Dominican Vacations Online

Dominican Hotels gain world recognition

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:55:00 +0000

-The Iberostar Grand Bavaro from Punta Cana was included in the list of the top 10 design hotels in the world, the Santo Domingo won the highest score in the implementation of quality standards in food handling and the Dominican Republic.

-The Occidental Embajador Hotel won the highest score in the implementation of quality standards of food handling in the Dominican Republic and the Americas.

- Casa de Campo won the award for the third year "Resort Golf Leader of the Caribbean" at the World Travel Awards, the boutique Casa Colonial in Puerto Plata, was included in the finalists of the awards Johansen 2011, Conde Nast Travele.

-Gran Ventana Victoria Hotel was awarded the "Award of Excellence 2010" by Thomas Cook, was nominated for World Travel Awards 2011.

-Punta Cana Resort & Club, was chosen as the leader of the Caribbean Green Hotel, the Catalonia Bavaro boutique as "Caribbean's Leading Boutique Resort", the Barcelo Bavaro Beach Resort Casino and Resort Leader of the Caribbean, the Punta Cana Club Med for Best Family Resorts in the Caribbean, and Punta Cana Sivory as Leader in Caribbean Resort.

-The website Trivago.com chose Hostal Nicolas de Ovando among the best Latin American historoc place and Punta Cana Zoetry Aqua was chosen as second on the list of the best to relax in the Caribbean and Mexico Travel Choice award in 2011.

Tortuga Bay Hotel among the best in the world

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:17:00 +0000

Tortuga Bay Boutique Hote l located in the Punta Cana Resort & Club has been awarded the Traveller's Choice Award 2012, as one of the three best in the world in the Caribbean, as certified hotels.

Tortuga Bay was first preference of the Dominican Republic, ranks number three among the twenty best hotels in the Caribbean, according to assessments of millions of travelers that reflect their experiences on TripAdvisor, the largest travel websites worldwide, with 50 million unique visitors per month and 20 million registered users.

Tortuga Bay is a luxury boutique hotel with 15 luxurious villas (50 rooms) were built taking into account the use of wood and cane, with a design that integrates the landscape. This hotel also has golf courses to the sea, designed by Tom Fazio and PB Dye and Six Sense Spa.

Puerto Plata Hotels are full during this month

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:55:00 +0000

The president of the Association of Hotels, Condominiums and Commercial Establishments of Playa Dorada, Roberto Casoni, said that in recent weeks, hotel occupancy has been a marked increase, from 34 percent last December to 71.3 percent in so far this month.

Casoni said that to achieve this increase has been key to work together hoteliers have developed the North and the Ministry of Tourism, to capture new market niches, "which allow us to have a greater flow of tourists to our hotels" .

Casoni said that the hotels are located in the strip from Cabarete to Luperon are prepared with your comfort and trained personnel to offer the best quality services to foreign visitors.

The hotels in Playa Dorada, Marapicá, Cofresi and Maimon recorded excellent occupations, as revealed by Casoni, indicating that the promotions have been made abroad, "begin to bear fruit for the tourism that comes to Puerto Plata."

Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Hotel Resort, located on Cofresi, maintains the primacy of the occupations of the hotels in this province, as recorded by 100 percent.

Casoni said that this facility marks an overbought above 20 points.

In this hotel followed Oasis Marien, Iberostar Costa Dorada, Puerto Plata Barcelo, Gran Ventana, Blue Bay Villas Doradas, RIU, Puerto Plata Allegro, Lifestyle Tropical, Great Paradise, Puerto Plata Village and Casa Marina, with an occupancy of between 80 to 90 percent.

Casoni said that the arrival of Canadian visitors has increased in recent weeks in this location, then the agreement between the hotel on the north coast about 250 tour operators in this country, to promote Puerto Plata for the arrival of the season high.

Devotees travel to Higuey to celebrate La Altagracia´s Day

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:43:00 +0000

For dominicans it is a popular religious belief to ask the Virgin of La Altagracia for the healing of illness, bad love, emotional distress or "pain pockets", which is expressed in the inability of thousands of dominicans can not even meet their basic needs.

Maybe that's why, yesterday, from early morning, hundreds of people began to pack the courtyard of the sprawling complex where stands the majestic Basilica of Our Lady of La Altagracia, patron saint of Higuey, place of pilgrimage and economic foothold for dozens of vendors of food, water, candy, rum and beer, women and even nightlife.

Outside, right near the main entrance to the sanctuary, there are other beggars. They have nothing that makes it impossible to walk, talk, listen or look perfectly.

They are in good working condition. But they do not, because they know very well that the Day of La Altagracia Province held in a predominantly tourist, then let them pay greater dividends than any informal employment.

