SANTO DOMINGO. - Tourism minister Francisco Javier Garcia yesterday said resolution 02/2008, issued in July, that suspended approval of real estate projects in certain areas of Las Terrenas, Samaná will be repealed in the next few days.

The previous minister Felix Jimenez had issued the resolution to reportedly stem the sprawl evident in the coastal town

In a statement, the official also announced a plan of infrastructure investments to take advantage of that area’s tourism potential, to be developed by the Tourism Infrastructure Works Executor Committee (Ceiztur). “Once the axes of the routes are traced and we reach the corresponding agreement with proprietors, we’re going to repeal the resolution. That part will be resolved before 15 days.”

“The time has come for Las Terrenas to radically change and become a model tourism resort,” Garcia said.

In a meeting with authorities, merchants, promoters and community representatives linked to tourism, Garcia listed the works to be carried out: the construction of 19 additional kilometers of the Sanchez-Las Terrenas highway, cleanup of gorges and rivers, paving of streets and potholes,and road safety railings and signs.

He said the municipality’s entrance will also be refurbished “so visitors feel they’re entering a tourist zone.”