At the onset of the cancellation of the ITB Berlin tourism fair, the largest in the world, the Dominican Republic is faced with the reality that several, if not all, of the major tourist providers for the local economy have experienced cases of the coronavirus COVID-19. With over 83,000 cases worldwide detected so far and fatalities approaching 3,000, this latest coronavirus outbreak is causing havoc around the world.
There are several cases reported of coronavirus in Europe as a whole, from where over 1.3 million tourists came to the DR in 2019. Cases have been reported in Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Sweden, Russia, Greece, Finland and others.
The Dominican Civil Aviation Board halted all flights from Milan, Italy, late last week. Italy alone sent over 90,000 tourists to the DR last year. The 45-day measure will be in effect until 15 April 2020.
On another level, the Dominican Republic is an importer and exporter of goods and services to and from China. Last year, the country sent over US$181 million in goods to China. Last year the Dominican Republic received over 11,000 travelers from mainland China, where the virus originated. Over 2,500 Chinese had arrived in December, just as the virus was identified.
And while China is at the forefront of this outbreak, South Korea, which has nearly 3,000 cases, is an important supplier of merchandise to the Dominican market.
There are cases in the United States from where over 2 million tourists visited last year. There have been cases reported in Mexico, which sent over 50,000 tourists to the DR last year.
Public Health Minister Rafael Sánchez Cárdenas recommended against traveling to China and Italy until the virus is under control.
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Diario Libre
Hoy
N Digital
2 March 2020