Dominican Republic sees no problems with tourism after Haiti quake

The Dominican Republic (DR) Ministry of Tourism has reported that, despite last week’s quake that crippled its neighbor of Haiti, they are receiving tourists as usual.

According to the Ministry, all of its cities, tourism, and resort areas are conducting normal business operations, while the DR government, consulates, and embassies are working diligently with the international community on Haiti earthquake relief.

The Dominican Republic is, of course, a popular Caribbean tourism spot for visitors from across the globe, with a large percent originating from the U.S. This is a stark contrast from the impoverished pre-quake economy of Haiti.

All of the major tourist areas, hotels, resorts, airports, and seaports are open and receiving visitors. The DR experienced no damage from the quake or its aftershocks. Major tourism regions Punta Cana and La Romana on the east coast, as well as Samana and Puerto Plata along the north coast are still welcoming winter season tourists from all over the world.

Being a good neighbor

Over the past 9 days, millions of Dominicans have donated time, money, supplies, and expertise to help Haiti in these critical hours of need.

The southern region of the DR has been a stable staging area for the Haiti relief effort and a reliable alternative route into Haiti. Three key airports and a roadway in the DR’s southern region are being used to receive international relief supplies through mostly rural areas of the DR not frequented by visitors.

The DR government has stationed military, police, and immigration officials along the DR border reinforcing relief efforts to help Haiti. The DR has strong border control permitting only crossings for humanitarian reasons, while also sending critical supplies, equipment, medical experts, and millions of dollars for food and relief kitchens directly to Port-au-Prince.

The DR shares the eastern third of the Island of Hispaniola with Haiti. Punta Cana, the major global tourism destination in the DR is located approximately 400 miles (633 kilometers) east of Haiti’s capital, or a 10-12 hour drive, with numerous mountain ranges separating the two countries.

For more information, visit: www.GoDomincanRepublic.com.