Access especial 2014 ingles

Sp

eci a 20 l Edit 14 io n

Dominican Republic

Meliรก opens its Convention Center at Paradisus Palma Real

2

ACCESS DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

2014

SPECIAL EDItION

InDEx

3

Casa de Campo: ¨Discover The Sporting Life in the Caribbean’s most impressive resort”.

6

Ocean Spa Dr. Fish: relaxation aboard a Catamaran in the Caribbean Sea.

8-9 10

Dominican Government introduces Incentives to tourism industry thatmeet current international trends.

New Convention Center at Paradisus Palma Real.

12

Sivory Punta Cana: A sophisticated experience in the Eastern Region of the Dominican Republic.

13 14-15

Eden Roc at Cap Cana is the first Relais & Châteaux hotel in the DR.

Access newsletter now features more than 20,000 daily visitors, and 3.6 million readers from China.

In FoCuS Pool of hotel Paradisus Palma Real

Long live Chinese Curiosity!

I

t’s not surprising to see that out of a Chinese population of 1.3 billion, some 3.6 million Chinese citizens have visited the eight-month old ACCESS newsletter website, now available in Mandarin. The ACCESS newsletter provides readers from all over the world with positive and important news on the Dominican tourism industry.

Similarly, during 2013, approximately one million international readers discovered important information on the Dominican Republic through the online publication. It is important to point out that during 2013 more than four million international tourists visited the country.

Even though the number of Chinese visitors to the Dominican Republic is practically null, there seems to be a growing interest in that nation for the country’s tourism offers. It is very encouraging to see that everyday more and more Chinese nationals are finding out about the Dominican Republic through the ACCESS newsletter.

In the rest of the world, it is important to point out that every week some four thousand travel agents, tour operators and journalists read the ACCESS newsletter to receive updated information on local tourism news. This number represents 17% of the 30,000 individuals and businesses that receive the newsletter on a weekly basis.

ACCESS readers are found all over the world. For instance, when the Dominican Ministry of Tourism launched a promotional campaign in Israel thousands of new readers from that country began to visit the website. The same occurred with the German market, where the number of tourists from that country to the D.R. has grown by an impressive 16 percent over the last year. When Russian tourists began to visit the Dominican Republic, ACCESS became the only source of tourism-related news to that important marketplace.

We are proud to be the main source of updated tourism news on the Dominican Republic. At the same time we are also proud to be providing millions of Chinese nationals with information on the Dominican Republic.

For more information, please visit: www.accessdr.com.

Editor in Chief: Manuel Quiterio Cedeño Executive Editor: Yamirys Liriano/Yamirys@accessdr.com Senior Editor: Rafael D. Durán Commercial Director: Persio Saint-Hilaire/Persio@accessdr.com DPublic Relations Director: Andrés Lora Periodistas: Neida Ovalles / Minerva Castillo Desing: Merian M. Pérez

Dominican Republic

Ave. Winston Churchill Esq. Max Henríquez Ureña. Edificio InTempo- Suite 302- Ens Evaristo Morales, Tel.:(809) 683-3881 / Fax (809) 563-5215 Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic • Info@accessdr.com | www.accessdr.com . Founded in 2009 CICOM´s product,edited by EquipDatos.

SPECIAL EDItION 2014

Marina Casa de Campo

L

ACCESS DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

“Discover The Sporting Life in the Caribbean’s most impressive resort”

Elite Room.

Casa de Campo´s Lobby.

Kayaking.

ocated in La Romana, Dominican Republic, Casa de Campo a 7,000 acres golf resort community facing the Caribbean sea, offering an unmatched array of experiences found in this tropical paradise, including choice accommodations in hotel rooms, suites or spacious villa homes; a variety of dining establishments including The Beach Club by Le Cirque and La Cana by Il Circo.

the Sporting Life The Sporting Life offes unequalled sports experiences ranging from 90-holes of Pete Dye-designed golf, Teeth of the Dog, Dye Fore and The Links, shooting center, polo grounds and tennis courts to fishing/sailing from a world-class marina home to the Casa de Campo Yacht Club.