This is so because the protective mother of Dominicans have the same spiritual value to hundreds of tourists coming to Higuey from Europe, USA and other contours of the world, to ask things or thank you for having given others.

This group of people asking the same organization who works honestly, is made up of Haitians and Dominicans, with the first group that predominates in this activity and seen as normal in these celebrations.

Our Lady of Altagracia has been capped twice by the highest authorities of the Catholic Church, Pope Pius XI and John Paul II.

Her first coronation was the August 15, 1922, when Pope Pius XI was in the country, and from the Bastion February 27, today Puerta del Conde, La Altagracia was canonically crowned under the title of Our Lady of La Altagracia .

During the first visit of Pope John Paul II on January 25, 1979, this blessed Shrine of La Altagracia, now Basilica of Our Lady of La Altagracia and October 12, 1992, on his second visit to the Dominican Republic, the Pope John Paul II personally crowned the image of La Altagracia with a silver-gilt crown.

Historians have multiple versions of the history and origin of La Altagracia in the country, including his image, which is believed to be the canvas of the painting of La Altagracia is an earlier work, and could be performed at the Spanish Riding School art, and that experts say was painted in the late fifteenth or early sixteenth century, but no document to prove it. (Source)

Dominican Republic exceeded target country for air passengers

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:01:00 +0000

During 2011 the Dominican Republic exceeded expectations in terms of tourist arrivals by air, presenting a growth above 5%, the Tourism Minister Francisco Javier Garcia in the opening of the International Tourism Fair Fitur 2012, held in Madrid, Spain.

According to the official estimated, it was expected that by 2011 the growth reached 4%, however the rebound was presented in December to be placed above 5% throughout the year.

"In December we conclude with an extraordinary growth above 8% and in general, grew 5.17% in 2011 compared to 2010," said García.

Mr. García said that the year just ended was a milestone in the history of Dominican tourism when establishing new brand of visitor arrivals that exceeded four million 300 thousand visitors a year.

"In 2011 it received the largest number of tourists had been received for one year with the arrival of 4.306 million tourists, which marks a milestone in the history of Dominican tourism," said the official.

He stressed that Russia played a leading role in the growth of 2011 from being an emerging market with an established, at a time when some European markets are affected by the global crisis, keeping the U.S. as the largest market for dominican tourism.

"The Russian market has become an established market with a growth of 59% in 2011 and peaked at over Italy, but the latter ceased to grow, to fifth place behind France, Germany, Spain and England "said the Minister.

Perello Cultural Center welcomes visiting members Club Classic and Vintage Car RD

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:54:00 +0000

Antique Car Club Classic and the Dominican Republic (CAACRD) started 2012 calendar of events visit the Cultural Center Perelló of Bani, where they were displayed in front esplanade 20 cars of the era of the 1930 car until 1970.

The visitors received a tour of the Cultural Centre Perello, visited the painting exhibition areas and Linked from the collection of artistic works of Banco Popular Dominicano, the photo exhibit of Wilfredo Garcia,collection from Centro Leon in Santiago.

Club members noted works of famous dominican painters such as Paul Giudicelli, Jaime Colson, Celeste Woss y Gil, Gilberto Hernandez Ortega, Yoryi Morel, Eligio Pichardo, Darío Suero, Ramón Oviedo, Guillo Perez, Antonio Prats Ventós, Ada Balcácer, Fernando Perez Defilló, Plutarco Andujar, Elsa Nuñez and Luichy Martinez among others.

The old cars were also parked for several hours, in the central park Marcos A. Cabral, opposite the city hall hero's Maximo Gomez.

Residents of the town of Maximo Gomez (Bani), saw cars beginning of last century such as a Ford type 1930, and a great representation of the vehicles from the 50s, 60s and 70s, with a preponderance of the great was the famous American auto line Ford, Chevrolet, GM, with a variety of models such as Mustang, Camaro, Impala, Nova and others.

Fishing Lodge Cap Cana

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:02:00 +0000

Inside the Fishing Lodge located in Cap Cana, guests can enjoy a high level of service, a private beach - a nice two-minute boat ride - two themed restaurants, three bars, four swimming pools, a stone chapel wedding Dominican style, a art fitness and fashion.

It also has the most prestigious golf course in the Caribbean and Mexico, designed by Jack Nicklaus in the exclusive Punta Espada Golf Club., Children's activities and boat rentals.

There are also spacious and luxurious space for meetings and weddings, including a waterfront amphitheater.

Cofresí Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:44:00 +0000

Cofresi Beach is located near Puerto Plata and was named by that name by a pirate of Puerto Rico, the Captain Roberto Cofresi.

Around Cofresi Beach is Ocean World & Water Park which houses the largest water park in the world of dolphins.

