Speaking at the Asonahores Trade Show held in Punta Cana last week, Dominican Republic Hotel & Tourism Association president Simon Suarez announced that the tourism industry planned to purchase an estimated RD$22.4 billion worth of produce from Dominican farms in 2015. This is up 6% compared to last year, taking into account the projected 9% increase in traveler arrivals this year.
Suarez made the announcement during the keynote speech during the 19th Asonahores Trade Show held at the Barcelo Bavaro Convention Center.
He estimated that farm produce consumption by hotels has increased by 25% in the past five years, from RD$16.9 billion in 2009 to RD$22.1 billion in 2014.