SANTO DOMINGO.- Tourism minister Francisco Javier Garcia announced Thursday that Dominican Republic will support and promote real estate tourism, for which it confirmed its participation in Madrid’s International Real Estate Salon: SIMA 2010 Fair, slated from May 20 to 23.

"For the first time the country will have a stand in this concurred event endorsing the Dominican business sector, taking advantage of its "Country Brand" strength which will be strengthened," the official said.

"There were times when our real estate leaders and designers went to this type of event alone; this Ministry, representing the Dominican Government will be supporting them with all means and will even develop a marketing plan for their benefit," Garcia said.

He said real estate tourism developers will have a stand to promote their business and initiatives such as the large hotel chains. “This stand will be an excellent platform, either to find co-investors for their projects or for a place to sell properties to the coveted market of end users who’ll go to this important international business event.”

"For Dominican promoters who decide to attend, heeding the Tourism Ministry’s call, this fair guarantees them the launch of a national and international ad campaign and unrivaled news coverage, with occasional specials on the fair in major newspapers, as well as radio and television network coverage, and also features a wide presence in top real estate Web sites and other Internet based advertising," the Tourism chief says.

He said in addition to real estate tourism developers, hotel chains, mortgage and investment banks, insurance companies, consultants and professionals with media presence will also attend the SIMA fair, which has gained fame as the place to meet agents for real estate offers, and where more than 63,000 people attended last year.