Each week, thousands of domestic and foreign tourists enjoy the spectacle of dolphins and other attractions of this beach.

Cofresi Beach is distinguished by its soft golden sand, clear water, with trees along the line, some cabins, parasols, with winds in an area only located in the Atlantic.

Cofresi Beach is ideal for a good rest.

Cofresí Palm Beach Resort

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:37:00 +0000

Palm Beach & Spa Cofresi Resort is the newest jewel in the crown of Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club.

Nestled along Cofresi Beach, the property offers a spectacular view of the sparkling Caribbean Sea.

The resort provides a high level of service and luxurious amenities for the enjoyment of families and couples looking for the perfect destination for a vacation getaway.

With 468 well appointed rooms ranging from suites for adults only to family standard rooms located between the beach and a spectacular Ideal for couples or the resort located in a quiet, idyllic spot is a worthy representative of the name Lifestyle.

The property was developed considering the space and comfort, making Cofresi Palm in a relaxing, enjoyable and highly satisfactory place to all guests and their families.

The rooms have air conditioning, cable television, telephones and ceiling fans, and the decor features a unique design with dark wood furnishings.

The shaded patios and balconies in some units provide a quiet place to gather with friends and family.

With services and amenities that are standard on property Lifestyle, Cofresi Palm offers a luxurious lodging experience unique.

Playa Bonita Beach Residences

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:22:00 +0000

Samaná Bay, recognized as one of the most beautiful bays in the world, has had the privilege of being one of the first Caribbean to obtain this recognition.

Highlighting its natural beauty, the bay also serves as a refuge for whales migrate each year of the globe north to the warm Caribbean waters.

It is located in the North coast of the peninsula, specifically in the area of Playa Bonita and west of the town Las Terrenas, where the project is Playa Bonita Beach Residences located just 150 km from the central polygon of the city of Santo Domingo, the same distance from Santo Domingo to Santiago.

Playa Bonita Beach Residences is different from the other projects in the area because it is a gated residential community with services operated and privately and to establish the first residential community ecology of the northern coast of the province of Samaná.

The front of the beach has 9 buildings with 88 apartments overlooking the sea, including 36 penthouse with upper terraces and Jacuzzi, designed by Christopher Angel Valdez & Giudicelli. The apartments on the beach and contemplate large panoramic balconies range from 120 m2 to 165 m2.

Humpback whales come to Samana

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:22:00 +0000

Beginning this Sunday, January 15, the Marine Mammal Sanctuary of the Silver Banks and Christmas will be the setting for thousands of domestic and foreign tourists enjoy one of the most beautiful natural spectacles, the mating of hundreds of humpback whales each year return to the warm waters of our Atlantic coast to mate and bear their young.

In order to respect the whales occupy habitat and ensure compliance with the regulations established for observation, signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Tourism, the Navy , the City of Samana, the Center for Conservation and Eco Samaná Bay and its Environs (CEBS), Atem, FUNDEMAS and Boat Owners Association of the Bay of Samana.

The Navy ships will monitor only with permission and registered with the Ministry of Environment to carry out the mobilization of visitors to the activity of whale watching, and do not emit smoke, unnecessary engine noise and horn beeps.

The Boat Owners Association of the area among its captains promote compliance with the whale watching regulations adopted by all involved in the system of co management of the activity.

The whale watching season boosts the economy of the entire area during the months of January, February and March, as more than 30 000 foreign tourists and Dominicans make the trip to see a sight to behold.

Sailing Tournament at Cabarete

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:08:00 +0000

Competitors from the Netherlands, Japan, Germany, Puerto Rico, Bermuda, USA, Spain, Curacao, Canada, Italy, Argentina and the Dominican Republic today are participating in the X Laser Sailing Championship Caribbean, which will stage beach Cabarete, Puerto Plata.

The event is run by the Dominican Sailing Federation, headed by Luis José Cabra.

The main race official will be David Kerr from Puerto Rico, and the main jury will be Chris Gowers, from England.

The favorite for winning this event is Julio Alsogaray, from Argentina, who recently won gold at the Pan American Games and is ranked fourth in the world.

Dominican sailors are optimistic for their participation in the event that has created great expectations.

Memorial Museum of the Dominican Resistance

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:55:00 +0000

The Memorial Museum of the Dominican Resistance was created by Decree No.287-07 and is located on the 210 Arzobispo de Nouel street in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo.

Its mission is collecting, organizing, cataloging, preservation, research, dissemination and exhibition of goods, tangible and intangible heritage of the nation, for the struggles of several generations of Dominicans during the dictatorship of Rafael L. Trujillo, its antecedents and its consequences.

