Ernesto Veloz, president of the Association of Hotels of the East, said that Punta Cana continues to be the fastest growing destination in the Dominican Republic. Speaking on Dominican TV’s Uno + Uno program, Veloz announced that 2,800 hotel rooms are under construction, many of which are expected to enter into operation this winter season. Veloz says that there are currently 24,600 hotel rooms along the East Coast beach strip, and they expect to have 28,000 in operation by next year. Veloz mentioned that in any given week Punta Cana International Airport receives up to 200 flights bringing tourists from different parts of the world. He said that airport receives 52.5% of the tourists who travel to the DR. He explained that the Boulevard Turistico del Este that will connect Punta Cana Airport with hotel areas to the north (up to Uvero Alto) is advancing, and 14 of its 43.5 kms have already been paved. Once the expressway is completed, an additional 10 kilometers will be added to connect it to Miches, the next eastern destination due for development. The expressway has cut driving time considerably, and the Bavaro area is now an eight-minute drive from the airport.