MITUR Holds Meeting in Puerto Rico to Promote La Romana-Bayahibe

MITUR Holds Meeting in Puerto Rico to Promote La Romana-Bayahibe
Santo Domingo, 28 de Abril de 2015

The La Romana-Bayahibe tourist destination was the star of a crowded meeting-workshop organized by the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic, through its Tourism Promotion Office (OPT) in Puerto Rico. The purpose of the event was to present new developments and attractions of this destination to more than 60 tour operators and travel agent businesses from the neighboring island, as Cicom informs.

The event, aimed to show the range of services and extensive inventory of natural attractions that the renowned tourist region located in the east of the country offers, was led by Lilian Reyes, Director of the OPT of Puerto Rico with Ana García, Director of the Association of La Romana-Bayahibe Hotels (AHRB). They were accompanied by company representatives of Casa de Campo, Viva Wyndham Resorts, Dreams La Romana, Be Live Canoa, Vecchia Caserma, Tropical Tours, La Romana-Casa de Campo International Airport, Saona Dreams and Rep Tours Dominicana.

Participants were able to appreciate the unique conditions that make La Romana-Bayahibe one of the most desirable tourist areas of the Dominican Republic, not only for its exceptional attractions of sun and sand, but also for being one of the top golf destinations in the region and for having its own international airport, located just 20 minutes from Punta Cana and less than an hour from Santo Domingo.

La Romana is also the home port for most European lines whose cruises are based in the Caribbean Sea during winter, making it the ideal destination for tourists who want to combine a cruise with a hotel stay.

Another special condition of the La Romana-Bayahibe destination is its component and environmental commitment that more than 50% of its territory is a protected area, because it is part of Parque Nacional del Este. The park, which is also called Cotubanamá, has an area of 791.9 square kilometers, and it is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the country and the region, with an impressive flora and fauna and endemic species.

10 Kilometers of White Sand Beach

“We have over 10 kilometers of white sand beaches and crystal clear waters at our destination. Among the most important are: Bayahibe, Dominicus, Minitas Beach at Casa de Campo, la Palmilla, and the beaches of Saona and Catalina islands. The Dominicus Beach has been certified for 10 consecutive years with the Blue Flag, an international certification of the quality of its water and environmental management, being the pioneer to become certified in America,” informed Ana García during the workshop.

According to the official, in addition to the most varied hotel and tourism offering for all tastes and budgets, the destination has the Padre Nuestro Ecological Reserve, located just minutes from the hotel area and the town of Bayahibe, which makes it ideal for those who enjoy nature, with ecologic trails and natural water sources.

For those who prefer adventure on dry land, there is an array of options ranging from hiking through sugarcane fields in dune buggies or four wheelers, or even a zip line for the more daring.

Two paradise islands

Ana García highlighted as an exceptional privilege of La Romana-Bayahibe destination the Saona and Catalina islands, two territories of extraordinary value, from the tourism and environmental points of view.

Considered a paradise in the Caribbean, the Saona island has an area of 100 square kilometers and receives an average of over 600,000 international visitors a year.

It is complemented by the Catalina island, a must visit for lovers of water sports such as diving and snorkeling, where a visit to the remains of the ship wreck of pirate Captain Kidd can be included.

Golf Courses, Events, Culture, and Gastronomy La Romana-Bayahibe has been rated one of the best golf destinations in the Caribbean and the world. It features 3 internationally renowned golf courses, such as Teeth of the Dog, Dye Fore, and The Links.

Social and corporate events are an integral part in the offering of the destination, as all the local hotels offer wedding, birthday, and honeymoon packages for all tastes and budgets. It also has the best facilities for congresses, conventions, and incentive tourism, and companies responsible for organizing such events.

The iconic local cuisine, enriched by the multicultural influence of a community made of citizens from all over the world, can be readily seen in all the restaurants in Bayahibe and Boca de Yuma, with their exquisite typical gastronomy that includes fried fish and fresh seafood.

Mediterranean village that has several restaurants, boutiques and its renowned amphitheater where the most sought international artists perform regularly.

Other sites of interest include the Regional Archaeological Museum and the Amber Museum, authentic legacies of the Dominican culture, along with Cueva de las Maravillas, an impressive subterranean formation whose walls display Rock Art with over 100,000 years of history in its more than 800 meters. Currently, 200 meters of walls are open to the public, and they have been refurbished and illuminated for the enjoyment of visitors of all ages.