Three days of informative seminars and workshops, delicious Dominican food and artisan craft and jewellery exhibitions gave Canadians a taste of the incredible Dominican Republic
(Ottawa, Canada. March 5, 2018).- The first Celebration of Dominican Tourism, Business and Culture in Ottawa successfully concluded with a cocktail party held at the Westin Hotel to commemorate the 174th anniversary of independence of the Dominican Republic.
From February 27th through March 1st, the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Canada hosted government dignitaries, media, travel agents and other esteemed guests at the first-ever event of its kind for the DR. The event took place at the Sheraton Ottawa Hotel, it gave attendees the opportunity to network and also it gave the chance to learn more about this incredible country.
Renowned Dominican Chef Alberto Morel, brought specially from Dominican Republic for this occasion, catered all the activities of this event, including the Dominican Food Festival. Some of the dishes Chef Morel prepared included sweet potatoes puree, beet and potato salad, plantain chips, roasted chicken, slow roasted pork, baked coconut, corn pudding and much more.
For the duration of the event a Dominican artisan exhibition was held, featuring booths from: Cayenart, Dominique Calderón Jewelry, Solidarity Trade of Dominican Hands, Joyería Frica, and Inversiones Anbel. Hotel chains, airlines and tour operators including Air Canada Vacations, Sunwing, WestJet, Iberostar Hotel & Resorts, Be Live Hotels, Emotions by Hodelpa (Hodelpa Playa Dorada), VH Hotels & Resorts and Lifestyle Hotels also hosted booths for attendees to visit.
The event also featured informative seminars and workshops focused on various aspects of the Dominican Republic as not only a tourism destination for Canadians, but a country full of business opportunities as well. There were two workshops for travel and tourism professionals showcasing the DR’s vast offering and different regions. These were held with the support of hotel chain event partners, Tour Operators and representatives of the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic in Canada, whom also spoke about their continued growth in the country.
A seminar held on the Dominican Republic as a Health and Wellness destination explored the idea of medical tourism in the DR, with presentations of Dominican doctors from Grupo Rescue and R-Care Health Solutions, as well as Canadian institutions Accreditation Canada and Allianz Global Assistance. The final seminar/panel discussion was about Business Opportunities in the Dominican Republic with esteemed speakers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, the National Council of Free Zones, Gildan Activewear and Blue Diamond Hotels and Resorts.
A workshop led by Trade Facilitation Office (TFO Canada) gave insight into Export and Trade with the Dominican Republic, especially for Dominican participants that made part of the exhibitions.
Overall this event showcased the aspects of what the Dominican Republic has to offer and serve the Canadian public to learn more about the tremendous qualities of the Dominican Republic.
Appendix:
Sponsors and collaborators
The First Celebration of Dominican Tourism, Business and Culture held in Ottawa, Canada was possible with the sponsorship, collaboration and participation of the following public and private institutions:
In the Public sector
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic (MIREX)
Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic (MITUR)
Reserve Bank (Banreservas)
National Council of Free Zones (CNZFE)
Global Affairs Canada
In the Tourism sector:
Airlines and tour operators:
Air Canada Vacations
Sunwing
WestJet
In the Private Sector:
Canadian Dominican Chamber of Commerce
Puerto Plata Tourist Cluster
Association of Free Zones (ADOZONA)
Trade Facilitation Office (TFO Canada)
Brugal & Company
Cortes Hermanos & Co
Iberostar Hotel & Resorts
Be live Hotels
Emotions by Emotions (Hodelpa Playa Dorada)
VH Hotels & Resorts
Lifestyle Hotel
Accreditation Canada
Fermes Trudeau
Allianz Global Assistance
Blue Diamond Hotels and Resorts
Epsa-Labco Engineers and Consulting
Gildan Activewear
R-CARE HEALTH SOLUTIONS
GRUPO RESCUE S.A.S.
Cayenart
Dominique Calderón Jewelry
Joyería Frica
Inversiones Anbel
Ely Import Export SRL
Billini Agroexport SRL
Agrocluster of the Caribbean
Limón Culinario
Tim Hortons
QEL Dominicana
Runners Adventure
About the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic’s first tourist was Christopher Columbus in 1492. Rich in history, the DR has developed into a diverse destination offering both Dominican and European flavours to more than 837,104 Canadian visitors each year. Named #1 Golf Destination in Caribbean & Latin America by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, the DR boasts 26 designer golf courses, upscale resorts, pristine nature, and sophisticated cities and quaint villages filled with warm Dominican people. The DR features some of the world’s best beaches, fascinating history and culture, and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families alike.
Visit the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism’s official web site at: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com or call 1-888-494-5050 for more information.
