CONTACT
Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism
+1(305)7865079 / +1(305) 5327950 Ext. 241
andres.avila@newlink-group.com
All alerts and warnings related to Hurricane Maria discontinued for the country
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – September 22, 2017— The Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic (MITUR) reports that Hurricane Maria did not have any impact on tourist destinations, and all airports, ports and highways operate on a normal basis. Today, the U.S. National Hurricane Center has discontinued all hurricane and tropical storm alerts for the country.
The Minister of Tourism, Francisco Javier García, announced that destinations are functioning normally. García recognized the professionalism of industry members, as well as the tourists’ positive attitude, which allowed authorities and the tourism sector to follow through with the prevention plan and development of contingency protocols without any incident.
“What’s most important is that not one tourist, of the more than 50,000 who are staying at our hotels, were harmed in any way,” said Minister García.
The airports of Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, La Romana, Samaná, Santiago and Puerto Plata have resumed normal operations. It is recommended that visitors contact the airline and/or tour operator of their preference to receive more detailed updates. Furthermore, cruise ports have restored operations, with more than 50 cruise ships expected to arrive this year. Likewise, all tourist excursions and attractions are reestablishing their normal schedules.
The Dominican Republic, the #1 vacation destination in the Caribbean, maintains its commitment to offer its visitors the best service and tourism product in accordance with the highest standards of the industry.
###
Hurricane Maria moves away from the Dominican Republic without causing major damage to the tourist destinations
The US National Hurricane Center has discontinued the meteorological alerts for Punta Cana, La Romana-Bayahibe, Juan Dolio, Santo Domingo and Barahona
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – September 21, 2017— Hurricane Maria continues its northwest trajectory, moving away from Dominican Republic without having a direct impact on the country’s tourism industry. The US National Hurricane Center maintains a hurricane alert for the northern coast of Dominican Republic, which includes destinations such as Puerto Plata, Sosua, Cabarete and Samana. Weather conditions are expected to improve as of tonight.
“In the north, the situation is under control despite intermittent rains and moderate winds that have caused some trees to fall,” said Julio Almonte, Vice Minister of Tourism of the Dominican Republic’s Northern Zone. “We have toured the area and can report that the hotel infrastructure has not suffered any damage and that electricity and water services are working. The roads are operational and Gregorio Luperón Airport was not affected.”
As for the airports of Punta Cana, La Romana and Samana, the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC) ordered the resumption of operations today. The flight schedule in the country is expected to return to normal within the next few hours.
As of last week, the hotel industry activated hurricane management protocols to deal with any effects of the storm.
“So far, no significant damage is reported in the country’s tourist destinations,” said Joel Santos, president of the National Hotel and Tourism Association of the Dominican Republic (ASONAHORES). “There are cleaning and gardening crews operating to repair some of the things that wind and rain have affected, but fortunately there is nothing that the current protocols and established procedures have not helped us deal with.”
Ernesto Veloz, president of the Association of Hotels and Tourism Projects of the East (ASOLESTE), said, “the hotel infrastructure of Punta Cana did not suffer considerable damage, with only the usual minor impact you would face with winds and rains of this nature. Hotel services are fully operational. Together with the Special Corps for Tourist Safety (CESTUR), we have traveled the area verifying the state of the highways and roads and the restoration of electricity in affected areas.”
Similarly, Juan Bancalari, president of the Association of Hotels and Tourist Companies of Samana (AHETSA), commented that “Samana does not report major issues and vehicular traffic on the Northeastern Highway and Boulevard del Atlántico is back to normal. The hotel infrastructure in the area did not have significant damage, the electricity was reestablished in one of the areas that had been affected and the flooding on the boardwalk will be solved in the next hours.”
For the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic (MITUR), the welfare and safety of our visitors is a priority. Therefore, we will be vigilant and alert of the situation until the hurricane leaves the Caribbean and will be providing updates as required.
###
About the Dominican Republic
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the north and the Caribbean Sea on the south, our lush tropical and paradisiacal country boasts nearly 1,000 miles (1,609 km) of coastline, 250 miles (402 km) of the world’s top beaches, magnificent resorts and hotels, and a variety of sports, recreation and entertainment options. Here you can dance to the pulse pounding thrill of the merengue, renew in our luxurious and diverse accommodations, explore ancient relics of centuries past, delight in delicious Dominican gastronomy or enjoy ecotourism adventures in our magnificent national parks, mountain ranges, rivers and beaches.
Known for our warm and hospitable people, Dominican Republic is a destination like no other, featuring astounding nature, intriguing history and rich cultural experiences like music, art and festivals, plus uniquely Dominican specialties such as cigars, rum, chocolate, coffee, merengue, amber and larimar.
Dominican Republic features the best beaches, fascinating history and culture, and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families alike. Visit Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism’s official website at: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.
