PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic.- Tourism business leader Jose Polanco said Monday that 50 percent of the businesses related to tourism have closed their doors due to the crisis he said affects the province.
He said the decline is evident despite that tourism was the base of the local economy just a few years ago, and which together with the rest of the North region contributed 51 percent of its currency income. “As the years pass we see tourism’s setback in this region, to the point that 50 percent of the businesses related to tourism has had to close their doors."
Polanco listed hotels, bars, gift shops, handicrafts, transport companies among the businesses he said no longer operate in Puerto Plata, Sosúa and Costámbar.
He complained that the latest administrations haven’t placed the necessary importance on Puerto Plata and demanded that a Tourism Ministry policy to recover that industry.
Polanco said the crisis also affects real estate tourism, with large numbers of foreigners who buy houses and lots, and called for the construction of a modern cruise ship and freight terminals in the local port, to invigorate the local economy.
From: United States
And expats taking their money and going home.
Let them kill themselves over the scraps.
Tired of feeling like a target, resistance is futile.
Written by: ElProfe 
, 15 Jun 2010 9:15 AM
From: Dominican Republic, Jarabacoa
Business leaders need to stop complaining about the crises and concentrate on how to fix the problem.
There are many ways to bring tourism back to Puerto Plata, but everyone has to work together to do so.
One thing they could do is offer special packages for travel and accommodations including tours.
Charge less up front and make more on the end.
From: United States, FREEPORT, Long Island.... (Look, beyond the words)
I rather get 3 UDS from 100 people than 20 USD from 15 people.
The problem is everyone wants to get rich overnite in DR. But, the education is not there.
Written by: juanb, 15 Jun 2010 9:39 AM
From: Dominican Republic
Our reputation is spreading.
Does anyone believe that our lawlessness, our lack of respect for others, our lunatic drivers, our corruption, the constant shakedown of foreigners is a secret to the rest of the world? Guess again.
From: United States
ElProfe, hate to say but take off your rose colored glasses.
Any good that I have seen started is ruined by the fact that once a Dominican is given any authority they expect 'corruption'. It is how they have been taught for decades.
They strive for corruption and wear it as a badge of honor. They are transparent about their corruption because that is what they think makes them 'macho'.
Even a good person, would feel they are not doing their job if corruption was not part of it. Then the cycle continues.
Written by: xwill7, 15 Jun 2010 9:55 AM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
barcelo puerto plata seems to be full all the time
From: United States
Murder, corruption mayhem the word does get out eventually.
But if I am not mistaken didn't that Idiot Leonel say that the DR was immune to external forces of the recession and the other PLD house idiots stating that tourisim is up?
From: Dominican Republic
Locals helped to kill the goose that laid the golden eggs. Give all these guys mirrors so they could really see what the problem is.
Written by: ElProfe , 15 Jun 2010 10:55 AM
From: Dominican Republic, Jarabacoa
Jim
You misunderstood his statement.
When Leonel said that the DR was immune to the external forces of the recession.
He meant that his corrupt government was immune from the external forces.
So while Dominicans are going hungry, the Fernandez’s and his Klan are getting fatter
Written by: ElProfe , 15 Jun 2010 11:38 AM
From: Dominican Republic, Jarabacoa
Gmiller
The Dominican Republic can still overcome the crises. It's the hard times the make some people stronger.
Other places in the DR are doing well. So I think that Puerto Plata can make a comeback if people would unite and work together.
Also they could offer specials to local Dominicans for a weekend. You would be surprised as to how many people in Santiago have never been to the beach.
Written by: riosm, 15 Jun 2010 11:43 AM
From: United States
Was crime satistics added ?
Could this be the future tell, tell signs of the European mess and Oh'Blamanomics at work ?
Many predict this is only the begining of things to come.
GeeWhizMiller261,
You amaze me......with the U.S 13 trillion in the hole thanks to Mr. 'OH' and counting is the U.S headed towards the same road, a point of no return, making it a no more need to steal [tax] just more hand-outs........wait till the full impact of Oh'Blamacare, cap 'n' trade etc..etc..kicks in.......the begining of the end as we know it ?
I bet when this is done, you'll probably move to the DR.
Written by: abc200, 15 Jun 2010 11:46 AM
From: United Kingdom, Dominican Republic
Too many ugly American concrete buildings. Needs to be eco-friendly with large pedestrian rickshaw zone - buildings below design standard pulled down and new eco-friendly buildings constructed.
