Minister of Tourism Felix Jiménez said that air arrivals to the DR in January were up 18.5% when compared to the same month last year. He said that some 237,540 tourists visited in January 2000, up from 200,485 in January 1999. Jiménez also mentioned that travel was up from the following destinations in 1999 compared to 1998: Germany (450,000 travelers in 1999), increased 16.3% Canada, up 30.8%, France and Italy, up 23% US up 18.6% Switzerland 2.2% Argentina 2.3% Sweden 78.7% (this market is just starting) Punta Cana continues to be the fastest growing port of entry, increasing 37.4% in 1999 compared to 1998. This reflects the boom in hotel rooms in the area. Arrivals using La Romana Airport grew 36.2%, also reflecting an increase in the number of hotel rooms in the area. Traffic to Las Americas International Airport was up 8.38% and to the Puerto Plata International Airport was up 5.2%. (2 March 2000)