Relaxation venues such as exclusive beaches, a premium Spa and places to explore the culture like Altos de Chavon, an artists’s XVI century mediterranean village replica with a wide array of museums, art galleries, boutiques, shopping places, a chapel and a 5,000-seat outdoor amphitheater, site of international touring concerts. Casa de Campo is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Preferred Hotels & Resorts and Great Golf Resorts of the World. casadecampo.com.do Facebook.com/casadecamporesort Twitter @casadecampo.

Casa de Campo Yacht Club.

Casa de Campo Real Estate

Teeth of the Dog.

Having an exclusive relationship with Casa de Campo and its land developer, Costasur, Casa de Campo Real Estate is undoubtedly the premier brokerage in the area. With access to the best properties, exposure to a loyal, international network of owners and investors.

To learn more about Casa de Campo ownership and rental opportunities, please visit our website www.casadecampo.com.do or stop by our Marina and Hotel Offices in Casa de Campo.

3

Hotels IBEROSTAR… Luxury only within the reach of the stars.

Stars like you

IBEROSTAR Hacienda Dominicus, Bayahibe.

The IBEROSTAR Hotels in Dominican Republic are much more than a portrait of paradise, native and exquisite international cuisine, culture, water sports, long beaches, excellent service and adventure ... We have the best hotels in the most exclusive spots in the country. A luxury only available to the stars.

Stars like you.

IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Bávaro

IBEROSTAR Bávaro

PUNTA CANA • BAYAHIBE • PUERTO PLATA

iberostar.com - contact your travel agency.

IBEROSTAR Costa Dorada

6

ACCESS DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

2014

SPECIAL EDItION

Ocean Spa Dr. Fish:

relaxation aboard a Catamaran in the Caribbean Sea

T

he floating spa tour begins immediately once guests board a large catamaran that awaits in the beautiful Playa Bavaro beach, on the Dominican Republic’s easternmost region. Once on board,soak your senses with the warm Caribbean breeze and the relaxing waves of the crystal clear waters. The Ocean Spa Dr. Fish, is a unique custom made a catamaran, this amazing floating spa has been fully designed to please all those looking for that special treat

during their stay in the Dominican Republic.

This magical tour takes about three hours and, during this time, guests will be treated to a program designed to experience ultimate mind and body relaxation. The detox treatment, relieve and combat stress-by, eliminating toxins the po-

res of you feet. Guests will receive the special pedicure provided by the “ Doctor Fish”, tiny little fishes that will make you experience a gentle skin exfolation in the most relaxing atmosphere.

Ocean Spa Dr. Fish is a unique creation of Ocean Adventures the

leading water excursions´ operators in the Dominican Republic.

During the tour guests are pampered by a team of experts who will go the extra mile to provide excepcional customar serv ice.

Pedicure Like Nowhere in the World:

Wellness for the body: The professional masseuses will treat the guests with deep relaxing massages to realease everyday tensions.

For more information: www.oceanadventures - puntacana.com.

Wellness for the mind : Ocean Spa Dr. Fish offers Bio-Pilates classes, an innovative sets of stretching and breathing exercises proven to increase energy levels. The floating matrasses are designed to let guets enjoy a special massage where the waves become the therapist, a real natural relaxation experience.

The spa operates Monday-Saturday, from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. It is an adults-only tour, and guests should wear comfortable clothing and swimwear.

Guests are treated to salads, fresh tropical fruit, sandwiches, natural juice, iced tea, water and a glass of white wine.

Exclusive events in Playa Bavaro One of the largest and most modern convention center of the Dominican Republic with 13 meeting rooms convertible to 24. It offers state-of-the-art technology on computing and audiovisual equipments At the Club House, we have 8 new multifunctional meeting rooms convertible to 13 for all kind of events with wide kitchen service and warehousing facilities.