S.
Written by: xwill7, 15 Jun 2010 12:09 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
abc,
How are concrete buildings American??? They are built by Dominicans using illegal workers and using cemex concrete.
Nice try abc, go back to Cuba!
From: United States
riosm, If the US implodes like you project the DR will be a bloodbath for any expat.
That will be the last place I go.
Written by: xwill7, 15 Jun 2010 12:24 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
rio,
start building your home in DR now...
From: United States, Fresh Water Paradise-NY Finger Lakes
GM,
"ElProfe, hate to say but take off your rose colored glasses.
Any good that I have seen started is ruined by the fact that once a Dominican is given any authority they expect 'corruption'. It is how they have been taught for decades.
They strive for corruption and wear it as a badge of honor. They are transparent about their corruption because that is what they think makes them 'macho'.
Even a good person, would feel they are not doing their job if corruption was not part of it. Then the cycle continues.
"
So, so true! Too bad more people don't see it this way.
MJEV.
Written by: riosm, 15 Jun 2010 12:52 PM
From: United States
Xwill7,
Advise taken.
Written by: abc200, 15 Jun 2010 1:26 PM
From: United Kingdom, Dominican Republic
xw Just for you next time I will say ugly concrete buildings with American style architecture.
How's that?
Ex-pats are arriving all the time - Russians paying great interest.
S.
Written by: xwill7, 15 Jun 2010 2:04 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
abc,
you love the all included hotels... the hotel looses money with you as soon as you step one foot onto the property
From: Dominican Republic
I wish it was not so and it is the last thing I want to be true but every week I find more evidence.
The tourists are declining and the expats are trying to sell there investments and leave because this country is driving them out. The legal system is corrupt. If there is a legal case the court always finds in favor of the Dominican no matter how one sided the weight is in favor of the non-Dominican. I challenge you to name one case where a non Dominican won a labour law suit. The police extort money at every opportunity and will set you up with planted drugs. If a Dominican falls out of a tree 3 feet front of your car you will be sued for running him over. Somebody at the top needs to get tough.
Written by: cadre555, 15 Jun 2010 2:50 PM
From: United States, Raleigh
completely agree lots of places going up for sale in the area from abroad because of lack of trqaffic and the BS with the local cops. we could buy places and have my brother in laws or someone run it but they are saying it is not worth it because of the local authorities also. what a joke...
Written by: xwill7, 15 Jun 2010 2:59 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
everyone has their hand in your pocket the minute you step off the plane
Written by: abc200, 15 Jun 2010 3:00 PM
From: United Kingdom, Dominican Republic
Ugly Americans?
I've got no culture but Mcdonald's and Coke.
if yours goes any deeper, well I'll treat it like a joke.
Don't know anything about foreign policy.
If there's a problem I say, "Send the marines!"
Ugly American
I'm an Ugly American
You call me an Ugly American.
Proud to be an Ugly American.
Your Customs and traditions, well I think they're fucking wierd.
There's nothing good about foreigners except for foreign beer.
I want to go vacation in a third world paradise.
Vomit on their beaches, I don't care about their squalid lives.
Ugly American
I'm an Ugly American
You call me an Ugly American.
Proud to be an Ugly American.
Ugly American.
I'm an Ugly American.
You call me an Ugly American
Proud to be an Ugly American
Better speak my language or I won't know what you're saying.
Better do it my way 'cause I'm the one who's paying.
I'm a trailer court elitist but I've got no class.
I'm from the United States of Kiss My Ass.
http://www.metrolyrWritten by: abc200, 15 Jun 2010 3:02 PM
From: United Kingdom, Dominican Republic
Was it UA's that led to PP's decline?
Some have got rich and are leaving for the next 'hot spot' Others are arriving to make it big!
S.
Written by: cadre555, 15 Jun 2010 3:03 PM
From: United States, Raleigh
mmmmm
Written by: cadre555, 15 Jun 2010 3:04 PM
From: United States, Raleigh
what is UA?
Written by: xwill7, 15 Jun 2010 3:14 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
cadre,
abc200 is drunk
Written by: abc200, 15 Jun 2010 3:14 PM
From: United Kingdom, Dominican Republic
Written by: xwill7, 15 Jun 2010 3:15 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
abc200 you said that you use to drive a ford
Written by: xwill7, 15 Jun 2010 3:15 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
abc200 I bet you own an ipod
Written by: xwill7, 15 Jun 2010 3:17 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
they need to offer more direct flights from the mid west and western USA to Puerto Plata... It sucks to transfer in Miami or NYC!
