Dominican Republic (May 31, 2008) - Recent tourist news from the Dominican Republic includes beach restoration, a Merengue festival in July and a Jazz festival in November.
DR Tourism Minister Felix Jimenez announced the rejuvenation of Long Beach in Puerto Plata, as well Juan Dolio Beach and the start of revitalization efforts to beaches in La Romana, Najayo, Palenque (San Cristobal) and Barahona to nsure their healthy beauty.
DRs 41st Annual Merengue Festival to be Held July 24 - 27, 2008
The DR celebrates its 41st annual Merengue Festival at the Malecon in Santo Domingo from July 24 - 27. The Dominican musical festival offers activities including drinking, eating and dancing. The program includes Tono Rosario, India Canela and Kinito Mendez on Thursday, July 24; Fernando Villalona, Kico el Presidente and Banda Gorda on Friday, July 25; Pochy Familia y la Coco Band, Querubanda and Eddy Herrera on Saturday, July 26; and Sergio Vargas, Giovanny Planco and El Torito on Sunday, July 27.
JetBlue Airways Offers Flights to the DRs Santo Domingo from Orlando
JetBlue Airways has begun flights to Santo Domingo from Orlando, Florida. The new service departs from Orlando (MCO) at 2:25 p.m., arriving at 6:05 p.m., and departs from Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) at 6:50 p.m., arriving at 8:50 p.m.
DRs Golf Federation Adopts U.S. Golf Handicap and Course Rating Systems
The Dominican Golf Federation has signed two licensing agreements with the United States Golf Association (USGA), to apply, regulate and manage its Handicap and Course Rating systems in the DR. The DR becomes the 51st country (14th in Latin America and the Caribbean) with a USGA direct handicap license, and joins 92 state golf associations in the United States that already have the USGA authorization.
Delta Introduces Atlanta-Santiago Daily DR Flight
Delta Air Lines will begin daily service from Atlanta to Santiago starting on December 20, 2008. The new flight joins Deltas existing nonstop service between Atlanta and Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata and Punta Cana. The newly added flight will depart Atlanta at 10:25 a.m. arriving at Santiago at 2:33 p.m., to return to Atlanta on DL502, which leaves Santiago at 3:35 p.m. and arrives in Atlanta at 6:18 p.m.
Four AAA Diamonds for the DRs Casa Colonial
Casa Colonial, the DRs first boutique hotel when it opened in 2004, has been awarded a Four Diamond rating by the American Automobile Association (AAA). The AAA rating is for hotels that are upscale in all areas Casa Colonials accommodations are defined as "progressively more refined and stylish." Casa Colonial is a 50-room and suites hotel and spa.
DRs Courtyard Santiago Awarded Platinum Distinction
The Hotel Courtyard by Marriott Santiago was awarded a Platinum Award distinction, an award offered by Marriott International. The distinction recognizes the hotels operational efficiency and high levels of guest satisfaction with its service, hospitality and physical condition. The hotel has also received awards for highest levels of guest satisfaction in the category of image and maintenance of the property, brand champion for its positioning and key initiatives.
DR Jazz Festival to be Held November 6 - 9, 2008
The five-day long DR Jazz Festival will be held November 6 - 9, with performances in Cabarete Beach in Puerto Plata, as well as in Santiago. Over the past seven seasons, the festival has featured a number of world famous jazz musicians including Chuck Mangione, David Sanchez, Ray Baretto, Nestor Torres, Chucho Valdes and Arturo Sandoval. Performers will lead educational workshops for children, aimed at encouraging them to get involved in the arts.
Fairmont Roco Ki Hotel Begins Construction in DRs Punta Cana
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts formally announced construction of the 255-room Fairmont Roco Ki, the Fairmont Residences (condominiums, villas and estate homes), and Fairmont Heritage Place, a private residence club, due for completion by 2010. One main attraction will be the Nick Faldo-designed 18-hole championship golf course.