The Caribbean has always been a popular destination amongst beach and sunshine enthusiasts. The region is often described as “the most tourism-dependent region in the world”. However, there is one country that is especially prominent in this field – the Dominican Republic.
The Dominican Republic is the second largest Caribbean country, and is located just two hours from Miami. It is a destination featuring astounding nature, intriguing history and rich culture. The country boasts 1,609 kilometers of coastline and more than 400 kilometers of magnificent beaches.
This tropical island is a destination providing activities for a wide range of visitors. It is possible to explore ancient relics, taste delicious Dominican gastronomy, enjoy ecotourism adventures in Dominican national parks, mountains and rivers, or just relax in luxurious resorts.
Santo Domingo: The Highlight
Santo Domingo, the largest city and capital of the Dominican Republic, is one of the island’s highlights. It is the oldest city in the New World, and the historic Colonial City of Santo Domingo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It boasts stunning Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets and excellent restaurants. Moreover, the Basilica Cathedral of Santa María la Menor is the oldest existing cathedral in the Americas.
Another popular destination on the island is Punta Cana. It is packed with resorts and beautiful beaches, as well as great golf courses. Sosúa, Saona Island, Cabarete, Santiago de los Caballeros and Samaná are also places worth visiting in the Dominican Republic.
Tourism Experiencing Constant Growth
The Caribbean’s top destinations continue to see strong growth. According to the Caribbean Tourism Organization, 5.95 million visitors arrived in the Dominican Republic last year, making it the best year ever for Dominican tourism. This is also a 6.7 percent increase from 2015. Since 1995, the annual inflow has increased from 1.8 million to this year’s nearly 6 million figure.
Last year the country saw the strongest growth from international tourists outside the U.S., Canada, and Europe. This has guaranteed a large increase in the Latin American market. That segment accounted for 1.84 million tourists in 2016. This makes it the second largest total source market behind the traditionally dominant United States.
The Dominican government has set a goal to reach 10 million annual visitors by 2023. To support this growth, the state is working on the construction of new accommodation facilities. Between 2016 and 2019, approximately 18,000 new hotel rooms will open in the Dominican Republic.
Benefits Not Only for the Big Players
This expected continuous growth, as well as the construction of new facilities, will greatly benefit hoteliers on the island, including both large resort hotels and smaller accommodation providers. One of them is CASA–22, located in a residential area of the city of Sosúa.
CASA–22 is a luxury boutique hotel modelled in the bed & breakfast tradition. It ensures a relaxing, luxurious stay in complete privacy with personalized service.
The modern facilities include a private beauty institute, where guests can enjoy massages, a detox and slimming program and other treatments. A private swimming pool, terrace and Jacuzzi tub are also available for guests. Sport enthusiasts will enjoy a special fitness area in the hotel.
The hotel is only a 15-minute drive away from the international airport of Puerto Plata, and less than a five-minute walk from the Sosúa beach. The hotel offers continental breakfast daily as well as lunch at the hotel restaurant’s terrace.
The hotel differs from big resort hotels in that there is no noise, no playgrounds for children or crowd of tourists. The main concept of CASA–22 is to provide privacy, tranquility and personal assistance for a romantic or fun holiday spent with family or friends.