The Memorial Museum of Dominican Resistance is aimed at students, teachers, members of the Police and Armed Forces and the general public.

It is a site to commemorate the fallen in the struggle for democracy, but more than anything is an educational institution that is dedicated to raising awareness among new generations about the value of life and the fundamental human right to freedom, the right act and express their ideas without fear of losing his family, his dignity or life.

This museum uses the most modern audio-visual resources, complemented by pieces from the heroes and survivors of these deeds libertarian as well as testimony, recordings, photographs and videos of the Fallen, environments, dioramas and models depicting the torture prisons and certain episodes history.

This dominican museum includes service areas such as bathrooms, library and cafeteria, an auditorium and a documentation center.

It also includes restoration and extension Jail site 9, as an integral part thereof.

Skiing, Snowboarding, and Fantastic Ski Resorts – California has it all

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:59:00 +0000

If you are looking to get away from the Dominican Republic, and take a different kind of vacation; travel to California and take a snowy retreat on a mountain.

Ski resorts in California are abundant, diverse, and always conveniently located.

In northern California, the Lake Tahoe area is well known for being home to posh snowfall, good roads, and some of the largest ski resorts in the United States. Here is the short list of some of the best ski resorts in the state of California.

Located in the Lake Tahoe region of Northern California, Squaw Valley is the second largest ski area at Lake Tahoe.

Squaw Valley is the first American ski resort to have a funitel ski lift along with 33 chairlifts to accommodate over half a million skiers each year.

The Squaw Valley Ski resorts is spread over 4,000 acres and across six mountain peaks topping at a height of 9,050 feet.

Skiing and snowboarding areas cover over 4,000 acres just 35 miles from South Lake Tahoe. Located just seven miles from Alpine Meadows, skiers can enjoy snowboarding, night skiing, tubing, cross country, and snowshoe trails. Private and group lessons are available plus ski and snowboard rentals.

Alpine Meadows

Located five miles west of Tahoe City and nearby Squaw Valley on the western side of North Lake Tahoe, Alpine Meadows, with a top elevation of 8,637 feet, is one of Lake Tahoe’s most popular of the ‘Big Six’ ski resorts.

Alpine Meadows offers skiers and snowboarders the convenience of 11 chairlifts and two surface lifts that cover more than 2,400 acres of ski terrain.

Alpine Meadows has three popular terrain parks, the Dance Floor with six table top jumps, Sneaky Weasel with two table tops and one hip jump, and Roo Ridge with five table top jumps at 10 to 15 feet.

Tiegel Park is the perfect terrain park for kids to learn while doing. The Tiegel Terrain Park features 8, 16, and 20 foot Flat Rails, 3 rollers, and special kid’s group lessons. Season passes and group rates are available.

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

One of the most amazing facts about Kirkwood Mountain Resort is that it has a history of receiving over 800 inches of snow during a single ski season.

The average snow fall for the area is just less than 500 inches.

Kirkwood Mountain Resort is nearly 33 miles south of South Lake Tahoe on the California side. Aside from the spectacular 2.5 mile long ski run, Kirkwood offers a variety of Terrain Parks for skiing and snowboarding that include Burton Adventure Land for beginners, Burton Progression Park for intermediate skiers, K2 Stomping Grounds for intermediate to advanced skiers, and the Border X Course for skiers and boarders with a passion for speed.

Lessons for kids, beginners, and adults are available through the Tahoe Learning Center with the purchase of the Learning Pass.

Bear Valley:

Bear Valley Ski area is located southwest of Lake Tahoe nearly a three hour drive from Sacramento, the capital city of California.

Bear Valley is famous for its 35 Cross Country and Snowshoe Trail system that covers 3,000 acres of snowy terrain which receives nearly 360 inches of snow a season.

The top elevation at Bear Valley is a breathtaking 8,500 feet with 1,280 acres suitable for skiing and with handy chairlifts.

Bear Valley offer skiing and snowboarding terrains suitable for any level from beginners to advanced skiers and boarders.

The Terrain Parks at Bear Valley offer a combination of boxes, rails, and jumps for skiers and snowboarders with beginner to advanced skills. Instructors are available to teach and give helpful tips.

Take a break from skiing or snowboarding at the Hungry Bear Food Court & Bakery, the Cub Café Espresso Bar, or JB’s Outdoor Barbecue. ATM conveniently located at the food court.

Megan Gates is an active blogger who provides written work to the blogosphere pertaining to NY Real Estate Listings, Hamptons Condos, home improvement and the latest architecture, design, fashion and travel. Follow her on twitter @MEGatesDesign.

80% of dominican hotels are small

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:18:00 +0000

80% of the hotels in the Dominican Republic are small establishments, even in tourist locations such as Jarabacoa, Constanza and Cabarete are the only option for accommodation.

