DATE 2005 Came to a Close with Major Announcement

Dominican Secretary of Tourism, Felix Jimenez, announced last week a plan to increase the percentage of promotional aid to tour operators´ advertising campaigns that include Santo Domingo in their tourist packages. This incentive program is designed to encourage travel to the city.

Jimenez explained that if tour operators include two or three days in the city of Santo Domingo in their travel packages to Punta Cana or other Dominican Republic destinations, they will in return receive promotional aid. The percentage of aid remains undisclosed.

Jimenez announced the initiative during the opening night of the Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange 2005 (DATE), held in the gardens of the National Theater in Santo Domingo.

"Santo Domingo has been primarily known as a business destination," explained Jimenez. "However, this city offers an array of attractions, including museums, cultural celebrations and recreational opportunities, just to name but a few, making it an ideal destination for business and leisure travelers alike."

The goal of this year´s DATE was to re-launch the destination as a city rich in culture, adventure, festivities, shopping and golf to international tourist markets. In addition to highlighting Santo Domingo during this year´s DATE, Jimenez also introduced the "Santo Domingo de Fiesta" celebration which was part of an initiative to illustrate the cultural diversity of the city.

DATE 2005 came to a close Friday, April 8 at the Intercontinental V Centenario Hotel. More than 140 participating companies, suppliers and buyers of specialized tourist services attended the travel show.