Minister of Tourism Felix Jimenez said that if the tourism industry continues to grow at its present pace, in the next 10 years the Dominican Republic will be receiving over five million tourists yearly. He said that 1997 has been a memorable year for the industry and that up to September of this year, some 1,708,460 tourists had travelled to the D.R., 13% more than last year, adding that for 1997, hoteliers expect more than 2,200 million tourists this year, approximately 300,000 more visitors than last year. The Ministry has approved hotel projects for the building of an additional 5,561 rooms, of which 1,600 are opening this year. He said that in the Dominican Republic there are over 38,000 hotel rooms and that the nation could receive over US$850 million in tourism investment throughout the country. Some 7,504 charter flights and 25,885 regular flights were made up to September of this year, more than last year’s figures He said that as of August of last year, several new airlines have begun regular operations to various countries, mentioning Air Europa, Aerolineas Argentinas, Cubana de Aviacion, Air Atlantic, Skyking, Pan Am, Carnival Airlines and Linx Air. He said 11 new charters also initiated their flights to this country Moreover, the Ministry has designated 1998 as the Year of Tourism Training. He also stated that for 1997 an estimated 250,000 English tourists are expected, up from the 40,000 that only five years ago visited the D.R. He said that increase in the English tourism market would compensate for the decline in the German market, primarily due to economic reasons.
