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HOLDING YOUR NEXT MEETING IN THE DR? YOU WILL BE SURPRISED WHAT THIS CARIBBEAN DESTINATION HAS FOR YOUR GROUPS' ATTENDEES! BY REGGIE MURPHY The Dominican Republic is the sec- ond largest and most diverse Caribbean country, situated just two hours south of Miami, less than four hours from New York and eight hours from most European cities. Known for its warm and hospitable people, the Dominican Republic is a destination like no other, featuring astounding nature, intriguing history and rich culture. Many world class-resorts and hotels in this popular getaway cater to meetings and incentive groups who flock to Dominican Republic for excellent, friend- ly service and dynamic meeting venues. Properties like the 1,799-room Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana or the 1,100- room Melia Caribe Tropical, both of which have impressive meeting facilities. The Dominican Republic now has the highest number of hotel rooms in the entire Caribbean, with over 69,000, according to the Hotel & Tourism Association. Many of the world's top brands are here, including Accor, AM Resorts, Barceló, BeLive, Blau Hotels, Crowne Plaza, Embassy Suites, Bahía Príncipe, Hard Rock Hotels, Hilton, Holiday Inn, Hotetur, Iberostar, IFA Hotels and JW Marriott just to name a few. Housing your groups' attendees won't be a problem in this Caribbean jewel. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the north and the Caribbean Sea on the south, this lush tropical island para- dise boasts nearly 1,000 miles of coastline, 250 miles of the world's top beaches, magnificent resorts and hotels, and a variety of sports, recre- ation and entertainment options. Here you can dance to the pulse pounding thrill of the merengue, renew in luxuri- ous and diverse accommodations, explore ancient relics of centuries past, delight in delicious Dominican gastron- omy or enjoy ecotourism adventures in magnificent national parks, mountain ranges, rivers and beaches. The #1 destination for golf in the Caribbean and Latin America, the Dominican Republic delights leisure and business travelers alike with 25 designer golf courses amid breathtaking coast- lines with mountain backdrops and lush green fairways. With so many beautiful natural settings like romantic waterfalls, breathtaking coasts and idyllic accommo- dations, the Dominican Republic is a top destination for weddings and romance. A valid passport is required. You may also need a tourist card or a visa. Citizens of countries who are legally able to enter the European Union, Great Britain, the United States of America or Canada may enter the Dominican Republic by presenting a Tourist Card. The Tourist Card is valid for a year from the date of purchase and is valid for an up to 30-day visit for one person who will only be able to use it once. The Tourist Card can be acquired at point of sale locations at land, air or sea ports in the country. It is also sold at Dominican embassies and consulate offices over- seas and by tour operating companies. It can be purchased online at www.dgii.gov.do/tarjetaTuristica/EN/a bout/Paginas/default.aspx. Las Americas International Airport (SDQ), also known as the José Francisco Peña Gómez Airport, is 30 minutes from the capital city of Santo Domingo and very close to the tourist areas of Boca Chica and Juan Dolio. Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is only 15 minutes from the Punta Cana and Cap Cana area, and some 30 minutes from Bávaro, El Cortecito, Arena Gorda, Macao and Uvero Alto hotel areas. This is the Caribbean airport with the largest diversity of flights from all around the world. Seaside resorts are a 10 to 40- minute drive from the airport. B M & T ••• January/February 2016 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 45 D O M I N I C A N R E P U B L I C • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Hard Rock Hotel, Punta Cana 1,799 Melia Caribe Tropical 1,100 Riu Palace Bavaro 610 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana Total Exhibit Space 75,744 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 8 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Go Dominican Republic (809) 221-4660 http://www.godominicanrepublic.com AREA GUIDES Dominican Republic Beach shot