President Abinader: Better roads, no more international airports

[Dolores]

President Luis Abinader has openly favored building wider roads to connect existing international airports instead of more airports.

Recently, the government has authorized the construction of the Pedernales International Airport and two additional domestic airports — the southwestern San Juan de la Maguana Domestic Airport and the Nisibon Air Park domestic airport in the east.

Abinader made the remarks at a time when the Supreme Court of Justice has ruled against the construction of the Bavaro International Airport, a would-be second airport to serve arrivals to Punta Cana resorts in the East. The proponents of the airport continue to press for the construction.

President Abinader spoke of the harm the authorizing of an international airport in Santiago has done to the tourism destination of Puerto Plata. The alternative would have been to expand the road linking...

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[windeguy]

President Abinader spoke of the harm the authorizing of an international airport in Santiago has done to the tourism destination of Puerto Plata. The alternative would have been to expand the road linking Santiago and Puerto Plata, only a half an hour’s drive. Instead, the government at the time gave permits for the construction of the Cibao International Airport, smack in the urban center of Santiago province.

Today, Puerto Plata has a lovely large airport with few airlines flying into it. Fares are cheaper to the Santiago, Santo Domingo, or Punta Cana international airports.

Yeah, well, uhm. It was Punta Cana that destroyed the business at Puerto Plata, but at least he realized that "something" destroyed the business at POP.
Not that anything at all can be done about this.

And so it goes.

I am not expecting that expressway from the Grand Parada to Santiago any more than I expect a Cabarete bypass. They have moved on to Pedernales and the next big things like transport in Santiago.

 

[Riva_31]

Yeah, well, uhm. It was Punta Cana that destroyed the business at Puerto Plata, but at least he realized that "something" destroyed the business at POP.
Not that anything at all can be done about this.

And so it goes.

I am not expecting that expressway from the Grand Parada to Santiago any more than I expect a Cabarete bypass. They have moved on to Pedernales and the next big things like transport in Santiago.

No, the problem with Punta Cana in those time there was a law that gave incentives to invest in La Altagracia and every body moved there, that law changed and now apply for whole country in the areas declared as tourist including Santo Domingo. Another problem for POP was Santiago, all the flights from NY, NJ, moved from POP to STI.

 

[windeguy]

No, the problem with Punta Cana in those time there was a law that gave incentives to invest in La Altagracia and every body moved there, that law changed and now apply for whole country in the areas declared as tourist including Santo Domingo. Another problem for POP was Santiago, all the flights from NY, NJ, moved from POP to STI.

Well, I saw what happened over time as tourism grew in Punta Cana and dropped off in POP. My wife's apartments going from full 10 months of the year to hardly any clients.

Punta Cana pulled the tourists away, then the airlines left for Santiago never to return to POP.. The airlines would not have left POP if there was sufficient demand for those flights. That is how I saw it in real time.

 

[Riva_31]

Well, I saw what happened over time as tourism grew in Punta Cana and dropped off in POP. My wife's apartments going from full 10 months of the year to hardly any clients.

Punta Cana pulled the tourists away, then the airlines left for Santiago never to return to POP.. The airlines would not have left POP if there was sufficient demand for those flights. That is how I saw it in real time.

Yes, Flights into Santiago are almost 100% etnic travlers and the tourist most of them are Dominicans with USA passports.

 

[Big]

people stopped vacationing in the North coast for many reasons. Washed up trees on the beach impeding walking. Rough surf. Casinos that were scams, sub-par hotels and restaurants. Nonfamily friendly environment. Many of the casinos on the north coast are closed and vacant, as are the hotels. A very eerie sight. Flights would pick up in a month if there was a demand.

 

[El Hijo de Manolo]

people stopped vacationing in the North coast for many reasons. Washed up trees on the beach impeding walking. Rough surf. Casinos that were scams, sub-par hotels and restaurants. Nonfamily friendly environment. Many of the casinos on the north coast are closed and vacant, as are the hotels. A very eerie sight. Flights would pick up in a month if there was a demand.

Idk, I think you make it sound like a ghost town. Casinos I agree with you. Def not an eerie sight, however. We are full of tourists in Cab right now, I think many families too. I don't get to Sosua much. I know families that live there, but the stigma of Clisante keeps me away. Cabrera has seen tremendous growth as well. Just not for me. There's a lot of NC to be casting such a wide net.