2 hotels (one Adults Only) 14 restaurants and 16 bars 18-holes golf course 7 tennis courts and 5 multi-sports courts (football, handball, basketball, volleyball and paddel) U Spa and pools Casino and discothèque

1.991 rooms 3.000 maximum pax 20 km | Punta Cana Int’l 190 km | Las Americas Int’l Bavaro beach 60 km | Higüey 205 km | Santo Domingo Golf course “The Lakes” designed by P. B. Dye PO Box 3177 | + 809 686 5797 Playa Bavaro | Dominican Republic www.barcelobavarobeachresort.com

8

ACCESS DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

2014

SPECIAL EDItION

New Convention Center at Paradisus Palma Real

D

ebuting as the new jewel for conventions in the Dominican Republic, theParadisus Palma Real Convention Center opened with 18,000 square feet of multifunctional and flexible space, 15 meeting rooms with customization options to style any meeting, convention or event.

Located in Punta Cana’s Bavaro Beach, this resort is part of Meliá Hotels Interna-

tional who also owns thecontiguous Meliá Caribe Tropical.

Combining this two properties Meliá offers 1,900 rooms and 31 meeting rooms totaling 63,000 square feet of meeting space.

The new convention facilities were designed by renowned architect Álvaro Sans, and planned expansions will lead to a total of 42,000 square feet just for the convention center.

Meetings Olympus

SPECIAL EDItION 2014

Multiple options The meeting rooms feature up to 29 feet high ceilings offering a wide variety of settings including cocktail, theater, classroom and banquets, allowing flexible spaces for meetings and events.

All the rooms are equipped with the latest technology and have a large variety of communication equipments, technical assistance with a professional trained team to help with their experience, providing innovative solutions and ideas in a personalized way.

the Rooms Apollo GS : cocktail style for about 850 people, 750 in theater style, 600 classroom and assembly and banquet for 550.

Apollo I: with a more intimate space, accommodates 170 people (cocktail style), 20 as theater, 80 classroom and 80 banquet.

Apollo II and Apollo III: allows activities for 200 people (cocktail style), 150 theater, 110 as classroom and banquet for 100 people.

Apollo IV and Apollo V: Can make a cocktail for 75 people, in theater for 70, classroom style and banquets for 30 to 40 people.

Apollo VI: with a capacity for 1,400 people for cocktail style; 1240

theater style , 990 classroom and banquet for 910 guests.

Apollo VII: 765 people can enjoy a cocktail in the lounge, theater 675 people, 540 as classroom and 495 for banquets.

Jupiter and Hermes: ideal for an intimate cocktail party of 15 people, 20 if theater and 12 classroom.

Artemis and Minerva: to develop a theater -like activity for 12.

Athena and Aphrodite: a cocktail for 60 people, 80 people for a theater -like activity, class 50 and 40 for a banquet.

Olympus Theatre: in cocktail style about 600 people, 450 theater style, 500 classroom and as a banquet for 300.

ACCESS DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

T

he hotel has 744 suites spread over several 3-story buildings. It has nine restaurants, including the famous “ Passion “, created and directed by Martin Berasategui (considered one of the best chefs in the world with 7 Michelin stars), six bars with international premium brand drinks and Caribbean cocktails, three pool Bars with drinks and snacks beside the pool, the Gabi beach beachfront restaurant, the Red Lounge Bar with music and trendy Lobby Bar at the Reception area.

It also has the YHI Spa & Wellness 2,200 square meters, in which treatment rooms, massage rooms and the hydrotherapy area pamper our guests. Also there’s the Cocotal Golf & Country Club Course field where professional golf lessons by the international team of instructors Sol Meliá Golf Academy isheadquarted. www.melia.com F: Melia.Hotels

Alliance The resort has a partnership with the American Audio Visual Center (AAVC ), the Caribbean udiovisual Center ( CAVC ) and Blue Avenue Studios to offer a full service creative content , production and audiovisual technology. AAVC is skilled in the use of 3D technology, various levels of video mapping, wireless and technology immersion.

