NEW YORK -- The Dominican Republic remains a popular destination,
weathering the Sept. 11 fallout and recovering quickly from the
crash of American Airlines Flight 587 in November, according to Bob
Thorne, president of Inter-Island Tours here.
Thorne attributed this stability in part to the nation's
favorable exchange rate, accessibility and variety of
accommodations. Inter-Island Tours is continuing its offerings from
last year, which include 34 hotels around the Dominican
Republic.
This fall, more than 1,000 hotel rooms opened, including the
332-room Coral Marien Beach Resort in Puerto Plata and the 498-room
Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus in Bayahibe. Adding to the
destination's appeal is the airlift from the U.S., particularly
from the New York area, which accounts for the majority of
visitors.
For tour operators, the Dominican Republic gives bang for the
buck. Apple Vacations introduced packages to La Romana and Bayahibe
to its 2002 product lineup. Apple also offers Punta Cana plans.
Resort hotels in La Romana and Bayahibe plans include Casa De
Campo, Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus, Casa Del Mar, Viva Dominicus
Palace and Viva Dominicus. Packages are priced from $799 per
person, double, and include roundtrip air from Chicago and seven
nights' accommodations. Air can be arranged from other
gateways.
Gogo Worldwide Vacations features a companions-fly-free
promotion for travel between Jan. 3 and Feb. 16. The deal is valid
on charter service from New York (Kennedy and Newark). Companions
must pay the land portion of the deal as well as taxes on the air
tickets. With the discount, rates for a three-night stay at Punta
Cana's Allegro Bavaro Resort run $559 for the first person and $190
for the companion.
US Airways Vacations added four hotels to its 2002 roster, which
now totals 14 properties. Per person package rates cover roundtrip
air from New York (LaGuardia) and a three-night stay at one of the
four hotels. Departures are valid on Mondays and Tuesdays between
Jan. 7 and March 26. The hotels and rates are:
• In Juan Dolio, Barcelo Capella Beach Resort, from $810, and
Coral Costa Caribe Beach Hotel & Casino, from $790.
• In Boca Chica, Coral Hamaca Beach Hotel & Casino, from
$862.
• In Santo Domingo, Renaissance Jaraqua Hotel & Casino, from
$796.