 

[PJT]

It is cheaper to build new roads than to construct new airports that will require continuous gov't departments/agencies staffing. This would nclude costly air traffic control technology with facilities for professional staffs on site. Santiago is a good airport location. It provides a convenient service for the Cibao populations and commerce. It is not beyond imagination, if the country decides at some time to continue with new airports the international air regulators will demand the DR to construct, furnish, and staff a regional air traffic control center to insure the safety of air traffic in and out of the RD and international traffic overflying the country. Lots of money

The president is on the better path, deciding to construct and improve road infrastructure.

Regards,

PJT

 

[lifeisgreat]

Everyone is busy on north coast anyone calling it ghost town has blinders on or doesn’t come much here..

 

[Big]

Idk, I think you make it sound like a ghost town. Casinos I agree with you. Def not an eerie sight, however. We are full of tourists in Cab right now, I think many families too. I don't get to Sosua much. I know families that live there, but the stigma of Clisante keeps me away. Cabrera has seen tremendous growth as well. Just not for me. There's a lot of NC to be casting such a wide net.

Cab, does have a loyal following. I think I see the same kite surfers with ponytails, goatees and leather bracelet's, every time I am there. I think they keep the local weed dealers in business.

 

[windeguy]

Cab, does have a loyal following. I think I see the same kite surfers with ponytails, goatees and leather bracelet's, every time I am there. I think they keep the local weed dealers in business.

Yes, that is part of the story now in Cabarete, but not the major part. I am sure the drug business is booming.

Those guys are not the ones driving the cars causing traffic jams in Sosua and Cabarete.
That would be the people dining at El Choco, Viento etc. and are the growing ExPat population,
who are sometimes confused for tourists since, well, they look similar.

 

[XQT]

Rather than engaging in election politics, Abinader should focus on small things his government is not capable of solving.

Repairing holes in roads, repairing broken side walks also with holes a person can disappear in.
The last month I've been every day in P.P. traveling on the hyw.
There seems to be one or more cruise ships in port every day.

For the few adventurous who walk a few blocks the dilapidated condition is immediately obvious.
The tourist Safari trucks spewing black diesel smoke.
On the hyw on the entrance to P.P. another traffic jam.
A guy on a 125ccm motor with two shying horses on a rope, unable to control them.
Tourists on the safari truck laughing.

Further down the hyw by Montellano, cattle and goats on the road.
At the turn off to the Montellano bridge detour, a gringo selling hotdogs from his grill working day and evening.
Financing his Caribbean island dream of rent, girls, drinks obviously with permanent residency......right!

The Pirate Island charm wears off quickly, fortunately the cruise ship luxury awaits returning passengers after a few astonished laughs and island adventure.

Time Abinader organizes the DR infrastructure, filling pot holes, fixing sidewalks to alleviate the embarrassment.

 

[CristoRey]

Everyone is busy on north coast anyone calling it ghost town has blinders on or doesn’t come much here..

I agee.
Was in Sosua yesterday for a few hours.
My first time up there in three years. Ton of new construction and properties being cleared for development. A lot of things have changed up there since 2021, some for the better some for the worse.

When Abinader was quoted as saying "President Abinader spoke of the harm the authorizing of an international airport in Santiago has done to the tourism destination of Puerto Plata."

I disagree. PP is far less atractive (in many ways) than other destinations in the country. The opening of the airport in Santiago has very little to do with the death of tourism in PP.

 

[El Hijo de Manolo]

Cab, does have a loyal following. I think I see the same kite surfers with ponytails, goatees and leather bracelet's, every time I am there. I think they keep the local weed dealers in business.

Yes, one of the down sides for me, the mooch, dope-smoking surf's up bruh crowd. I have had more posts deleted than written for this comment, but truth be told. I have nothing against the family crowd here in Cab, which I think you are overlooking. Lots of younger gringo couples too (expat types). Food is meh at best. As I was was just mentioning in another convo, it's why I have generally cooked at home most of the time for my kids.

 

[XQT]

I agee.
Was in Sosua yesterday for a few hours.
My first time up there in three years. Ton of new construction and properties being cleared for development. A lot of things have changed up there since 2021, some for the better some for the worse.