However, the 136 large hotels in the country account for 80% of the total rooms available.

According to the registration of the Hotel and Tourism Association (Asonahores), the Dominican Republic has 674 hotels totaling 66.968 rooms, of which 538 are small with an offer of 13.166 bedrooms.

With the exception of the province of La Altagracia, where 58% of hotels are over 100 rooms, the rest of the Dominican Republic is dominated by apartments and accommodation centers smaller.

Santo Domingo is the second area with the greatest number of large hotels, which constitute 24% of options in town, totaling 71 stores.

In Boca Chica there are 49 hotels, of which 46 are three to twenty-six rooms, totaling 632. However, only three large hotels add 1.284 rooms.

In Santiago alone and Grand Admiral Marriot Courtyard exceed one hundred bedrooms, with an availability of 160 and 138, respectively.

While there are 27 small hotels which together offer 707 bedrooms.

Casa de Campo, with 433 rooms, is the only hotel among the 11 large hotels are there in La Romana.

The 10 small hotels barely have 294 bedrooms.

In San Pedro de Macoris, there are 30 hotels, of which nine account for 18% of total rooms.

In Constanza and Jarabacoa there are only small hotels totaling 129 rooms and 213 respectively, which must be added the farms and villas for rent.

The area of Cabrera, Nagua and Rio San Juan, in the province María Trinidad Sánchez , has only 1.964 rooms in 40 hotels, of which only Caribbean Village Playa Grande is the largest, with 303 bedrooms.

The accommodation is 67 Samana hotels, which represent 2.669 rooms.

In Santa Barbara de Samana are located Cayacoa and Cayo Levantado hotels , with 295 and 214, respectively, in Las Terrenas are five large capacity hotels totaling 955 rooms accommodation in Las Galeras is and Casa Marina Bay with 250 bedrooms.

Puerto Plata is the tourist center with the largest number of registered hotels with a total of 154. In this province there are 41 hotels with 2.945 rooms, concentrated by 73% in the eight largest hotels.

In Gold Coast there are two hotels of 584 and 516 rooms, and in Playa Dorada are 10 hotels with 3.644 rooms, of which only Colonial House is a small school of 50 rooms.

Sosua is the locality with the highest concentration of hotels in the area with 65 hotels with 4.702 rooms, 11 of which exceed 100 bedrooms.

The 27 hotels located in Cabarete are small, whereas Cofresi is only three large capacity of accommodation that encompasses 830 bedrooms.

Also, the town of La Isabela is one of 68 hotel rooms and Luperon Tropical Luperon site covers 89% of the supply of accommodation in that town that has 429 bedrooms in total five hotels.
(Listín Diario)

Santo Domingo Hotels on high demand

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 20:01:00 +0000

The central polygon hotels in Santo Domingo have the largest demand that provides accommodation in the Dominican capital.

This was stated by vice president of Asonahores, Arturo Villanueva, who emphasized the development that has had the business tourism in the metropolitan area and its relationship to the dynamism of the business and gastronomic in the area.

There are currently several hotel projects in the pipeline in the capital and were inaugurated recently.

Much of the Novocentro Square building has been earmarked for hotel accommodation and the structure of the Blue Mall is still under construction.

In Abraham Lincoln Avenue opened two years ago around the Holiday Inn and actually investors are building two more hotels.

Also in Tiradentes Avenue are building a hotel plaza and Maximo Gomez avenue Lina Barcelo and Cortyard hotels maintain a high level of demand, according to Villanueva.

However, the occupancy rate has dropped significantly in the Colonial Zone, said the executive director of the Association of Small Hotels in Santo Domingo, Rafy Saldaña.

Mr. Saldaña pointed out that most of the guests are non-resident dominicans visiting the country and inhabitants of provinces reaching the National District to participate in conferences or seminars.

The associations of hotels in Santo Domingo have recorded nine hotels in the Colonial, which together offer 325 rooms.

The Hotel and Tourism Association (Asonahores) and the Association of hotels in Santo Domingo (AHSD) recorded in the Colonial City the following hotels: Sofitel Nicolas de Ovando, French Sofitel, Mercure Comercial, Hodelpa Caribe Colonial and Europe Hotel Boutique, totaling 325 rooms .

The Association of Small Hotels in Santo Domingo brings Beaterio accommodation centers, Count of Peñalba, Coco Boutique and Guest House Naemi with an offer of 44 rooms.

In the center of Santo Domingo AHSD Asonahores and have recorded eight hotels: Dominican Fiesta, Clarion, Santo Domingo Courtyard by Marriott, Holiday Inn, Barceló Santo Domingo, BQ and Apart Hotel Plaza Colonial.

