“The Chocolate Route” Promoted in El Seibo

“The Chocolate Route” Promoted in El Seibo
El Seibo, 08/12/2010

Tour operators in the Eastern zone of the country paid a visit to the Chocolate Route in Los Botados, El Seibo, with the idea of putting it on the eco-tourism map for national and international visitors as well as to promote development incentives for the province and the area´s families who are behind the project.

As a result of this agreement and initiative of First Lady Margarita Cedeño de Fernández, the Foundation for Responsible Tourism is seeking its main objective of sensitizing society and raising awareness among businesses and tourists about the importance of developing responsible and sustainable tourism.

The suggestion to create the tourism route is part of the follow-up activities contained in the letter of intent signed by the First Lady and the National Association of Hotels and Restaurants (ASONAHORES) at the Date 2009 meeting.

As a result of this agreement and initiative of First Lady Margarita Cedeño de Fernández, the Foundation for Responsible Tourism is seeking its main objective of sensitizing society and raising awareness among businesses and tourists about the importance of developing responsible and sustainable tourism.

The Chocolate Route consists of a visit to the region´s organic cacao growers where visitors will receive an explanation of what is involved in the chocolate producing process beginning with cultivation of the cacao trees, their growth, how they are harvested, fermented then dried as well as the steps involved in making marmalade, wines and other derivative products.

At the last stop of the tour, visitors will be served lunch in a typical Dominican canteen where, in this case, there is a small store where area families involved in the El Seibo is Progressing program will display their handmade hammocks, a decorated balcony, a typical kitchen (a display model), ecological cabañas for lodging, among other crafts and items representative of the area.

“This project is the result of the hard work we´ve been doing with the First Lady in an effort to promote responsible tourism. It is of interest to the First Lady that tourists don´t just come and stay at the hotels but rather understand what we produce and what we share with the people. The installations are adequate and I think this is the beginning of a great project that will benefit all of us because tourism is the responsibility of everyone,” said Haydee Kuret de Rainieri, president de ASONAHORES.

The Office of the First Lady oversees and fosters logistical support through the Progressing program while promoting and publicizing the work being done by the Cacao Producers Block for the benefit of the families involved and the entire community.

“This is a big initiative and we are sure that it will be a great success. I closely assessed the area in terms of hygiene, installations, food…everything. It will be a success,” assured Frank Rainieri, president of the Punta Cana Group.

“This is a marvelous destination. Everything is in place. We already know that every tour operator represented here will include this place as part of what they offer because it fulfills all of the standards and it is wonderful,” said Carlos Medrano, president of Luna Tours.

Pilar Hernández Sánchez, president of the Cacao Producers Block, welcomed the tour operators who represent 12 agencies that have shown interest in promoting tourism in the Chocolate Route.

Luna Tours, Grupo Punta Cana, Amstar Dominicana, Caribbean Club, Connect Travel Services, Fortuna Tours, Green Services, Nexus Tours, Prieto Tours, Turissimo Caribe, Barceló Vacations and VIP Travel Services all attended the guided tour of the area. Lagoon Rusia and Bávaro News, Bávaro-based media organizations specializing in tourism, were also on hand at the event.

Frank and Haidee Rainieri.

Visitors entering the cacao farm.

Visitors listen to explanation on cacao production.

Tasting of water chocolate.

Cacao in different stages.

Hammocks area.

Fermentation and drying up of cacao.