Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1533069
THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: A TOP DESTINATION FOR A COMBINED BUSINESS AND LEISURE TRIP B Y D O S W E L L I N G R A M With year-round sunny weather, para- disiacal beaches and a vibrant culture, the Dominican Republic awaits you to turn your meetings and corporate events into unforgettable experiences. Its modern infrastructure, high-quality services, luxurious resorts, state-of-the-art convention centers and a wide range of recreational activities make this destina- tion the perfect place for any type of event, from conferences and conventions to incentive trips and team meetings. In addition to its impressive facilities and beautiful landscapes, the country offers exquisite gastronomy, fruit of its rich cultural heritage, and an incomparable hospitality that guarantees a perfect com- bination of professionalism, comfort and Caribbean authenticity, ensuring the suc- cess and satisfaction of your participants. For large events, the top choice remains Punta Cana, home to the coun- try's largest number and size of all-inclu- sive beachfront hotels, as well as the largest convention center space. But Santo Domingo, the capital city of the DR, holds its own. This first urban settle- ment in the Americas–its Colonial City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with historical stops–is home to leading international hotel brands with casinos, and the country's gastronomy hub, mak- ing it the perfect base for culture, history, and nightlife. To the east, La Romana's luxurious lodging and golf activities cou- pled with nearby Bayahíbe's stunning beaches, a national park, and offshore islands attract small to medium events. Up north, Puerto Plata is an excellent choice for medium-sized meetings com- plemented with an adrenaline-packed outdoor and culture-filled itinerary for team building activities. Samaná's bou- tique hotels and haven of secluded beaches and mountains, along with some of the best wildlife watching in the DR, is the go-to place for small groups. The Dominican Republic has long been a favorite Caribbean escape for its pletho- ra of accommodation options attracting countless celebrities, sports personalities, and adventurous travelers. In fact, the country boasts the highest number of hotel rooms in the Caribbean region, totaling over 83,934. Even though the DR is known for its all-inclusive resorts, there are also plenty of boutique hotels and eco lodges located in beach towns and mountainside areas, including colonial hotels in the historic Colonial City of Santo Domingo, among others. In between meetings, go beach hop- ping and sailing–choosing from their nearly 1,000 miles (1,576 kilometers) of coastline–play one or more of its 26 golf courses, go on adrenaline-packed hikes and ziplines, tour coffee or cacao planta- tions, cool off in freshwater lagoons and caves, snorkel off reefs and shipwrecks, explore our diverse gastronomy, and relax under the stars at one of our world-class marinas or beachfront resorts. From south to north, or east, you'll soon notice that balancing work and leisure is part and parcel of our Dominican culture. All you have to do to get started is pick one of the magical corners of the country. The Dominican Republic is one of the most desired destinations for a combined business and leisure trip. B M & T ••• March/April 2025 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 55 AREA GUIDES D O M I N I C A N R E P U B L I C • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Hacienda Samana Bay Hotel & Residences 59 Chalet Tropical Village B&B 11 Hotel Alisei & Spa 54 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Casa De Campo Resort & Villas Total Meeting Space 24,500 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism – (809) 221-4660 www.godominicanrepublic.com Tranquil Dominican Republic Beach