Written by: abc200, 15 Jun 2010 3:29 PM
From: United Kingdom, Dominican Republic
No iPod - yes all the Americans are complaining they cannot get iPod 4 here now!
I weep tears for their frustration.
These extreme hardships! Also no Ugly Coyote bars.....
Thses poor impoverished beings seeped in misery!
http://www.coyoteuglysaloon.com/vegas/index.htmlS.
Written by: xwill7, 15 Jun 2010 3:32 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
It comes out June 24th I will have one... It will be in DR soon. You should go to claro and get one...
Is your PC Microsoft or Mac??? You are running American software abc200... smash your PC!
Written by: abc200, 15 Jun 2010 3:41 PM
From: United Kingdom, Dominican Republic
Time for you to go cold turkey after your 'Sunny Delight'?
Sounds as if you should start a blog on i4 delays here in the DR!
Its all so frustrating!
S.
Written by: danny00, 15 Jun 2010 3:57 PM
From: United States, syosset, key west, santo domingo AND NOW THE GLOBE TROTTER
Written by: juanb, 15 Jun 2010 9:39 AM
From: Dominican Republic
Our reputation is spreading.
Does anyone believe that our lawlessness, our lack of respect for others, our lunatic drivers, our corruption, the constant shakedown of foreigners is a secret to the rest of the world? Guess again
I DONT HAVE TO GUESS I HAVE KNOWED THIS FOR A LONG TIME.
REMEMEBR THE LADY THEY STABBED TO DEATH? REMEMBER THE SAME WEEK THEY ALSO KILLED TWO OTHER GRINGOS? WHERE ARE THE ARRESTS? WHERE ARE THE POLICE?
MOST COME ONE TIME AND NEVER GO BACK AGAIN I HAVE SAID THIS MANY TIMES IN THE PAST.
ALSO THERE IS NOTHING IN POP NOTHING AT ALL.
Written by: danny00, 15 Jun 2010 4:04 PM
From: United States, syosset, key west, santo domingo AND NOW THE GLOBE TROTTER
written by: xwill7, 15 jun 2010 3:17 pm
from: united states, chicago
they need to offer more direct flights from the mid west and western usa to puerto plata... it sucks to transfer in miami or nyc
why? there is nothing there. more flights so more gringos can get robbed and maybe killed? more gringos to spread the word that its not a very clean or safe place to vist. keep on selling gringos houses and then later they find out they dont own the home, let the car rentals keep on robbing the gringos telling them they damage the car when in fact they did nothing u guys know the list of things they do to the tourists. not all of them are stupid as some might think in the dr. they get screwed say nothing while in the dr. but they never come back and they many other tourists what happen to them in the dr, in pop the motorcycles rule the streets tourists are affarid to even cross the street.as also dominicans they will run u down and laugh about it..
Written by: xwill7, 15 Jun 2010 4:10 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
danny,
I was just in Puerto Plata a few weeks ago... There are still many clean and nice parts... You just have to be near the resort areas. When traveling to other countries you always have to be aware of who is around you... Pierto Plata still has a chance for a come back. I was just there and there was tons of people on vacation, most from Canada but they are tourists too.
Written by: ElChico, 15 Jun 2010 4:15 PM
From: United States
A lot of people can share the blame here. It's very sad to me because my family is from the province. I think more than anything it starts with the people. Dominicans need to be more proud and take better care of their country...
Written by: ElChico, 15 Jun 2010 4:18 PM
From: United States
xwill, the canadians love them some puerto plata. They have been very loyal tourist for years. Pretty much them and the Spaniards. They are perhaps the only ones keeping the area somewhat alive...it's funny because for years the french canadian and Spanish tourist have been deemed too cheap and a lot of the marketing has been done targeting other Europeans or Americans but the Canadians and Spaniards have always been there...
PP still has a chance. Maybe hopefully some investors with a good creative eye can mold the tourism back into shape. There are great elements to work with there. The location and beaches are still great. It would be great if we had some savvy local investors (as in Dominican born or at least Dominican-American) but perhaps that is asking for too much...
