Puerto Plata became the cultural capital of the Dominican Republic when it hosted the First Expo Cultures of the World Puerto Plata 2005 between 6 and 12 June. Coordinated by the Playa Dorada Hotels, Condominiums and Business Owners Association, the Expo featured an impressive array of cultural activities sponsored by several embassies and 44 companies. Austria, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, France, Germany, Guatemala, Israel, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Panama, Spain, the United States, United Kingdom, Uruguay and the Vatican were represented, among others.

It was an opportunity to enjoy arts, books, folklore, gastronomy, and cultural and musical performances from several nations. There was an exhibition of films representing a the best cinematography collection from the participating countries ever to be shown in one city at one time. Admission to all activities was free, with the exception of the gastronomy festival. This festival received the unanimous acclaim of being the best international gastronomic festival ever presented in the DR for the quality and variety of the participating entries.

The event also had the support of the United Nations, the Organization of American States and the Inter American Development Bank in the shape of conferences and book donations.

The organizer, Clara Ines Chavez, in charge of public relations for the Playa Dorada Hotel Association, described the event as “a festival of international culture” in an interview with Diario Libre. She said that culture and tourism sometimes made for an uneasy union, “but when they get to understand each other they can push the economy forward with the force of a train.” She highlighted that a country should not only be known for its tourist attractions, but also for its culture, which should complement its tourism offer.