The Ministry of Tourism and the Association of Hotels of Santo Domingo are celebrating Santo Domingo 2013 to showcase the capital city’s attractions as a business and leisure destination. AHSD president Eduardo Reple highlights that the colonial period attractions, large malls, parks and entertainment centers are what make Santo Domingo special. “We are at a strategic time to position our city as a tourist destination,” he told the press announcing the start of the two day event (Monday 14 – Tuesday 15 October). He said that up till now mainly business travelers have stayed at the hotels, and that he looks forward to pushing forward the city hosting more meetings. He said that the city needs to make the most of its location at the center of the Caribbean with all the necessary air connections to the Americas and Europe. The event is taking place at the Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua. Some 140 tour operators and wholesalers and specialized press from 20 countries are participating in the sessions today and tomorrow.