Santo Domingo.- Are the tourism regions a sort of shielded cities fortified against the country’s violence levels, trash, lack of infrastructure and “Haitianization” in hotel zones?

Is the sector which has managed to grow for 7 consecutive months contrary to what occurs in other nations of the region armored?

For the vice president of hoteliers and restaurateurs grouped in Asonahores, Arturo Villanueva, the lack of security doesn’t affect the resorts since in his view that part is armored. "We are the Caribbean’s best tourist quality-price product," noting that competitors such as Puerto Rico charge US$400 daily just for one room.

The business leader however affirms that when the main emitters face times of crisis no one chooses the most expensive vacation, and instead the one which has the best relation of quality, price, service and hospitality.

He admits the country’s deficient infrastructure but affirms it’s being solved. As to the lack of security Villanueva discards it since most major resorts are in very remote locations.

The tourists don’t remain in the hotels, affirms Villanueva, because of the complementary attractions such as golf, yachting, visits to Saona, Catalina islands, and to protected areas such as Los Haitises.

He also cited the Civil Aviation Board’s open-door policy on air navigation, which he affirms has benefited the country, with an increase in the number of flights and has prompted the airports to expand and increase operations.

Villanueva added that the industry’s growth even during the global financial crisis isn’t the result of magic and instead because Dominican Republic has the best and most airports in the entire Caribbean, and the Tourism Ministry’s efforts to attract tourists.

Source: diariolibre.com