The accommodation of these hotels sum 1.452 rooms.

10 Best travel worldwide destinations for Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 14:12:00 +0000

Christmas is a special time in the year to celebrate and reunite with loved ones. But it is also an excellent opportunity to turn the holidays into an unforgettable journey.

Meet new destinations or return to our favorite city to see it glow with Christmas lights .. These are the 10 locations recommended for the new year 2012:

1-New York (United States):

New York shines with a special glam for the holidays. What makes it a destination for travel on most wanted Christmas.

A Christmas classic New Yorker is the "Radio City Christmas Spectacular" a magnificent spectacle of City Hall to pure spirit of Christmas.

Another can not miss is the "Shopping Week" the week for holiday gifts, each store is lit with beautiful Christmas decorations. And, of course, the magical Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center.

2-Rovaniemi (Finland):

Located in the Lapland region in Finland, Rovaniemi is nothing less than the birthplace of Santa Claus.

It is a town with a picturesque wooden houses, snowy mountains, reindeer and sleigh. Very close to the Rovaniemi is the Santa Claus Village theme park, visited by thousands of people for Christmas.

The park has attractions and shops allegorical, for example, the post office where Santa Claus receives letters from children asking for gifts.

3-Bethlehem (Israel):

It is a very special proposal, which may be one of the most important travel life for believers. Bethlehem visit gives us the opportunity to see the place where the manger where Jesus was born, no doubt something very exciting. In addition, visiting Bethlehem, we will be able to find religious objects and souvenirs about Christmas.

4-London (England):

Christmas in London is not only a feast for the eyes with its beautiful streets lit tree or Trafalgar Square. It is also a treat for the ears.

Traditional Christmas carols are heard everywhere. Also in the halls of the english capital is special Christmas concert. In some, the public is welcome to join the singers.

Another classic Winter and Christmas in London is ice skating in one of the many tracks in the city.

For shopping, there are Christmas markets with crafts, design objects, collectibles, gifts in addition to the typical department store in London.

5-Madrid (Spain):

Christmas in Madrid is another must-see, and of course more affordable proposal for the spanish.

The capital city offers an unforgettable Christmas experience. Enjoy holiday stories and music in the Plaza Mayor, enjoy ice skating rinks and Christmas markets.

A special mention deserves the dazzling light of the most beautiful buildings in Madrid, such as the Palace of Communications.

To this it adds an artistic activity as mixed. A must-see city for Christmas, for spanish, foreigners and locals as well.

6-Rome (Italy):

Another city that undoubtedly marked by religion is Rome. Here the Christmas celebrations are unique.

The biggest attraction is probably torchlight processions celebrating the birth of Jesus. In St. Peter's Square and Piazza Navona Christmas markets offer delicious sweets, traditional handicrafts and chocolate coins.

7-Buenos Aires (Argentina):

In downtown Buenos Aires major avenues are decorated with endless white lights that hang like garlands giving a magical effect to the streets.

Christmas Eve in Buenos Aires has a classic is a must the sky lit by fireworks exploding everywhere when they give twelve.

For lovers of holiday shopping, the malls of Buenos Aires is an attractive ideal. In addition to the very favorable currency exchange and tax-free products, shopping malls are open until dawn, offering deep discounts surprising.

8-Paris (France):

Paris shines brighter than ever at Christmas. The lights dress the Champs Elysees, the Eiffel Tower and the Ferris Wheel.

The huge Christmas tree Notre Dame is a point missed. Winter gives us the incredible possibility of ice skating under the Eiffel tower herself.

On Christmas Eve many French are accustomed to dine in one of the wonderful restaurants that have Paris.

And the grand finale, the fireworks show of the Seine, an unforgettable experience.

9-Rio de Janeiro (Brazil):

Rio de Janeiro has a unique way to experience the holidays with joy and passion that characterizes Brazil. A very original attraction is the floating Christmas tree in the world, a marvel of lights drifting in the water creating a very beautiful effect.

Those who can stretch his stay until the New Year will see the popular ritual of launching small boats into the sea with gifts and flowers.

A different Christmas with the tropical warmth and charm of one of the best beaches in the world.

10-Sydney (Australia):

A Christmas quite different from the known, not only by the warm climate of the southern hemisphere.

Australian Santa Claus - "Swag Man" - is more than original dress hat, blue tank top and shorts! Besides reindeer companions are not, obviously, but kangaroos.

The main attraction is the big fireworks display that takes place in Sydney Harbour. After midnight the party moves to the beaches of the city.

Dominican Tourism was good during 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 22:59:00 +0000

Despite the economic crisis facing the main european countries sending tourists to the Dominican Republic in 2011 the country recorded a growth of 5% in the number of visitors compared to last year.

