United Airlines is seriously considering starting regular flights to the Dominican tourist destinations late this year. DR1 Travel News has learned that appointed Minister of Tourism Ramón Alfredo (Chito) Bordas has held conversations with top executives of the airline for the start of flights from Washington, D. C. to Punta Cana in the East and Puerto Plata in the North. The airline is also considering flights from Chicago to Punta Cana airport. Neither Washington nor Chicago is served by direct regular flights to the DR as of yet. The new minister of tourism has also held talks with Delta Air Line that is interested in starting flights to Puerto Plata and Punta Cana, as well as operating the New York-Santo Domingo next year, as part of its expansion programs in the Caribbean. The regular flights would especially be attractive for the promotion of four-day golf vacations that are most sought by US travelers. (9 August 2000)