Written by: xwill7, 15 Jun 2010 4:51 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
chico,
Puerto Plata actually has a better background scene than Punta Cana... Its all politics. You can not get the view of the mountains in Punta Cana like you get in POP
From: United States
The word is really spreading. Rip-off's in restaurants - double priced menus, houses robbed, getting cheated by many people including lawyers, "guides" who are deported convicts and rip you off, paying triple in Bournigal for care for non-residents, constant wrong change at gas stations .... need I go on? People can only take so much and they stop coming and owning anything here. My friends and I are about to throw in the towel also. It's a real shame!
Written by: ElProfe , 15 Jun 2010 6:52 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Jarabacoa
POP is a beautiful place that need a major clean up.
Written by: ElProfe , 15 Jun 2010 6:52 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Jarabacoa
Jerryb,
danny00 is one of those deported tour guides working POP.
From: United States
How come they have not blamed the usual culprit ?
From: United States, Fresh Water Paradise-NY Finger Lakes
Sadly, DR may be suffering from lack of focused and clear planning in all aspects of our society and, more specifically, when it comes to tourism. There are way too many resorts, and pristine locations are fast diminishing; pretty soon there won't be anything left to attract tourists.
Look, people in such cities as Toronto, NYC, Chicago, Atlanta, Miami and Houston already have some pretty buildings and lots of hotels. That is not why they are drawn to DR. They come to DR for its fast-disappearing beauty, Ron Brugal, cigars and culture. The ubiquitous resorts are creating too much sameness and not clearly differentiating enough from other Caribbean places, some of which are infinitely safer and actually have rule of law. At this rate, in end, everything would go like Puerto Plata. Wake up! We must be better stewards of our resources, exercise better and more focused planning, and leave some greenery and beauty for future generations.
MJEV.
Written by: riosm, 15 Jun 2010 9:57 PM
From: United States
Glomarexplorer,
You nailed it, right on....I agree 100%.
From: United States, Fresh Water Paradise-NY Finger Lakes
Mrios,
Thanks.
Written by: ElChico, 16 Jun 2010 9:58 AM
From: United States
glomarexplorer, your right for far too long tourism in DR has emphasized too much the resort experience instead of focusing more on the natural beauty of the country. However perhaps this is a good thing as much of the natural beauty has been preserved.
Written by: xwill7, 16 Jun 2010 10:29 AM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
Its sad because these towns depend on tourism
Written by: riosm, 16 Jun 2010 11:21 AM
From: United States
GeeWhizMiller261,
"IF THE U.S IMPLOUDS" never mind the 13.5 trillion dept and counting, cap 'n' trade, Oh'NoOlamacare, NGP etc..etc..living proof common sense goes out the window.....
Then if not the DR where........China ?
Nothing like giving the NWO a little push, if the U.S economy collapses we'll take the world with us.
Written by: Perez, 16 Jun 2010 1:01 PM
From: Dominican Republic
Very true Glomarexplorer! A good vacation does not consist of only being in a resort 24 hrs! tourists needs to get out explore more the country see beautiful flowers and greenery, visit museums, attend ballparks and stuff. If there are too much concrete and less greenery, what is there to look at? obvious not much. they need more options!
From: Dominican Republic, vieja Santo Domingo
Pity that Señor Polanco has not been reading DT for the two years we have all been writing about the decline of Puerta Plata , if he had maybe plans could have been made earlier .
i also tend to agree with abc that the concrete buildings that he associates with America do not suit the Dominican landscape ..but he forgets the important fact that Dominicans now crave for air conditioning rather than a nice breeze and so houses and buildings are designed to keep the air conditioning in rather than letting the breezes flow through .
The great difference between Puerta Plata and Punta Cana is that the latter has a lot of class and style. The Sosua Bay Hotel also has class but needs maintenance .
Written by: xwill7, 16 Jun 2010 2:52 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
ric,
Punta Cana has a lot of class??? They have working girls there too just like Sosua
Written by: Nehesy, 16 Jun 2010 4:41 PM
From: France, Paris
I visited many places in the DR : Las terrenas, Baya de coson, los Haitises, playa rincon, Samana, Puerto plata, rio san juan, Cabatere, Sosua, Punta Cana and many villages like cambiasso near puerto plata.
Your country is really beautiful ( I prefer the Samana region), and the places I enjoyed the most were those where I found the real people in the countryside. The people living in the tourists areas try to take any pesos they can from you by any means necessary ( "my mum is sick")
The place I hated the most is Sosua, where YOU CAN'T BREATHE because of those girls walking on the streets. I would recommend to dominicans to keep their values and traditionnal ways. In the countryside people are very different and more respectable from what I have been seeing. Some gringos are worried about the insecurity in the DR : Killing (too much guns) , Thieves, and sometimes racism against them...So they choose Cuba who looks like your country ( less food though) and is FAR MORE safe.
