2012 Travel News Archive – Page 21

The Dominican Republic received 4,306,431 visitors in 2011, ending the year with a 4.41% increase over 2010. The Central Bank statistical report also indicates that there was a 5.17% increase in the number of non-resident foreign arrivals compared to 2010. Tourist arrivals in the DR have consistently increased from 3,979,672 (2008), 3,992,303 (2009), 4,124,543 (2010) …

Read more…

Foreign travel was up by 181,887 visitors or 5.17% last year, mainly due to the growth in emerging tourism markets from South America and Russia that benefited from increased direct flights. An additional 107,434 travelers came from South America. Travel from North America was also up with 86,619 additional visitors. Meanwhile, travel from Europe was …

Read more…

Cruise ship travelers on board the new Carnival Breeze, which launches in June 2012, will be able to enjoy the new Thrill 5D Theater that presents high-definition, 5D film with tangible enhancements similar to theme park attractions that interact with the viewer – effects like squirting water, bubbles, and chairs that tickle legs, blow air …

Read more…

A new improved lodging option for backpackers and adventure travelers is the Complejo Ecoturistico Rio Blanco in the Bonao central region. The lodge is aimed at travelers who enjoy hikes, horseback riding and nature. A donation from USAID helped refurbish and expand this mountain facility by improving the dining room, 10 cabins and two meeting …

Read more…

Solaya Hotels & Resort is making final preparations for the opening of the new Eden Roc Resort at Cap Cana. The luxury boutique resort will consist of 34 freestanding suites and three opulent bungalows, fully equipped including private pools, and designed by Dominican architect Franc Ortega. “We consider the opening of Eden Roc in the …

Read more…

Southwest, the largest airline in the US based on domestic passengers transported, will be flying its colors into Punta Cana soon. The Dallas-based airline made progress on its May 2011 merger with AirTran Airways and will be taking over the AirTran flight into the eastern Dominican airport. On 20 January the airline announced that Punta …

Read more…

Russian tourists have been increasing their bookings to the Dominican Republic. In recognition of the market growth, the Dominican Republic is the Partner Country at this year’s Moscow International Travel and Tourism fair. The event, in its 19th year, is the largest and leading travel and tourism exhibition aimed at the Russian market. It will …

Read more…

La Vega, Bonao and Santiago’s carnival celebrations on Sunday afternoons in February are one of the Dominican Republic’s leading annual cultural activities, and should not be missed. Thousands of spectators travel to the central cities to watch the devil-like carnival characters as they frolic and make mischief, providing some great photographic opportunities. Then on Sundays …

Read more…

Sereno de la Montana seeks to attract travelers who enjoy kayaking, tubing and camping in a mountain forest environment. The eco-lodge received a RD$1.9 million donation from USAID for enhancements that were completed in December 2011. The eco-lodge was fitted with solar panels for electricity, water heaters in the guest rooms, and provided with new …

Read more…

The success of Punta Cana’s Hard Rock resort, the US brand’s first all-inclusive hotel, has led Mexican company Palace Resorts to announce the launch of the new brand with flagship Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Punta Cana and the rebranding of three Palace hotels in Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Maya. The hotels are now …

Read more…