if one could break the subject down to a few paragraphs, Id say these two posts size up the reality of the german issue very well:
Quote:
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Ken
The Germans that were coming to the North Coast in large numbers were "working class" people. Secretaries, policemen, factory workers, lower level white-collar workers. The professional/managerial class went to Bavaro, etc, on the east coast.
The Germans on the north coast were here because it was about the cheapest place to go at that time. They bought an all inclusive package in Germany and did almost nothing for the businesses off the hotel grounds. Many brought almost no money with them, having bought their all inclusive plan before they left home.
The Germans on the north coast were seen by the Dominicans as being cheap. When they spoke of Germans, they knocked their elbow with their fist, if you know what that means.
I am not saying all Germans on the North Coast were that way, but the large majority were.
Resorts that wanted Germans had to give the tour operators who brought them such low prices that it required almost 100% occupancy to just break even.
If those Germans aren't coming to the DR these days, it is because it has become more expensive. Now that more North Americans are coming, there is no need to offer prices below cost to fill the hotels.
If the hotels still have high occupancy rates, and if they are charging higher prices than when the Germans were coming in large numbers, I say this is a change for the better. Now, hopefully, resort properties will be better maintained, businesses off the hotel property will see more clients, and the general economic climate of the area will improve.
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I cannot disagree. For business owners american crowd that stupidly overpays for everything for sure is a very good thing.
But the end result very soon will be another Costa Rica or Puerto Rico with astronomical prices and spoiled local population.
On the other hand, Germans or other sophysticated people can be wisely present in native areas for decades without damaging markets and spoiling paradises. Americans cannot. Not trained to think independently and critically.
I doubt that if the german ambassador was sympathetic to the plight of the cheap german sex tourist, he would speak his mind candidly.
He helps the cause by making the remarks in a manner that will draw attention to the remedies, which is the goal anyway.
things like the tourism decline are seldom one or two things...something like this is very dynamic....
If you think about it, the german tourist on the north coast in an all inclusive...isnt seeing a lot of the countries problems...
and i have been to several other carribean vacation destinations, and I remember huge garbage problems. It was over 15 years ago though..
I remember seeing tons of garbage at the bottom of this crystal clear canal near Paradise Island in the Bahamas.....it was such a huge contrast.
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