Written by: riosm, 16 Jun 2010 6:26 PM
From: United States
GeeWhizMiller261,
Did you read Nehesy's last input ?
you should....like any Country one visits the main tourist spots happen to be the worst everything over priced, crime, hookers etc..etc......ever wonder why there called "tourist traps" ?
Its like going to Hawaii with there concrete cities, sadly the only real fell and taste I get out of Hawaii is the over priced Lua.
When I vacation anywhere in the world I try and get the real fell and taste of the Country I visit, not some drumed of version of what the Country I visit impression of what they think I like want and look for, why even vacation out of the U.S if thats all I looked for.
As far as the current history of the DR corruption....its safe to say the mentality was imported many many years ago.
At least in Cuba the Police shot criminals once arrested.
Thank you Nehesy.
Written by: abc200, 17 Jun 2010 5:15 PM
From: United Kingdom, Dominican Republic
Less planes from the US might be the answer.
Too many Americans. Perhaps they should limit PP to three US planes a week for a while.
More Dominicans only signs or Dominican escort required. Turn the place Dominican!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6vCjqJ9U7kGood Video!
S.
Written by: abc200, 18 Jun 2010 1:46 PM
From: United Kingdom, Dominican Republic
When I was on a working trip to Detroit planes were lined up on the tarmac for week-ends in Vegas.
About 10 left in one hour.
Girls who worked as tour escorts - guides, said that most of the punters never left the gaming entertainment centres.. This could be the answer - convert more buildings to gaming entertainment centers and organize week-end trips
Also semi on-line gambling.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). could be the big break. Agents in telephone ipd touch with punters could place bets in PP.
Nasty US government and the UIGEA!
I nearly did a ontract with a co setting up betting shops in Russia betting mostly on British horse racing.
Of course horse racing is ideal for call center betting and entrtainment centres can show the races.
Russian tourists would love this too.
S.
S.
Written by: abc200, 5 Aug 2010 4:01 PM
From: United Kingdom, Dominican Republic
Blut can't wait.....
S.
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And expats taking their money and going home.
Let them kill themselves over the scraps.
Tired of feeling like a target, resistance is futile.
Business leaders need to stop complaining about the crises and concentrate on how to fix the problem.
There are many ways to bring tourism back to Puerto Plata, but everyone has to work together to do so.
One thing they could do is offer special packages for travel and accommodations including tours.
Charge less up front and make more on the end.
The problem is everyone wants to get rich overnite in DR. But, the education is not there.
Does anyone believe that our lawlessness, our lack of respect for others, our lunatic drivers, our corruption, the constant shakedown of foreigners is a secret to the rest of the world? Guess again.
ElProfe, hate to say but take off your rose colored glasses.
Any good that I have seen started is ruined by the fact that once a Dominican is given any authority they expect 'corruption'. It is how they have been taught for decades.
They strive for corruption and wear it as a badge of honor. They are transparent about their corruption because that is what they think makes them 'macho'.
Even a good person, would feel they are not doing their job if corruption was not part of it. Then the cycle continues.
But if I am not mistaken didn't that Idiot Leonel say that the DR was immune to external forces of the recession and the other PLD house idiots stating that tourisim is up?
Jim
You misunderstood his statement.
When Leonel said that the DR was immune to the external forces of the recession.
He meant that his corrupt government was immune from the external forces.
So while Dominicans are going hungry, the Fernandez’s and his Klan are getting fatter
Gmiller
The Dominican Republic can still overcome the crises. It's the hard times the make some people stronger.
Other places in the DR are doing well. So I think that Puerto Plata can make a comeback if people would unite and work together.
Also they could offer specials to local Dominicans for a weekend. You would be surprised as to how many people in Santiago have never been to the beach.
Could this be the future tell, tell signs of the European mess and Oh'Blamanomics at work ?
Many predict this is only the begining of things to come.
GeeWhizMiller261,
You amaze me......with the U.S 13 trillion in the hole thanks to Mr. 'OH' and counting is the U.S headed towards the same road, a point of no return, making it a no more need to steal [tax] just more hand-outs........wait till the full impact of Oh'Blamacare, cap 'n' trade etc..etc..kicks in.......the begining of the end as we know it ?