The Ministry of Tourism has launched a strategy to diversify the source markets with which it has been increased to four flights from Russia, and has significantly increased the reception of tourists from Central America, Brazil, Argentina, United States and Canada.

The main markets remain the United States and South America, which has grown this year by over 40%, with the case of Brazil, which has increased by 127% the emission of tourists, according to Tourism Minister Francisco Javier Garcia.

As stated by the vice president of Hotel and Tourism Association (Asonahores), Arturo Villanueva, the Dominican Republic this year ranked among the fastest growing tourist destinations in the Caribbean region, but stressed the need to increase spending by tourists in the country and increase product quality, so that in addition to maintaining the growth rate can attract a greater capacity to consume.

One of the most highlighted achievements of the sector in 2011 was the inauguration in October Tourist Atlantic Boulevard, which promises to boost tourism in Samaná.

Also, this year we have implemented several initiatives to revive the flow of visitors to Puerto Plata.

The Ministry of Tourism has launched an exclusive promotion of the destination for U.S. and Canada with an investment of over $ 1.8 million.

Santo Domingo Cluster presented art in carriages

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 22:29:00 +0000

The Santo Domingo Cluster delivered the first seven carriages donated by the company Adrian Tropical, within the program of renovation and improvement of services offered to residents, visitors and tourists in the Colonial City.

The carriages have been used as canvases on which have been translated works of great masters of the Dominican Arts, including Guillo Pérez, Elsa Nuñez, Amaya Salazar, Souci Pellerano, Jose Cestero, Mirna Guerrero and Candido Bidó.

They were manufactured by a specialized company in Canada.

Freddy Ginebra, president of the Tourism Cluster of Santo Domingo (CTSD), said that the act of painting designs on the body of the carriages was quite an art festival, held in Columbus Park on the street El Conde, for two purposes consecutive week, by a select team of students from the end of the National School of Visual Arts, supervised by its Director, Prof. Miguel Valenzuela.

The event took place in the Plaza of Spain, compared to Pata de Palo Restaurant on the Plaza of Spain, where the drivers were the carriages from the president of CTSD, who was accompanied by important artists and personalities in the dominican tourism and cultural issues.

Green Tower Juan Dolio

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 01:02:00 +0000

Green Tower is a different residential concept in comfort, enjoyment and safety, rooted in the most beautiful in the Caribbean Dominican surrounded by sea, exotic beaches, golf courses and a heavenly vegetation.

Green Tower corresponds to an exclusive apartment project, strategically located in the most beautiful beach in the tourist area of Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic, near Santo Domingo and 20 minutes from Las Americas International Airport, which serves the historic city of Santo Sunday.

Green Tower has been designed considering the highest standards of quality, engineering and architectural development to ensure your investment in the Caribbean the perfect, ideal place for peaceful coexistence in you and your family.

Green Tower is also an ambitious project designed to become the first concept of eco-friendly apartments in the Dominican Republic, building materials that promote the environment, using both a new renewable energy system that would work with all the lighting of common areas the condominium.

Green Tower offers the following facilities:

- Monitored security system with cameras.
- Large green areas.
- Modern panoramic lifts.
-Luxurious and spacious lobby.
-Comfortable reception during 24 hours.
-Finely decorated living rooms.
-Restaurant and cafeteria.
-Infinity pool for adults and children.
-Fabulous thermal jacuzzi.
-Nice terrace solarium type.
-Safe children's play areas.
-Multi-purpose room with terrace.
-Sea view.
- Large modern gym.
- Permanent sauna.
-Salon.
-Relaxing Spa.
-Laundry.
-Hall of drivers and employees.

Hilton Hotel builds new parkings

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 20:00:00 +0000

The Hilton Hotel Santo Domingo presented to the media the progress of the construction of a modern building parking, during a tour led by top officials of the hotel.

Hector Concari, general manager of the Hilton, said during the activity that "this new building will strengthen our market leadership, complementing existing services. With this work, Hilton Hotel Santo Domingo is the largest city with parking units for guests and customers. "

This parking has five floors, with modern infrastructure and is located in the northern section of the hotel with direct access from Independence Avenue.

It has capacity for 400 vehicles, loading and unloading area for mounting equipment and events will also have a security system of last generation.

Parking is expected to become operational in the first quarter of 2012.

Punta Cana Group inaugurates landing runway and control tower in the East

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 17:26:00 +0000

The Punta Cana Group opened a new runway and a modern control tower at the airport Internancional of this municipality of the Eastern Region.

The Punta Cana International Airport, with new facilities, has becomes the most modern air terminal in Central America and the Caribbean, explained the entrepreneur Frank Rainieri, chairman of Punta Cana Group.

