Hotels closing down are mostly old structures and outdated offers giving way to the new. While you lose rooms in one area, they get picked up somewhere else by newer offerings.

I have to laugh at this transparent and sophomoric form of advertisement.

The first time that I lived in Sousa was 15years ago. At that time the only resort was Jack Tar Village.

I used to have a bar in Charamicos called La Paloma. There were very few bars and restaruants at that time.

Now however, when my wife(Dominican) and I went to the same area and stayed at Sousa by the Sea, I could not believe the amount of development that was there.

However what made me feel uncomfortable(my wife also)was the amount of European presence. Too many signs in German, Italian, French as well as establishments owned by these people.

I have never felt confortable around Europeans due to their arrogance, (dont believe me just go to Boca Chica beach and you will see them each in their own little group).

Maybe this is the reason that many of them are not going back. The whole area has lost the Dominican flavor.

Nobody in this planet can compare to the French when it comes to arrogance.

- Nobody in this planet can compare to the French when it comes to arrogance. -

Nobody in this planet can compare to the SPANISH when it comes to arrogance !!!!!!

SPANISH from Spain are the worst in the face of the earth, and the most arrogant europeans ever !!!!!

Re: The Problem Need Some Positive Action

Do you really want to know why there is a downturn in Tourism in the Puerto Plata area. My wife and I just returned from staying a week in one of the resorts at Puerto Plata, and the primary problem is information or lack of good information.

We found little information on the Dominican Republic compared to any other place in the Caribbean. You are the second largest island in the Caribbean and have the least amount of good, reliable information available.

You can complain about the Europeans and Americans, but if you want to live as a second world country instead of a 3rd world country you will need tourism. All 1st world countries seek out tourism as a major source of income. Yes it comes at a cost, you have some arrogant visitors, but you get there arrogant money. Most visitors come to enjoy, the few arrogant seem to get all the attention.

But back to the problem, we found only 3 bulletin boards and the major one was run by someone from England or America ( Debbie's Page). Of the two others DR1 and Bravenet. Bravenet only has about 3 new messages posted each day. I have visited over 40 countries around the world and the lack of and misinformation about the DR is unparalleled.

Someone needs to seriously look at the tourist industry and decide if you want tourist and if so set up a non-partisan tourist information program. The program must include several good web pages like the ones in Cancun and Aruba. There needs to be readable city maps, marking tourist spots, yes we saw one, could not print it out and read it. The airport needs to have free tourist information pamphlets, information on taxis, and bus schedules.

Good luck

It no use building a new hotel if the interstructure is not there. tourist are been lost because of the inconviniences they have to put up with. the American Free internet Access is a plus since in their home there no additional phone charges for ussing a net provider.

I vote that Americans are the most arrogant! We're taught from an early age that we are the best at everything.

I agree with you Joachim - I've had bad experiences with German men and their arrogance!

I'm sad to say, but I agree. We Americans have a terrible reputation.

Re: Who were your parents

I am an American, my parents went to church and we were taught to love and appriciate everyone. I have been around the world 3 times, visited over 40 foreign countries, lived overseas for 11 years on 4 continents, your are wrong!!!!!

Go home and ask your parents why they did not take you to church.

Re: Who were your parents

What does love and appreciation have to do with arrogance?

American arrogance comes from the public and private school system and the media. In fact, many Europeans complain that Americans think the world revolves around the USA. It does, doesn't it?

My parents did not teach that Americans are better. They taught that "I" am better. They sure knew their stuff.

I went to church through confirmation and figured out they were full of crap. The Nazi party used to mix in good messages too. I suggest you "pray" for me. We'll see if it works.

Another example of how an interesting post gets turned into nationalistic mud slinging. Who cares whether this nationality or that are arrogant?

The DR in 1990 decided to go all out for the European market. Now the Europeans who wanted to, have had ample opportunity to visit here. They have been here and done that. The monster companies that control the tourism market in Europe and their charter airlines that make it work are now promoting other destinations. That's it. Good Bye. Sayonora.

What is the reaction here in the DR? Gosh, we have been overcharging the Americans. Let us be nice to them for a change.

A good start would be to make the roads safe, price car rentals alongside Florida, and get away from the all inclusive nonsense which appeals to blue collar Europeans.

Dave

I've been living abroad for 10 years. Americans are definately percieved as being arrogant in most of the world, most of my friends are surprised to know an American who makes the effort to assimilate to their culture instead of constantly comparing everything to the USA.

What did any of this have to do with the decline in European tourism?

I think one major factor is that the ? has dropped by almost 30% in the last 2 years. This makes the DR (peso more closely pegged to the $US) an expensive place to go. Welcome back Mallorca.

Jim, Americans may be arrogant from birth but they carry a big wallet.Thats why the DR Tourist Dept. is spending 45% of its advertising budget in the USA. Its clear the number one target of our newer resorts on the east coast are gearing towards Americans. Naturally, even if French,Germans and Spaniards are arrogant, Dominicans have that sweet disposition to disarm their long faces and make them happy. Another $US17mil. is being spent in Europe for promotion and tourists fairs in France are being attended. By the way, not leaving the English out, Puerto Plata is English country with a 20% increase in English traffic.
And the good thing about English tourism is that they do it in the summer, when the occupancy is at its lowest.

American tourism is being aggressively pursued to reduce the 90% rate of all inclusive plans and bring tourists who would leave hotel rooms and spend money in the local economy. European tour operators will also change their ways and will try to upgrade their tourist portfolios with higher income types while increasing their profits. And, why not? Dominican tourists. They make up 20% of total tourist occupation, believe it or not.So you are all welcome, arrogance or not.

Re: Who were your parents

Yes, my parents took me to church every Sunday as a kid, but my history teachers were part of a brainwashing system that exists in the US. US citizens tend to be close minded and think that the US system is superior to all others. Some of us get out and see a little bit of the world and realize much of what we were taught is false.

Re: Who Influences the child?

Parents, the person who spends most of the time with your children has the most influence. I found that many university proffesors are socialist/communist specially in the history and political science department. and that is in the US. So choose which person mold your child. If you can stay home and give them your value. I know this as a true fact I have stayed home for 20+ years raising two children.YOUR VALUE SYSTEM ... SHOULD BE GIVEN TO YOUR CHILD FROM YOU.