I bet when this is done, you'll probably move to the DR.
S.
How are concrete buildings American??? They are built by Dominicans using illegal workers and using cemex concrete.
Nice try abc, go back to Cuba!
riosm, If the US implodes like you project the DR will be a bloodbath for any expat.
That will be the last place I go.
start building your home in DR now...
"ElProfe, hate to say but take off your rose colored glasses.
Any good that I have seen started is ruined by the fact that once a Dominican is given any authority they expect 'corruption'. It is how they have been taught for decades.
They strive for corruption and wear it as a badge of honor. They are transparent about their corruption because that is what they think makes them 'macho'.
Even a good person, would feel they are not doing their job if corruption was not part of it. Then the cycle continues.
"
So, so true! Too bad more people don't see it this way.
MJEV.
Advise taken.
How's that?
Ex-pats are arriving all the time - Russians paying great interest.
S.
you love the all included hotels... the hotel looses money with you as soon as you step one foot onto the property
The tourists are declining and the expats are trying to sell there investments and leave because this country is driving them out. The legal system is corrupt. If there is a legal case the court always finds in favor of the Dominican no matter how one sided the weight is in favor of the non-Dominican. I challenge you to name one case where a non Dominican won a labour law suit. The police extort money at every opportunity and will set you up with planted drugs. If a Dominican falls out of a tree 3 feet front of your car you will be sued for running him over. Somebody at the top needs to get tough.
I've got no culture but Mcdonald's and Coke.
if yours goes any deeper, well I'll treat it like a joke.
Don't know anything about foreign policy.
If there's a problem I say, "Send the marines!"
Ugly American
I'm an Ugly American
You call me an Ugly American.
Proud to be an Ugly American.
Your Customs and traditions, well I think they're fucking wierd.
There's nothing good about foreigners except for foreign beer.
I want to go vacation in a third world paradise.
Vomit on their beaches, I don't care about their squalid lives.
Ugly American
I'm an Ugly American
You call me an Ugly American.
Proud to be an Ugly American.
Ugly American.
I'm an Ugly American.
You call me an Ugly American
Proud to be an Ugly American
Better speak my language or I won't know what you're saying.
Better do it my way 'cause I'm the one who's paying.
I'm a trailer court elitist but I've got no class.
I'm from the United States of Kiss My Ass.
http://www.metrolyr
Some have got rich and are leaving for the next 'hot spot' Others are arriving to make it big!
S.
abc200 is drunk
Even wonderful US of A has eyesores:
Maybe these are real american eyesores!
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nati....lantic-city-eyesore-contest_x.htm
S.
I weep tears for their frustration.
These extreme hardships! Also no Ugly Coyote bars.....
Thses poor impoverished beings seeped in misery!
http://www.coyoteuglysaloon.com/vegas/index.html
S.
Is your PC Microsoft or Mac??? You are running American software abc200... smash your PC!
Sounds as if you should start a blog on i4 delays here in the DR!
Its all so frustrating!
S.
From: Dominican Republic
Our reputation is spreading.
Does anyone believe that our lawlessness, our lack of respect for others, our lunatic drivers, our corruption, the constant shakedown of foreigners is a secret to the rest of the world? Guess again
I DONT HAVE TO GUESS I HAVE KNOWED THIS FOR A LONG TIME.
REMEMEBR THE LADY THEY STABBED TO DEATH? REMEMBER THE SAME WEEK THEY ALSO KILLED TWO OTHER GRINGOS? WHERE ARE THE ARRESTS? WHERE ARE THE POLICE?
MOST COME ONE TIME AND NEVER GO BACK AGAIN I HAVE SAID THIS MANY TIMES IN THE PAST.
ALSO THERE IS NOTHING IN POP NOTHING AT ALL.
from: united states, chicago
they need to offer more direct flights from the mid west and western usa to puerto plata... it sucks to transfer in miami or nyc
why? there is nothing there. more flights so more gringos can get robbed and maybe killed? more gringos to spread the word that its not a very clean or safe place to vist. keep on selling gringos houses and then later they find out they dont own the home, let the car rentals keep on robbing the gringos telling them they damage the car when in fact they did nothing u guys know the list of things they do to the tourists. not all of them are stupid as some might think in the dr. they get screwed say nothing while in the dr. but they never come back and they many other tourists what happen to them in the dr, in pop the motorcycles rule the streets tourists are affarid to even cross the street.as also dominicans they will run u down and laugh about it..
