Dominican Republic’s Samana to Receive 23 Cruises in 2005

Dominican Tourism Secretary Felix Jimenez said recently the local travel destination of Samana will welcome 23 cruise liners that are expected to carry some 40,000 passengers and crew members aboard.

Mr. Jimenez noted the deluxe vessels will dock in Cayo Laventado, across from Samana, and that companies in charge of bringing those ships to the region are planning heavy investments in the location with the addition of a handicraft market and other services.

At the same time, Secretary Jimenez explained that as far as public cash flow is concerned, the administration wants to pour funds into the building of cesspool water treatment plants and landfill works in the areas of Terrenas, Samana and Las Galeras.

“The Tourism Department understands that through these investments and the completion of the Catey International Airport, the zone will be ready to cater to tourists in the month of July,” Mr. Jimenez added.

Samana features some 3,500 hotel rooms and is gunning for a major increase that will bring the tally up to 5,500 or 6,000 accommodations during the administration of President Leonel Fernandez.