2003 Travel News Archive – Page 21

The World Travel & Tourism Council had forecast that the Dominican Republic would see an increase of 4.4% in 2003, compared to 2002 travel statistics. In light of the war under way, however, WTTC expects the country to see a 0.3% loss. This difference of ?4.7%, is the additional negative impact associated with an inconclusive …

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Susie Castillo, whose father is Dominican and mother Puerto Rican, won the title of Miss USA 2003 last night in San Antonio, Texas. The former Miss Massachusetts will next represent the United States at the Miss Universe pageant, to be held in Panama next May.  Castillo grew up speaking Spanish and has been modeling since …

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Princess Elena, the first-born daughter of King Juan Carlos de Borb?n and Queen Sofia of Spain and the second in line to the Spanish throne, spent her eighth wedding anniversary vacationing in the DR. The princess was married on 18 March 1995 to Jaime de Marichalar, son of Amalio de Marichalar, Count of Ripalda and …

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Tourism Minister Rafael Suberv? Bonilla feels the war in Iraq has not affected nor will it affect travel to the Dominican Republic. He said that present occupancy rates for the end of the winter season are very good. Indeed, over the weekend, hotels in Playa Dorada had overbookings and a steady stream of arrivals. Suberv? …

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With the purpose of strengthening restaurant operations, owners of Dominican restaurants have united to form the Asociaci?n Nacional de Restaurantes (Asonares). The nationwide organization?s board is presided over by Elizabeth Schecker (Restaurante Scherezade), Giancarlo Bonarelli (Vesuvio II), Catalina Henriquez (Reina de Espa?a), Titina Bonarelli (Vesuvio), Felipe Lopez (Casa de las Paellas), Marino D?az (Bucanero), Virginia …

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Brazilian guitarist-pianist, Egberto Gismonti will perform at the National Theater this Wednesday, 26 March. Anthony Oca?a and maestro percussionist Guarionex Aquino will appear at the Santo Domingo main stage to accompany the famous instrumentalist and composer. For those vacationing in Santo Domingo, this is an opportunity to see one of the best Brazilian contemporary musicians …

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The Dominican Republic Department of Migration has not changed its policy of admitting US tourists arriving with and subsequently allowing these to exit the country with the mere presentation of their tourist cards and the same identification documents with which they entered. Migration supervisor Jose Flores at Las Americas International Airport, and Jose Oliva, spokesman …

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The Central Bank says that for the first half of March, foreign air arrivals increased 19% compared to the same period in 2002. In January travel had been up 36%, in February 22%.  So far, the Caribbean had somewhat benefited from the uncertainty, as more US travelers preferred to stay in the neighborhood and have …

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IATA forecasts the war will bring a 15-20% drop in passenger numbers. As airlines worldwide experience a sharp drop in travelers because of the war with Iraq, many hot deals, spring savings and saver fares are being announced, at the same time that new policies are making it easier to travel now. Days before the …

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The Dominican Port Authority is expecting 600 cruise liners to visit Dominican ports this year, while travel data for 2002 reveals that this type of tourism has increased by 18.6% since 2001. According to the economic report released by the Central Bank, the port of Santo Domingo and the ferry service from Puerto Rico were …

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