SANTO DOMINGO. - In a effort to promote ecotourism to benefit provinces with natural attractions, the Hotel and Tourism Industry Promotion and Development Corporation (Corphotels) has spent RD$79.5 million to build and refurbish tourist stops in different parts of the country.

The program also includes the financing of gas stoves to vendors in the stops the embellishment of coastal parks and training.

Stops would be built  in Guayacanes, Long Beach, Bayacanes river, Juan Dolio, Boca Chica, the waterfall Aguas Blancas in Constanza, and Cabo Rojo, Pedernales, and the reconstruction of the stops in Cocolandia, in Palenque, San Cristóbal; Punta Salina, Baní; Boca Cachón, Los Patos and San Rafael, Barahona.

The first 4 stops will cost RD$50 million to be built in the beaches Boca Chica and Long Beach, in Puerto Plata; Poza de Bojolo, Nagua, and the natural pool at Aguas Blancas, Constanza.

Corphotels said since 2004 to May it collected RD$94,362 from rentals of its hotels and the 3 businesses. It said on Tuesday the first stop will be inaugurated in Poza de Bojolo, Nagua, with at a cost of RD$12 million.

Corphotels director Emely Cruz said the Long Beach coastal park in Puerto Plata will be inaugurated in September at a cost of D$20 million.

She said the program also includes the remodeling of the Hotel Montaña, in Jarabacoa, at a cost of RD$50 million, and the stop at Aguas Blancas, Constanza, which cost RD$2.5 million.

The project includes some 12 stops and actions at a cost of over 80 million pesos to improve infrastructure and tourist services in those regions. She said each inn costs from RD$8 to RD$10 million.

Cruz said the initiative allows travelers to stop, rest and go to the bathroom without having to spend money. She said the entity plans to expand the stops with facilities to change flat tires or get air, "without having to make a gas station."