Mr. Rainieri explained that the new runway is 10,171 feet long and 150 feet wide, allowing the landing of wide-body aircraft such as Jumbo, Airbus, the Extended-range and the newly launched B-787.

He quoted it is the eighth expansion of the airport since it was inaugurated in 1984, allowing now accommodate a greater number of aircraft.

In this regard, Rainieri explained that the new track has three taxiways will optimize the landing, and said it is equipped with the latest generation of light, allowing better visibility for pilots.

Rainieri said the cab of the new control tower allows a 360 degree unobstructed sight, and is equipped with radio communication aid to air navigation and meteorological systems, identical to those used by major airports in the world .

JetBlue launches the only nonstop flight between New York and La Romana

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 22:48:00 +0000

(image from belitours.com)

JetBlue Airways is pleased to announce today the beginning of its bi-weekly service to La Romana, its fifth destination in the Dominican Republic.

The largest airline in the Dominican Republic will fly between the John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York and La Romana (LRM) on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

To celebrate the launch, the airline's customers can book from now until December first at jetblue.com /new for only $ 149 each way for flights on Wednesdays, until February 2012 .

To begin the week of celebration of the new service JetBlue Getaways will be dodging five vacation packages of four days and three nights for two people including return flights to La Romana accommodation.

Customers can log on to jetblue.com/instantwin and receive a virtual card to scrape and try their luck.

From tomorrow until Saturday, customers can also enter for a chance to win one of five day vacation packages to Liberia, Costa Rica, as well as St. Thomas and St. Croix, respectively.

All who enter the sweepstakes will also receive a discount code for $ 50 to purchase a vacation package future JetBlue Getaways.

In the Dominican Republic JetBlue also flies to Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, Santiago and Santo Domingo, with service to New York.

The company also connects Boston to Santo Domingo, Santiago and Punta Cana, offering nonstop service from Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and San Juan to Santo Domingo.

With this new service, customers can easily connect through New York to eight destinations including Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Buffalo, Portland (Maine), Rochester and Syracuse, with a convenient service connections in its base of operations located in Terminal 5 at JFK.

JetBlue service between JFK and La Romana will be operated with Airbus A320 aircraft fleet of the airline, with seating, the first bag free and free drinks and snacks, unlimited, comfortable leather seats, more legroom than any other airline in economy class and award winning customer service.

Brazilian Airline will open in Dominican Republic

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:49:00 +0000

(image from revistahuespedes.blogspot.com)

Brazilian airline Gol, one of the largest South American nation, plans to settle in the
Dominican Republic beginning in march 2012.

The information was offered the director of the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC), Alejandro Herrera, who noted that this will allow our country to become a central link between South America and the rest of the world.

He said that this agreement will have a major impact on both economic and in the sense of visibility and mobility of the Dominican Republic.

He explained that the company will make some 200 flights a week, representing about 780 direct jobs and 2,500 indirect jobs. He said the flow of passengers through the Gol will be 2.1 million per year and can load 75 000 tons per year.

He considered that the importance of the installation of the airline in the Dominican Republic is that the country become South America in connection with North America and Europe. He also said that attract a greater flow of tourists from Brazil and other South American destinations to our nation.

On the other hand, said the airline will allow installation of the local agreements to open new routes from the Dominican Republic. (source)

Pullmantur Air will establish in Dominican Republic

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:18:00 +0000

(image from noticiassin.com)

Pullmantur Air, one of the largest airlines in both Spanish fleet of aircraft and flight capacities, announced this Saturday, operates regularly between the airport of Las Americas and Madrid, Spain.

Mr. Enrique Saiz, Commercial Director of the company in the Dominican Republic reported that the airline will fly weekly from Saturday November l9, and to use the route B747-400 aircraft, known as Jumbo, with capacity for hundreds of passengers.

The airline executive said the decision to include the Americas as a route to and from Madrid-Spain, in order to continue contributing in the development of the Dominican market with regard to air travel.

Mr. Saiz said dominicans are also interested in traveling to Spain, flights will be available from next Saturday with Pullmantur Air, a new service options and rates to pick and choose among the other airlines flying to Madrid.

The manager reported that the inaugural flight is scheduled for four in the afternoon of Saturday at the airport of Las Americas with the assistance of government officials, tourism operators, airline executives and the Consortium Aerodom.

Saiz was pleased with the facilities the company has received both the Dominican Civil Aviation Institute, Aerodom IDAC-like, which are responsible for the management of space and airport services in the Americas

Pullmantur Air has been conducting regular and charter flights between Madrid, Spain and the airport of La Romana and Punta Cana, respectively, deciding to include the Americas with a weekly flight. (source)