Dominican Republic Named "Top Destination Of The Year, Caribbean" By Expedia.com

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, Feb. 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Award season is in full swing and the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism is pleased to announce that it has been recognized as the "Top Destination of the Year, Caribbean" by Expedia.com®, the world's largest online travel agency. The prestigious award was presented by Gay Miller, Senior Business Development Director for Expedia.com's Business Solutions, and Demetrious Canton, Expedia.com's Market Director for the Caribbean, at the recent Caribbean Hotel Association Marketplace in Jamaica.

To decide upon the Caribbean collection, Expedia.com considered each Caribbean country's overall performance. Dominican Republic welcomed a record 4.6 million visitors in 2013 and received a 33 percent increase in demand, making it the top growing market in the Caribbean. Since last year Dominican Republic has been one of the top visited destinations in the Caribbean for the U.S. market as 1.5 million Americans traveled to the country in the past year, equaling 34 percent of the total tourist arrivals.

Magaly Toribio, Marketing Advisor for the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism, said, "We are extremely delighted with the ever-increasing growth of visitors who seek our breathtaking scenery and captivating culture. The efforts of the Ministry of Tourism exemplify our commitment to a strategic marketing plan and execution to further boost tourism arrivals."

In response to the substantial growth, the Ministry of Tourism, Dominican Government and the tourism sector have collaborated to capitalize on the country's tourism offerings. In 2013 the country witnessed an increase in room capacity, the addition of direct flights from major U.S. cities, strengthened safety and security measures, development of well-known hotel brands, production of new attractions, modernized highways, cruise port developments and more.

Punta Cana on the East Coast is once again the most popular destination for tourists in the country, as its international airport received 55 percent of arrivals. Las Americas International Airport in the capital city of Santo Domingo followed, receiving 24 percent. Travel demand for the Caribbean continues to grow in the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom and Brazil, and 2014 is anticipated to increase even more.

About Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic's first tourist was Christopher Columbus in 1492. Rich in history, Dominican Republic has developed into a diverse destination offering both Dominican and European flavors to approximately five million global visitors in 2012. Named #1 Golf Destination in Caribbean & Latin America by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, Dominican Republic boasts 28 designer golf courses, upscale resorts, pristine nature and sophisticated cities and quaint villages filled with warm Dominican people.  Dominican Republic features the best beaches, fascinating history and culture, and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families alike.  Visit Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism's official website at: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.

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CONTACT:
BVK Public Relations for DR Ministry of Tourism
Annie Holschuh: (414) 247-2140/[email protected]

SOURCE Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism

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