Petra Rondon of the Listin Diario reports that authorities expect some 80,000 French tourists to visit this year, up from last year’s 40,000. In 1997, Air France increased its flights to the D.R. and AOM began its flights to Punta Cana. As a result there are now 10 flights a week from Paris to this country, up from four last year. Reportedly, the French come to enjoy the beaches and exposure to nature, but also get pleasure from getting to know Dominican history and architecture. French tourists are known to tour the entire island in one stay, taking tours to Santo Domingo, Enriquillo Lake (in the Southwest) and Samana (on the Northeast Coast).
