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Weekly edition of Resumen Turismo No. 76 Wednesday ,Febrary 2, 2011
New Observation Deck to Enjoy Pilgrimage of Humpback Whales
Tourists who want to observe the annual pilgrimage of whales to the country’s north coast waters, but who are not fond of getting on boats to see them “up close and personal,” can now enjoy this annual spectacle right from shore. The Ministry of the Environment recently inaugurated the Center for Land Observation of Whales in Punta Balandra, Samana, on the country’s northeast corner. The Center opened recently, just in time for the whale watching season and to accommodate all those who would like to watch the whales…from shore. At the same time, the Ministry granted 43 new whale-watching boating licenses to an equal number of tour operators who specialize in whale watching tours. The Ministry of the Environment is the agency responsible for monitoring the performance of the whales that annually visit the Bay of Samana for their mating ritual in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. During the whale watching season, from January 15 through the last week in March, especially equipped boats transport tourists from the main port of the city of Samana – beginning at 9 a.m. - for a 30-minute trip that will take
them to where the huge marine mammals and their offspring concentrate. Many are able to observe their movements in the water and listen to their characteristic sounds. The observation and management of the whale-watching boats are carefully regulated by the Ministry of the Environment. The Bay of Samana is known throughout the world as the primary point of reunion in the Ca-
ribbean for these gentle sea giants. Each year some 40,000 tourists visit the Bay of Samana so that they can see for themselves this wonderful spectacle. Many see them up close by taking the 30-minute boat ride to their point of reunion in the warm waters of the north coast. The Samaná region is a mountainous peninsula surrounded by magnificent beaches. The region’s lush vegetation features hundreds of thousands of coconut trees that are characteristic of the region. Samana has its own international airport, as well as a small local airport. The Bay of Samana is situated about one hour and 45 minutes north of Santo Domingo, the capital city.
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Wednesday, Febrary 2, 2011
Two Dominican Hotels Considered to Be Among the Best in the World
Iberostar Grand Bávaro
Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana
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he Iberostar Grand Bavaro Hotel and the Zoetry Agua Punta Cana are two Dominican hotels which were recently included in a list featuring the world’s greatest hotels. The “Travelers Choice 2011 List of Best Hotels” was put together by the millions of tourists who share their travel experiences through the Internet site Tripadvisor, considered to be the most popular site in this particular area (www.tripadvisor.es/TravelersChoice). Iberostar Grand The Iberostar Grand Bavaro Hotel (www.iberostar.com) currently occupies slot number nine in the list of the top 10 international resorts. Ninety-three percent of travelers who voted recommended this resort. The Iberostar Grand Bavaro Hotel is also considered to be the number one hotel in the Punta Cana region, situated on the country’s easternmost section.
The hotel is owned by the Spanish chain Iberostar. This 4.5 star adults-only hotel offers 273 suites. It is situated in one of the country’s most magnificent beaches. It also features golf facilities, six restaurants, 24-hour room service, a spa and three pools. The hotel came in sixth in the top 10 “Travelers Choice 2010” list of the world’s most romantic hotels, and in the number two spot in Mexico and the Caribbean in this same category. In general, it occupied the number four slot in the list of the best Caribbean and Mexican hotels where guests can truly relax. Zoëtry The Zoetry Agua Punta Cana came in second in a list of the 10 best hotels where guests can truly enjoy a relaxing stay. It occupied the eighth slot amongst the most romantic hotels in the region.
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The boutique hotel features 51 rooms, and received 83% of positive comments. It occupies the sixth spot in the most popular hotels in the Punta Cana region. This adults-only facility is situated in the Uvero Alto Beach, in Punta Cana, and features a spa, two swimming pools, a sauna, steam-bath facilities, as well as top-quality food.
19 Dominican Exhibitors Participate in FITUR-2011
Nineteen Dominican exhibitors, along with the country’s Ministry of Tourism, recently participated in the International Tourism Fair (FITUR-2011) held in Madrid, Spain, from January 19-23. Members of the Dominican delegation included representatives from the National Association of Hotels and Restaurants (Asonahores), Punta Cana Resort & Club, Amhsa Marina Hotels & Resort, Coral Hospitality, Viva Wyndham Resorts and Santo Domingo Reinassance Jaragua Hotel & Casino. Also participating were members of Blue Travel Services, the National Competitiveness Council, Domitur, Fiesta Hotel Group, Hola Tours & Travel, Hotchkiss, LTD, Intercontinental V Centenario and Hard Rock Punta Cana.
Wednesday, Febrary 2, 2011
Ron Barcelo Desalia:
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An Impressive Music Festival in Punta Cana
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he legendary Spanish music group “Hombres G”, and renowned international DJ Roger Sanchez, will be among the main attractions of the music bash known as “Ron Barceló Desalia,” to be held on February 19 in Punta Cana, one of the Caribbean’s most spectacular tourism areas. This music extravaganza has become one of the country’s most important annual events, due to the impressive set up of the organizers and the quality of the performers. Punta Cana is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. DJ Roger Sanchez is known for songs that have reached the top in the electronic charts. “Hombres G” is a legendary Spanish band from the 80’s and early 90’s. The group popularized songs like “Give Me Back My Girl”, a Spanish-rock classic.
International Book Fair Dedicated to the First Archdiocese of the Americas
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he XIV International Book Fair, to be held in Santo Domingo from May 4-22 will commemorate the 500th anniversary of the first Archdiocese of Santo Domingo. It is the first time the Catholic Church is institutionally involved in this celebration of Dominican culture. Last year, the fair honored Mexican writer Carlos Fuentes. This year, the country’s Catholic Book Fair, a traditional event held annually for the past 20 years, will cosponsor the International Book Fair. Participants will include many Catholic publishers, speakers, exhibitors and experts on issues relating to the religious world.
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