The Ministry of Tourism announced the government would be investing US$225 million in infrastructure, signage and potable water and beach improvement in the north and east coasts. He said the works are scheduled to begin in July and be completed by 2007. The works to be carried out include a US$58 million investment in Puerto Plata and US$ 167 million allotted to Punta Cana-Bavaro, Samana-Las Terrenas, Juan Dolio and Boca Chica tourist destinations.
Tourism Minister Felix Jimenez says that program calls for large investments in tourism advertising abroad, new rulings for water sports, and implementing of entertainment programs for the Colonial City (Santo Domingo), Puerto Plata and Sosua. The Ministry is backing the development of an arts and crafts park in Puerto Plata.
Jimenez pointed out that his office is working on increasing the number of arrivals from Brazil, Russia and Japan. The program includes the implementation of a plan to develop tourism duty free areas. He said these tourists are interested in more than the beaches and the sun. He mentioned they have shown an interest in gambling, Dominican rum and tobacco, and that they also seeks to shop for designer items, as reported in the Listin Diario. Of the three million foreign arrivals to the DR, most come from Europe, the United States and Canada.
Jimenez spoke at the American Chamber of Commerce luncheon that took place in Puerto Plata.