Dominican Businesspeople Prepare Promotional Crusade in 2004 DATE

Entrepreneurs from the Dominican Republic will hold next week their premier annual meeting on the marketing and advertisement of tourist services in an effort to clinch a bigger inflow of sunbathers in the year 2005.

Corporate sources told Caribbean News Digital the country plans to highlight the attractions of Puerto Plata –some 170 miles from Santo Domingo- during the upcoming Dominican Annual Trade Exchange (DATE).

DATE saw the light of day in 2000 with a view to advertise the Caribbean nation as a travel destination among international wholesalers, travel agents, tour operators, airlines, hoteliers and transport agents.

Organizers led by the National Hotels & Restaurants Association (ASONAHORES) spelled out details in a news conference about this year’s DATE edition and blasted the government for failing to earmark funds for tourist promotion.

Planners underscored the government does rely on resources for that particular activity that are usually collected in a $5 tax levied on airlines per every plane seat, plus additional duties imposed on tourist cards issued to visitors.

ASONAHORES Chairman Johnny Bernal and Tourism Promotional Council President, Enrique de Marchena, noted that while the government spent $25 million in tourism promotion last year, state funds have been zip this time around.

Both execs explained a number of actions that are currently underway with several airlines in order to cut down on airfares, especially to Canada and the U.S. East Coast.