Johnny Bernal, president of the National Hotel & Restaurant Association, said at a press conference in Puerto Plata last Friday that DATE Puerto Plata had filled all expectations. An estimated 10% more buyers came this year, and buyers were impressed by the comprehensive approach to selling the destination while offering guests a comfortable place to stay.
Bernal admitted they have come a long way. He said that Playa Dorada mistakenly turned its back to the community as it evolved in the 90s. ?What should have been its greatest strength turned into dead weight,? said Bernal. ?Everyone in Puerto Plata depends on tourism, from the town seamstress, to the man who peddles lottery tickets, to the boy who washes cars, all feel it when travel is down.? But he explains, ?It had to take a crisis to raise the awareness.? Bernal highlighted that DATE has served to commit hoteliers to the new scheme of development of the north coast tourism pole. The Thursday Dominican night in the Central Park impressed the attendants for the concentrating of the culture and heritage of Puerto Plata in the park square, the excellent Dominican food delicacies, finest of dinner settings, and the Familia Andre music, excellent fireworks show, all in the framework of 100 years of history, a combination that brought tears to the eyes of many.
?We are all committed now to focus more on the town and community experience. When one travels, one is not traveling to a hotel, the hotel is in second and third place to the experience, one does not want to be enclosed. Dominicans are hospitable by nature, and our visitors want that cultural experience,? said Bernal.
Culture is good business, rumors that buyers booking on Friday, after the Thursday Dominican night, were willing to pay up to 20% more on average for room rates, now firmly convinced Puerto Plata is a great product.