The Deputy Secretary of Tourism, Luis Simó, who heads the government delegation to the Top Resa travel fair held in Deauville, France, said that everyday the country is becoming a more popular destination for the French. He said that the flow of tourism has been reflected by Air France which has increased its flights to meet the demand.
Mr Simó said that the cultural side of Santo Domingo, such as the colonial city, is one of the major attractions for French tourists. He told the press that he met with executives from Air France and the OAM charter airline that controls 30% of the outbound tourist travel market and has 54 flights a week to the French Antilles. OAM is now interested in starting flights to the D.R. He also held conversations with the sales manager of Compagnie de Le Ponant, a deluxe sailing ship company that expects to start trips to the D.R. as of 17 April 1997. Also pending is a proposed service by Air Guadaloupe, whose president Eric Khoury is expected to visit Santo Domingo in November.
Mr Simo said the Ministry will participate in the World Travel market held in London, and also the World Travel Fair in Tokyo.