When Abinader was quoted as saying "President Abinader spoke of the harm the authorizing of an international airport in Santiago has done to the tourism destination of Puerto Plata."

I disagree. PP is far less atractive (in many ways) than other destinations in the country. The opening of the airport in Santiago has very little to do with the death of tourism in PP.

Few foreigner come to retire or vacation in Santiago or S.Domingo, or to engage in business.
What's the point, one can do substantially better on the outside.

If at all, for most the draw is the weather and beaches.

 

[NanSanPedro]

Few foreigner come to retire or vacation in Santiago or S.Domingo, or to engage in business.
What's the point, one can do substantially better on the outside.

If at all, for most the draw is the weather and beaches.

I'm kinda surprised you would say few foreigners come to either the capital or Santiago for business. I would have thought just the opposite.

 

[CristoRey]

Few foreigner come to retire or vacation in Santiago or S.Domingo, or to engage in business.

I can't speak for SD but since Covid I've noticed a lot more foreigners here in Santiago.

 

[XQT]

If everything goes according to plan I will be able to see him tomorrow!

Caravana Presidencial: Luis Abinader Desplegará su Apoyo en Montellano y Puerto Plata el 03 de Febrero.​

El candidato presidencial y actual Presidente de la República, Lic. Luis Abinader, tiene previsto visitar la parte este de la provincia el próximo 3 de febrero, liderando una caravana que iniciará en el municipio de Montellano, según anunció el Director de Operaciones Presidenciales, Aníbal Díaz Belliard.

La actividad, programada para comenzar a las 10 de la mañana en Montellano, busca respaldar las candidaturas municipales, con especial énfasis en el candidato a la alcaldía de ese municipio, el Lic. Héctor Almonte. Posteriormente, la caravana se dirigirá a la ciudad de Puerto Plata, donde se espera el respaldo del actual ejecutivo municipal, Roquelito García. Sin embargo, aún no se han proporcionado detalles específicos para este municipio cabecera.

Caravana Presidencial: Luis Abinader Desplegará su Apoyo en Montellano y Puerto Plata el 03 de Febrero | Periódico El Faro

periodicoelfaro.com.do

I hope that he will be re-elected and fill pot holes and repair sidewalks, along with grander plans.
A truck is driving around promising asphalting of roads in Pancho Mateo.
Si dios quiere.....

 

[XQT]

I'm kinda surprised you would say few foreigners come to either the capital or Santiago for business. I would have thought just the opposite.

Not exactly one of the world's top spots for residence, yet some like it.
Pollution, traffic jams, crime, poor transit, Malecón and Boca Chiqua beaches, minimal historic monuments.........new world.
As well not a global hot spot for business, yes business can be done in both cities with limited profit margins.

P.C. hotels many Spanish owners, cruises and some S.D. excursions.
Maybe some exploring Cristopher Columbus and colonial history.
Of course one could visit historic Spanish sites in Spain, guess a bit more exposure there??

 

[JD Jones]

If everything goes according to plan I will be able to see him tomorrow!

Caravana Presidencial: Luis Abinader Desplegará su Apoyo en Montellano y Puerto Plata el 03 de Febrero.​

El candidato presidencial y actual Presidente de la República, Lic. Luis Abinader, tiene previsto visitar la parte este de la provincia el próximo 3 de febrero, liderando una caravana que iniciará en el municipio de Montellano, según anunció el Director de Operaciones Presidenciales, Aníbal Díaz Belliard.

La actividad, programada para comenzar a las 10 de la mañana en Montellano, busca respaldar las candidaturas municipales, con especial énfasis en el candidato a la alcaldía de ese municipio, el Lic. Héctor Almonte. Posteriormente, la caravana se dirigirá a la ciudad de Puerto Plata, donde se espera el respaldo del actual ejecutivo municipal, Roquelito García. Sin embargo, aún no se han proporcionado detalles específicos para este municipio cabecera.

Caravana Presidencial: Luis Abinader Desplegará su Apoyo en Montellano y Puerto Plata el 03 de Febrero | Periódico El Faro

periodicoelfaro.com.do

I hope that he will be re-elected and fill pot holes and repair sidewalks, along with grander plans.
A truck is driving around promising asphalting of roads in Pancho Mateo.
Si dios quiere.....

I'm surprised they don't have crews out and about today filling potholes in anticipation of his visit.