The 2004 DATE Convention begins today in Puerto Plata, where over 100 foreign tour operators will converge. They will be coming from the United States, Argentina, France, Columbia, Germany, England, and Canada, among places. Over 85 local businesses in Puerto Plata have set up booths and prepared events for the visitors. One of these will include a Dominican Night that has been prepared especially for the 600 guests. Playa Dorada is hosting this event for tour wholesalers, and, according to Mario Marattana, the director of Fun Royale, the presence of all the world?s major tour wholesalers gives the area a very positive image.