Aerial view Paradisus Palma Real Passion By Martin Berasategui

Facilities • WIFI internet access.

• Multifunctional and multipurpose rooms.

• Secretarial services, concierge and technical services on request (extra charge).

• Business Center.

• Electronic and audiovisual media.

• Food and beverage services.

• Excellent acoustics.

• Modern fire protection system.

• Availability to record the event (extra charge).

9

Suite Garden Deluxe

T

Dominican government introduces incentives to tourism industry that comply current international trends

he approval of the Dominican Law Nr. 195-13, which reforms and strengthens tax incentives to the country’s important tourism industry, is a step in the right direction. Similar tax incentives in favor of the country are found in all of the Caribbean region countries.

On December 13, 2013 Dominican President Danilo Medina enacted this new tax incentive law, amending Law Nr. 158-01 on Tourism Development. The Office of the President, the Ministry of Tourism, the Tourism Commissions of the Dominican Congress, as well as the Dominican Association of Hotels and Restaurants and the Dominican Association of Tourism Industries (ADETI) all worked together to bring about the changes necessary in order to modernize the existing law, bringing it to today’s international standards.

The final result is a progressive legal and economic instrument that will give the Dominican Republic equal competitive standards with other tourism destinations in the Caribbean, and Central and South America, in attracting foreign investment for the local tourism industry.

The main aspects of the law are the following: The new legislation introduces drastic changes to the original Law Nr. 158-01, introduced in 2001 to promote tourism development “for those underdeveloped tourism sectors and new sector in provinces and localities that possess tremendous tourism potential.” The law also stated that the benefits would impact all tourism sectors situated throughout the national territory, whether or not it had received [prior] incentives.”

INCENTIVE PERIOD EXTENDED FROM 10 TO 15 YEARS One of the most significant achievements in this order are the changes introduced to the law’s Article 7, which states that “the tax exemption period granted to companies enga-

TAX EXEMPTION RESTABLISHED FOR THOSE WHO FIRST PURCHASE TOURISM PROJECTS The first buyer of one or more dwellings in tourism projects, whether individuals or companies, are exempt from tax payment for the transfer of real estate.

ged in tourism activities ...will be fifteen (15) years from the date of completion of the construction project and installation of equipment of the project receiving the incentive benefits.”

It also benefits “the tourism projects already classified and that are using the tax exemption facilities provided.” It also maintains the three (03) year period to initiate the approved project.

SUPPORT IN FAVOR OF SUPPLEMENTARY OFFER The new law maintains one hundred percent (100%) benefit to “the investments carried out to develop tourism activities, hotels and complementary offers” throughout the country.

Tax Incentives for Existing Facilities That Have Been In Operation for a Minimum of Five (05) Years.

Investments in “hotel facilities, resorts or hotel complexes,” in existing structures, will benefit from one hundred percent (100%) tax exemp-

tion for taxes related to the Transfer of Industrialized Goods and Services (ITBIS), as well as other taxes that would be applicable on machinery, equipment, materials and personal property necessary for the modernization, improvement and renovation of these facilities, provided they were built a minimum of five (05) years.

RENEWAL OF FACILITIES WITH 15 OR MORE YEARS IN SERVICE The law states that “hotel accommodations, resorts and/or hotel complexes in existing structures with a minimum of fifteen (15) or more years built that will undergo a process of reconstruction or remodeling in more than fifty percent (50%) of its facilities and whose final destination will be the installation of hotel facilities, will benefit from one hundred percent (100%) exemption established by law.” This recognizes the urgency to rebuild or remodel hotel facilities that were built fifteen (15) or more years ago, in order to adapt to the requirements of the modern-day tourist.

THE LAW BROADENS THE UNIVERSE OF INCENTIVES APPLICATION The application of the law will expand to existing projects before the law was enacted, to the new projects that will be started after the passage of the new law and those projects that meet the requirements. Howev e r , all cases must be approved by the Tourist Development Council (CONFOTUR).