I was just in Puerto Plata a few weeks ago... There are still many clean and nice parts... You just have to be near the resort areas. When traveling to other countries you always have to be aware of who is around you... Pierto Plata still has a chance for a come back. I was just there and there was tons of people on vacation, most from Canada but they are tourists too.
PP still has a chance. Maybe hopefully some investors with a good creative eye can mold the tourism back into shape. There are great elements to work with there. The location and beaches are still great. It would be great if we had some savvy local investors (as in Dominican born or at least Dominican-American) but perhaps that is asking for too much...
Puerto Plata actually has a better background scene than Punta Cana... Its all politics. You can not get the view of the mountains in Punta Cana like you get in POP
POP is a beautiful place that need a major clean up.
Jerryb,
danny00 is one of those deported tour guides working POP.
Look, people in such cities as Toronto, NYC, Chicago, Atlanta, Miami and Houston already have some pretty buildings and lots of hotels. That is not why they are drawn to DR. They come to DR for its fast-disappearing beauty, Ron Brugal, cigars and culture. The ubiquitous resorts are creating too much sameness and not clearly differentiating enough from other Caribbean places, some of which are infinitely safer and actually have rule of law. At this rate, in end, everything would go like Puerto Plata. Wake up! We must be better stewards of our resources, exercise better and more focused planning, and leave some greenery and beauty for future generations.
MJEV.
You nailed it, right on....I agree 100%.
Thanks.
"IF THE U.S IMPLOUDS" never mind the 13.5 trillion dept and counting, cap 'n' trade, Oh'NoOlamacare, NGP etc..etc..living proof common sense goes out the window.....
Then if not the DR where........China ?
Nothing like giving the NWO a little push, if the U.S economy collapses we'll take the world with us.
i also tend to agree with abc that the concrete buildings that he associates with America do not suit the Dominican landscape ..but he forgets the important fact that Dominicans now crave for air conditioning rather than a nice breeze and so houses and buildings are designed to keep the air conditioning in rather than letting the breezes flow through .
The great difference between Puerta Plata and Punta Cana is that the latter has a lot of class and style. The Sosua Bay Hotel also has class but needs maintenance .
Punta Cana has a lot of class??? They have working girls there too just like Sosua
Your country is really beautiful ( I prefer the Samana region), and the places I enjoyed the most were those where I found the real people in the countryside. The people living in the tourists areas try to take any pesos they can from you by any means necessary ( "my mum is sick")
The place I hated the most is Sosua, where YOU CAN'T BREATHE because of those girls walking on the streets. I would recommend to dominicans to keep their values and traditionnal ways. In the countryside people are very different and more respectable from what I have been seeing. Some gringos are worried about the insecurity in the DR : Killing (too much guns) , Thieves, and sometimes racism against them...So they choose Cuba who looks like your country ( less food though) and is FAR MORE safe.
Did you read Nehesy's last input ?
you should....like any Country one visits the main tourist spots happen to be the worst everything over priced, crime, hookers etc..etc......ever wonder why there called "tourist traps" ?
Its like going to Hawaii with there concrete cities, sadly the only real fell and taste I get out of Hawaii is the over priced Lua.
When I vacation anywhere in the world I try and get the real fell and taste of the Country I visit, not some drumed of version of what the Country I visit impression of what they think I like want and look for, why even vacation out of the U.S if thats all I looked for.
As far as the current history of the DR corruption....its safe to say the mentality was imported many many years ago.
At least in Cuba the Police shot criminals once arrested.
Thank you Nehesy.
Too many Americans. Perhaps they should limit PP to three US planes a week for a while.
More Dominicans only signs or Dominican escort required. Turn the place Dominican!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6vCjqJ9U7k
Good Video!
S.
About 10 left in one hour.
Girls who worked as tour escorts - guides, said that most of the punters never left the gaming entertainment centres.. This could be the answer - convert more buildings to gaming entertainment centers and organize week-end trips
Also semi on-line gambling.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). could be the big break. Agents in telephone ipd touch with punters could place bets in PP.
Nasty US government and the UIGEA!
I nearly did a ontract with a co setting up betting shops in Russia betting mostly on British horse racing.
Of course horse racing is ideal for call center betting and entrtainment centres can show the races.
Russian tourists would love this too.
S.
S.
S.