Dominican tourist zones are secure, according to Tourism Minister Felix Jimenez who believes that 2006 will be a record-breaking year for tourist arrivals, as reported by Diario Libre. Jimenez spoke in reply to Italian Ambassador Giorgio Sfara’s comments that the recent crime wave is projecting a feeling of insecurity that could cause a reduction in the number of European tourists visiting the DR. The minister said that Punta Cana, Sosua, Puerto Plata, Cabarete, Bayahibe, La Romana and Boca Chica are all safe places where crimes are “isolated cases”. However, he said that measures are being taken to improve the equipment and efficiency of the members of the Tourism Police (POLITUR).