LIMITS THE INTERFERENCE OF MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY IN APPROVAL PROCESS The reformed law frees all projects from the obligation of needing municipal approval at the time it submits its proposals to CONFOTUR. Previously, municipal approval was needed through the payment of municipal taxes.

Originally, the law stated that “all projects must have preliminary approval of the municipal and urban planning entities.” The new law now states that “the projects approved and accepted for tax incentives and benefits created by the current law shall have the approval of municipal and urban planning entities.”

Artículo elaborado con la colaboración de

firma que ofrece servicios especializados para el sector turismo.

SPECIAL EDItION 2014

ACCESS DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

11

Punta Cana Corales Golf.

Four Point by Sheraton.

Puntacana Resort & Club:

a one-of-a-Kind Destination in the Caribbean

Tortuga Bay Hotel.

T

he Punta Cana International Airport, on the country’s easternmost region, currently handles direct flights from 98 cities from around the world. The airport facility is just a few minutes away from some of the best three miles of whitesand beaches in the world, 45 holes of championship golf courses and three out-of-this-world hotels, each with its own characteristics. These are just some of the many facilities guests will find at the Puntacana Resort & Club, one of the Caribbean’s finest resorts.

The Punta Cana International Airport is on the list of the top 100 airports with the highest traffic of international tourists passing annually through its facility. Last year alone the airport processed 2.6 million foreign visitors. Of this number,actually 64% visited the Dominican Republic. It is without a doubt that it is the best connected airport facility in the Caribbean,handling regular flights from most major cities in Europe, North and South America, Central America and the Caribbean.

The Punta Cana airport has been in operation since 1984. It is the world’s first commercial international airport to be built and operated by a private company.

The facility features two runways

Also, full spa services, a 24-hour business center and a WORKOUT brand gymnasium.

Four Points

the needed amenities for a memorable holiday.

Inside the hotel there is an Oscar de la Renta boutique, the first to be built inside a beach resort. The onethousand square foot boutique is situated just a few steps from the exclusive villas.

The Four Points by Sheraton, at Puntacana Village,is just steps from a host of excellent shopping, dining and entertainment facilities. Conveniently situated steps away from the Punta Cana Airport and from the Puntacana Resort & Club, where guests can enjoy all of the resort’s facilities. The 124-rooms hotel is known for the many amenities and comfortable surroundings found in all its rooms, all decorated with the Four Points quality standards. The facility offers spacious meeting rooms for corporate events and meetings, and a 24-hour business center with WI-FI service and wireless internet access.

the Westin

Golf Facilities

The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club.

and a modern control tower equipped with the industry’s most modern equipment. During the high tourism season, the Punta Cana airport handles more than 400 flights per week.

the tortuga Bay Hotel The Tortuga Bay is a member of Leading Hotels of the World and the only hotel in the Dominican Republic to receive the Five Diamond category issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA).

Situated in a private section within the resort, the Tortuga Bay features 13 beachfront villas that offer guests luxury surroundings, privacy, safety and five-star service. The one to four-bedroom villas are situated on a pristine white-sand beach, packing all

The WestinPuntacana Resort & Club is located just minutes from Punta Cana’s International Airport, in the picturesque Playa Blanca (White Beach) section.

The 200-room, 16-suite facility, also offers guests excellent meeting rooms and wedding facilities. Also, a large outdoor swimming pool, poolside grill facilities, lobby bar, cigar bar, kids club and amazing walking trails.

The “Corales and “La Cana” golf are included on the list of the top 20 golf courses in the world, as prepared by the American Airlines magazine “Celebrated Living.” The magazine also included the Puntacana Resort & Club on the list of the top 20 resorts in the Caribbean. “Corales” was designed by Tom Fazio, and “La Cana” by famed golf course architect P.B. Dye. www.puntacana.com

12

ACCESS DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

2014

SPECIAL EDItION

Deluxe Jr. Suite.

