Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/875351
MEETING IN THE MOST DIVERSE CARIBBEAN COUNTRY GIVES PLANNERS MULTIPLE OPTIONS WHEN CREATING A THEME FOR AN EVENT BY SOLOMON J. HERBERT II The Dominican Republic is known as one of the world's most desirable destina- tions for business travel and leisure. Take some of the most stunning and varied nat- ural landscapes in the Caribbean and add to it world-class travel and accommoda- tion infrastructure. Then add a variety of natural and cultural attractions in beach, mountain and city destinations. Play one or more of the 26 golf courses. Set loose the adrenaline for adventure travel activi- ties and later relax with spa treatments fol- lowed by drinks and succulent dinner at the resort hotels. You can understand why the country has it all for meetings, incen- tives, conventions and events. There is nowhere in the Caribbean bet- ter for creating multiple incentive vaca- tions by varying the destination and the length of stay. Choose a high-end sun and fun experience, and then go for the adventure trips to the mountains or bird- watching trips in Barahona and Pedernales. Combine beach hopping and zipline adventures in Samaná with history and culture in Santo Domingo. For those planning large meetings of more than 1,000 persons, consider Punta Cana and Santo Domingo, with its nearby beach areas of Boca Chica and Juan Dolio. For medium-sized meetings also consider Puerto Plata, La Romana, and Santiago. For small meetings, also look into Samaná or the two-for-one destina- tions of Jarabacoa and Constanza or Barahona and Pedernales. The capital city of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo is the most vibrant in the Caribbean. Santo Domingo is best known for its Colonial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Likewise, with more restaurants than any other metropolis in the Caribbean and Central America, Santo Domingo is also known for its intense nightlife. Punta Cana is known all over the world for stunning beaches, upscale hotels, romantic settings, and 10 amazing golf courses, including those designed by Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio and Nick Price. This is a destination for fishing and water- sports activities. Ecotourism activities also abound. 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 present- ing 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 in 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/abo ut/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 min- utes from Bávaro, El Cortecito, Arena Gorda, Macao and Uvero Alto hotel areas. B M & T ••• January/February 2017 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 33 • • • 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 D O M I N I C A N R E P U B L I C Saona island Dominican Republic Colorful sea sponges and tropical fish in a coral reef with water surface in background, Caribbean sea. Boca Chica, Dominican Republic, Resident celebrating Caribbean Carnival on the Beach Photo Credit czekma13 vilainecrevette chriss73