Dominican Public, Private Sectors Support DATE 2005

The public and private sectors of the Dominican Republic have chipped in some 20 million pesos for the Caribbean nation´s major travel and tourism event, the Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (DATE 2005), scheduled to unfold from April 6 to 8.

Funds contributed for DATE 2005 have been funneled into operational costs, such as transportation of international news media representatives whose plane tickets, hotel accommodations and other programmed activities will be paid for. Other funds have been used to produce the Dominican Night and the nightly opening ceremony.

Lisette Fernandez, marketing director of ASONAHORES (National Hotel & Restaurant Association), explained huge investments have been made to mount the convention center and for the handling of prearranged appointments. Another part of the money is being poured into international promotion of the event (printouts and publicity).

For his part, the president of ASONAHORES noted DATE 2005 will drive the city of Santo Domingo back on the tourist track, and pointed out the country continues to be a safe travel destination.