Aerial view of hotel.

Gourmond restaurant.

Panoramic view Infinity-edge pool.

Multiple Awards

Sivory Punta Cana:

a sophisticated experience in the eastern region of the Dominican Republic

T

he 55-suite Sivory Punta Cana hotel is a perfect blend of Polynesian and Caribbean influences, a true tropical oasis.

The oceanfront suites, which also feature private swimming pools, overlook one of the region’s most beautiful beaches.

Situated in the Uvero Alto community in Punta Cana, one of the Caribbean’s most important tourism destination, the Sivory Punta

Cana Boutique Hotel is a member of the exclusive “Small Luxury Hotels“ network and of the luxury „Affluent Traveler“ association.

The hotel offers guests an impressive series of attractions, such as a full-service spa, an infinity pool, three gourmet restaurants, two bars, and the largest wine cellar in the Caribbean with eight thousand bottles of wine from the 300 most important wineries in the world.

There are also two meeting rooms with capacity ranging from 15 to 110 guests.

The hotel also offers amenities such as the „Open Eye,“ where guests do not have to leave their suite in order to enjoy the first „snack“ of the day. A Balinese-style tray with muffins, coffee and fruit juice is delivered every day at the suite door first thing in the morning. www.sivorypuntacana.com

The Sivory Punta Cana boasts a 4-Diamond category from the world-famous American Automobile Association (AAA) guide.

The hotel was selected among the top five hotels in the Punta Cana region by U.S. News & World Report magazine, and was recognized during the „World Travel Awards 2013“ under the category „Caribbean‘s Leading All Suites Hotel.“ Its „Gourmond“ Restaurant, and its international menu, is also listed in the 4-Diamond category by the AAA. And the “Gourmond’s” wine list was distinguished by “Wine Spectator” magazine with its “Excellence Awards.”

SPECIAL EDItION 2014

Golden Shell 4-Bedroom Suite.

ACCESS DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

13

Eden Roc at Cap Cana

is the First Relais & Châteaux Hotel in the Dominican Republic

Solaya Spa Luxury Cabanas.

Interior Koko Kid’s Club.

The resort’s “Garden of Eden ”.

Junior Suite Lagoon View.

E

den Roc at Cap Cana is the first hotel in the Dominican Republic to join the exclusive Relais & Châteaux group, which brings together the finest hotels and gourmet restaurants around the world.

This is the first tourism facility operated by Solaya Hotel & Resorts in the country, and one of seven other Relais & Châteaux hotels in the Caribbean.

The company brings together an exclusive collection of more than 520 of the best luxury hotels and restaurants in 60 countries. It is a private partnership that features the best hotels, chefs and restaurants from all over the world.

All those identified with this brand must meet the most ri-

gorous quality standards, and excellent hospitality services, to its guests.

Eden Roc Boutique Hotel at Cap Cana, situated some 20 minutes from Punta Cana’s International Airport, features 34 individual suites, each with its own swimming pool and relaxation area, with free Wi -Fi connection.

Two specialty suites to note include the Black Horse 3-Bedroom Suite andGolden Shell 4-Bedroom Suite. The facility also features a 4,090 square foot swimming pool, the Solaya Spa, the Koko Kid’s Club, a meeting room and access to the Punta Espada Golf Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus.

Eden Roc at Cap Cana be-

Third bedroom, with twin beds.

gan operations on December 15, 2012. Solaya Hotels & Resorts is is a private firm dedicated to the development of luxury hotels.

Awards & Accolades Eden Roc at Cap Cana has been included in Travel + Leisure’s magazine “It List 2014,” published in March, as one of the best new hotels in the world.

The facility was also included among the 25 best luxury hotels in the Caribbean in the 2014 Travelers’ Choice® awards by TripAdvisor.”

Eden Roc at Cap Cana was also chosen by the U.S. News & World Report magazine as one of the top 20 hotels in the Caribbean. www.edenroccapcana.com

Mediterraneo Restaurant.

