BERLIN. – The Dominican Government signed two agreements Friday, one with a European company that will build eight boutique hotels in Cofresí Bay, Puerto Plata at a cost of US$200 million, and the other with Air France to promote the country in 15 European nations.

Tourism minister Francisco Javier Garcia made the announcement in a press conference in Berlin’s Marriot hotel, where he attends the ITB tourism fair 2009.

He also announced that Dominican Republic’s promotional video won second place in a competition with more than 300 presentations from different countries.

The company Marketing Beratung International (MBI) will build the hotels in Puerto Plata, in coordination with the chain Hacienda Resorts.

MBI general manager Alexander Schaufler said the project called Costa Esmeralda Peninsula will feature eight, 160 room boutique hotels in a first stage and 200 apartments after that.

The Tourism Minister said the project marks the Government’s effort to take attract upscale tourism to the Puerto Plata region. “This it is the type of tourism we want in Puerto Plata, aside from that additional investment, more tourists will come from Vienna.”

The official said the MBI executives will travel to Dominican Republic in mid April for the groundbreaking and immediately begin the works, for the first stage to be ready by end 2010.

Agreement with Air France

Garcia said the agreement with Air France is the only accord that carrier has ever signed with a Tourism ministry, and pledges to promote Dominican Republic in 15 European destinations where it frequently flies.

Upon signing the agreement, Air France executive Veronique Moulin said she was pleased by the Dominican Government’s interest in the pact she said has been under discussion for several years.

In that regard, Garcia said it’s a new step in the country’s promotion in the European market, source of many visitors to his country.

Promotion Prize

Dominican Republic won second place in the best promotional videos competition, with 180 part countries present in Berlin’s ITB fair taking part.

Garcia, who made the announcement during a banquet for local and other hoteliers from various countries in the De Rome hotel, said more than 300 promotions competed, “which shows that second place is a true victory for Dominican Republic.”

From DominicanToday.com

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