Tourism May 19, 2016 | 2:37 pm

Multigenerational travelers find their bliss in Dominican Republic

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, May 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Known forits wide variety of accommodations andattractions, Dominican Republic remainsone of the most popular Caribbean destinations for families, offering somethingfor groups with any interests or budget size.

The country is continuing to grow in popularity as an optionfor multigenerational travelers, thanks in part to the increasing number ofdirect flights from many major U.S. cities, making it a convenient traveldestination. Along Dominican Republic’s nearly 1,000 miles (approximately 1,575kilometers) of coastline, families are sure to find accommodations andactivities perfectly suited to their needs. The country offers a wide array ofhotels and resorts that cater specifically to families. Many of them areall-inclusive, making it an ideal spot for those who want all meals, drinks andentertainment to be rolled into one affordable price.

"Dominican Republic hotels and tour operators haveperfected multigenerational travel offerings, anticipating the needs of familytravel groups and catering to them," said Magaly Toribio, MarketingAdvisor for the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. "No matter the ageof visitors to our country, all guests are sure to find something perfectlysuited to their interests, activity levels and budgets."

Easygoing All-Inclusives

For groups looking for an all-inclusive experience, thecountry offers award-winning resorts throughout the country – La Romana, PuntaCana, Puerto Plata, Samaná and others offer all-inclusives inspired by theunique flavor of each region. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic’s most well knowndestination, offers multigenerational groups something everyone can agree on:picture-perfect beaches. The east coast’s languid azure waters lap at the area’spristine white sands, dotted with an array of family-oriented hotels andresorts offering a playground for guests of all ages. Many of theaccommodations here have high-quality onsite kids clubs and excursions cateringto children as well as spas, designer golf courses, nightlife opportunities andmore for adults, making it one of the best destinations in the Caribbean forfamily vacations. Punta Cana’s off-resort excursion offerings range from cenoteswimming, dolphin encounters, parasailing and moonlight ziplines to educationalday trips to historic Santo Domingo, tours into Punta Cana’s countryside,snorkeling at La Romana’s offshore islands and more, with the majority of touroperators providing free transport and convenient pickup from guests’ hotel lobbies.

Adrenaline-Pumping Adventures

With nine distinct ecological zones, Dominican Republicoffers a wide variety of terrain for many types of adventure activities, withthe northern coast and northeastern Samaná Peninsula historically the mostpopular. The north coast’s Puerto Plata is an active destination especiallywell suited for families and multigenerational groups with a love of sports andadventure. The choppy Atlantic waves along the shore make Puerto Plata’sbeaches hotspots for water sport enthusiasts of all ages, with the province’stown of Cabarete known as the Kiteboarding Capital of the World. Those lookingfor a unique day trip in Puerto Plata can visit parks offering everything fromziplines to interactions with small native monkeys, or take teens and tweens ona canyoning, rappelling or ATV tour in Puerto Plata’s geographically-diversenatural playground. Other popular adventure destinations include mountainousJarabacoa, offering access to the highest peak in the Caribbean and some of theCaribbean’s best white-water rafting.

Exciting Eco-travel

The country’s robust ecological diversity makes it a havenfor multigenerational groups looking to reconnect with nature and marvel atCaribbean flora and fauna – areas like Jarabacoa, Constanza, Bayahibe andSamaná each offer a distinctive picture of the island’s natural beauty. TheSamaná Peninsula in the country’s northeastern corner is a widely untouchedarea of Dominican Republic, ideal for eco-travel, providing opportunities forfamilies to have a quiet Caribbean escape. The area is sprinkled with some ofthe best resorts and seafood restaurants on the island, tucked between privatecoves and bays, and specializes in nature activities. Families will find plentyto explore here, such as visiting the 618 square miles of caves, mangroves andislets in the famous Los Haitises National Park, viewing the thousands ofhumpback whales wintering in the Samaná Bay, and enjoying a refreshingpost-hike dip in the pool of the peninsula’s breathtaking Salto el Limónwaterfall. In the opposite corner of the island, the southwestern province ofBarahona offers a more arid climate – families looking to observe nature canfind everything from American crocodiles to endemic birds in this region.

Urban Explorers

For groups preferring the familiar comfort of bustlingcities, city centers such as downtown Santiago, Puerto Plata and Santo Domingooffer numerous options for culture and entertainment. As the most cosmopolitancity in Dominican Republic, and also the oldest city of the New World, SantoDomingo offers both modern amenities as well as a rich background. Founded inthe late 1400s, Santo Domingo is a city of firsts – multigenerational groupscan explore winding cobblestone streets and charming ruins together in thecity’s Colonial City, enjoying a variety of high-end cuisines and convenientday-trips to other areas of the country, with numerous plazas, museums, livemusic, parks and much more just steps from one another in the capital city.Accommodations in the area range from affordable boutique hotels tointernational hotel chains, with private homes or villas available for rent tofamilies preferring to have their own space to call a home-away-from-home.

With its lush nature, rich history, modern accommodationsand friendly people, Dominican Republic Has It All. For more information onfamily-friendly attractions and destinations in the country, visitwww.GoDominicanRepublic.com.

About Dominican Republic

Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the north and theCaribbean Sea on the south, our lush tropical and paradisiacal country boastsnearly 1,000 miles (1,575 km) of coastline, 250 miles (402 km) of the world’stop beaches, magnificent resorts and hotels, and a variety of sports,recreation and entertainment options. Here you can dance to the pulse poundingthrill of the merengue, renew in our luxurious and diverse accommodations,explore ancient relics of centuries past, delight in delicious Dominican gastronomyor enjoy ecotourism adventures in our magnificent national parks, mountainranges, rivers and beaches.

Known for our warm and hospitable people, Dominican Republicis a destination like no other, featuring astounding nature, intriguing historyand rich cultural experiences like music, art and festivals, plus uniquelyDominican specialties such as cigars, rum, chocolate, coffee, merengue, amberand larimar.

Dominican Republic features the best beaches, fascinatinghistory and culture, and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples andfamilies alike. Visit Dominican RepublicMinistry of Tourism’s official website at: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.

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