14

ACCESS DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

2014

SPECIAL EDItION

newsletter now features more than 20,000 daily visitors, and 3.6 million readers from China

The Dominican Ministry of Tourism is the newsletter’s main sponsor.

The goal of the ACCESS newsletter is to provide international readers with updated news on the Dominican tourism industry.

C

hina has a population of some 1.3 billion people and its tremendous size dwarfs most international statistics. However, the fact that so many Chinese nationals are now viewing the ACCESS website is important news for a small Caribbean nation that is virtually unknown in China. Although the Dominican Republic has no formal diplomatic relations with the Asian giant the website has received more than 3.6 million visits from Chinese nationals in less than eight months.

The Mandarin edition of ACCESS Dominican Republic was launched in July 2013. During the first six months the online newsletter received 2.7 million visitors. During and January and February 2014 an addi-

Number of Visits Period January - February

1.119.226

2014

106.482

2013

2012

20.453 0

tional 973,000 visited the website.

Although China and the Dominican Republic have no diplomatic relations, they do share a trade representative, a diplomat of sorts, which allows both nations to “to maintain diplomatic ties without official diplomatic relations.” Although there are no official Chinese tourists visiting the Dominican Republic, the tourism-related website has beensucccessful and is helping pave the way for future Dominican-Chinese tourism relations, said Manuel QuiterioCedeño,ACCESS executive editor and original creator. Cedeño is also the president of CICOM, the country’s oldest public relations

200.000

400.000

600.000

800.000

firm specializing in tourism-related events.

A unique news service The website www.ACCESSDR. com is unique in Latin America and the Caribbean. The online tourism newsletter specializes in the publication of updated tourism-related information. The website is updated daily, Monday through Friday, in nine languages: Spanish, English, French, German, Russian, Italian, Portuguese, Traditional Mandarin (Taiwan) and Simple Mandarin (for mainland China).

The Mandarin language newsletter is also used by the Dominican

1.000.000

1.200.000

Commercial Office in Beijing.

ACCESSDR is published in the languages of the 20 countries where most of the country’s tourists originate. This newsletter reaches more than 100,000 travel agents, tour operators and journalists from around the world.

Access Dr: From A Small Online Newsletter to A Full-Blown Multilingual Website ACCESSDR began in June 2009 as a small online newsletter, averaging some three pages per edition.

Although the project began by providing information in four languages,

SPECIAL EDItION 2014

ACCESS DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

15

Spanish

Russian.

Mandarin.

in a very short period of time the number of languages jumped to seven. Back then the online newsletter circulated among some 100,000 travel-industry professionals, including 30,000 in the U.S. and Canada.

Originally the idea was to attract the attention of travel agencies, tour operators and journalists by uploading a summary of Dominican-related tourism news.

“After proving that we could generate enough news in seven languages, we decided to launch the

second phase of the project in June 2011,” said Cedeño. This is when the actual website, in a magazine format, became a reality. In 2013 the website was extended to include China. In 2013 the number of actual visitors to the website reached 3.7 million, 2.7 in China and one million from all over the world.

During January and February 2014 some 1.2 million visitors were registered by the website. The latest figures reveal that approximately some 600,000 readers enter the website on a monthly basis.

Cicom –Dominican Ministry of tourism The website’s main sponsor is the Dominican Ministry of Tourism.

ACCESSDR is a reality today because of the Ministry’s support, and the importance given this project by Minister of Tourism Francisco Javier GarcíaFernández, explainedCedeño.

“This alliance between the Ministry and CICOM has already proven its success,” said Cedeño.

third phase of the newsletter Manuel Cedeñorecently announced that the third phase of the ACCESS project will include the website’s redesign and the introduction of modern technology that will make visiting the website much more agile and friendly.

The website will also include special guides prepared by the Ministry and providing space so that other tourismrelated institutions can also include their information in nine languages.

A special sending will also provide tourists with information on tours, transportation and hotels.