Dominican Republic looks East to hit 10 million annual visitor goal

by Charlotte Ashton Dominican Republic

Not content with already being the top tourism destination in the Caribbean with 4.6 million visitors in 2012, the President of the Dominican Republic has set an ambitious goal of attracting 10 million visitors annually by 2022 and is looking east to China to realize it.

•4.6 million people visited the Dominican Republic in 2012, 6.6% increase on 2011

•President sets goal of 10 million visitors by 2022 

•Chinese travellers targeted in aggressive marketing campaign 

Keen to tap into the 80 million Chinese who travel the world today, the Dominican Republic’s Tourism department has set out on an aggressive marketing campaign to make the idyllic Caribbean paradise into one of the Far East’s favourite destination.
Leading by example, President Danilo Medina personally welcomed two high profile Chinese families who were holidaying on the island to the National Palace recently as well instructing the production of an Asian orientated infomercial and fashion magazine spread.
Commenting on the island’s tourism successes and future plans, Robert Gavin, Director and Founding Partner of unique worldwide investment company Property Horizons, says,
“The Dominican Republic is a prime example of how, even in the midst of an economic downturn, it is possible to drive tourist growth. Promoting every diverse attraction the island has to offer, the Dominican Republic has worked hard to outpace not only global tourism growth (4%) but the Caribbean too (4.8%) recording the highest regional growth at 6.6% for the second year consecutively in 2012. And that’s not an easy feat!
“Carefully chosen as the location of our new ultimate lifestyle investment, the 5* Eco Beach Resort & Spa, the Dominican Republic is already highly popular tourism destination with US, Canadian and European visitors alike but now the word is spreading that it’s not only the perfect vacation but also property investment destination with buyers welcomed from near (Venezuela) and far (China).”
With an average annual temperature of 25 degrees, sun kissed beaches, a lush mountainous interior to explore as well a rich history, welcoming people and some of the most affordable real estate in the world, the Dominican Republic can indeed live up to its claim to ‘have it all’. An attractive Spring Break destination for North American snowbirds as well as a popular second home location for Europeans and Asian buyers, the island’s rental market is buoyant and properties are selling fast.
One resort development receiving plenty of interest is the 5* Eco Resort & Spa available through Property Horizons. Located on the north coast, the resort lies only 45 minutes from Gregorio Luperon International Airport Puerta Plata, with daily direct flights from the UK, Europe, Canada and the US.
The development has full town hall planning for 320 luxury properties (phase 1), ranging from luxury apartment suites to 5 bedroom bespoke detached villas. Solar power generation, recycling and fresh spring-fed water supply are some of the features that will contribute to the resorts eco credentials.
Amenities include restaurants, Champagne Bar, Spa Kitchen, 24-hour in-villa dining and service, Spa, Swimming Pools, Gym – fitness, steam rooms, saunas and Jacuzzis, tennis centre, horse riding, water sport centre with diving, wind surfing, sailing, entertainment centre and Helipad.
These luxury properties are available on a whole ownership or fractional ownership basis from USD $199,950. There is currently a 20% pre-launch discount, up to 9% annual returns during the construction phase, up to 10% rental guarantee for 2 years and a 50% revenue share at projected thereafter.
Property Horizons will be at the Property Investor Show at ExCeL London on 19 and 20 April 2013, where Robert Gavin will be speaking at the seminars. If you can’t wait until then, more information can be obtained by calling Property Horizons on +44 (0) 1908 888 999, visiting www.propertyhorizons.co.uk or contacting the team on info@propertyhorizons.co.uk.

Winter Caribbean Access

by Charlotte Ashton Dominican Republic

The Caribbean is to become even more accessible for ‘fun in the sun’ as of 25th October this year when British Airways (BA) begin their new twice-weekly service from London Gatwick to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic; they are increasing the number of flights to St. Lucia to 5 per week, up from 3, and Barbados will reach double figures for weekly flights.

This is positive news for Caribbean property markets with more flights meaning increased access for holiday renters over the winter getaway period. This was reiterated by Paolo De Reniz, Area Commercial Manager Middle East: “The Caribbean tends to be a popular destination with our leisure customers seeking a relaxing winter break… From October, we will fly 45 times a week to the Caribbean and be servicing 13 destinations in the region – more than any other UK airline.”
For global real estate agency Experience International, who sells property in the Dominican Republic as well as other Caribbean destinations, the news from BA comes as a breath of fresh air amidst the more gloomy property news frequenting our headlines. Steve Worboys, MD of Experience International comments, “The Caribbean has always been a desirable location for property hunters seeking their investment in the sun, over the last few years interest has spread from the likes of the Bahamas to other islands which are more affordable for buyers, without compromising on the quality of property available and the relaxed lifestyle. Two bedroom apartments with sea views can be purchased from £70,000 with the added appeal of golf and exceptional resort facilities.”
For more information on flights visit ba.com or contact Experience International for further property information on 020 7321 5858 / www.experience-international.com.
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Swaying Palms, Punta Cana, Domincan Republic
·         2 and 3 bedroom apartments and 2 bedroom penthouses available from £70,000
·         Build to European standard with imported Italian kitchens and German bathrooms
·         Punta Cana has attracted large scale investors from the likes of Brad Pitt and Donald Trump
·         17km of white sandy beaches
·         Free membership to the onsite Punta Cana Tennis Club, Jellyfish restaurant and access to a private beach club are available as well as 2 supervised children’s areas.
·         Membership facilities to 5 of the areas top golf courses including the new Jack Nicklaus course at Cap Cana. (Green fee applicable).

Groundbreaking new Dominican Republic resort commences construction

by Charlotte Ashton Dominican Republic

The close of 2008 saw a new beginning for an exciting project in the Dominican Republic, with the laying of the first stone at the prestigious Punta Perla Golf, Marina and Spa Resort.

On the 29th December, the President of the Dominican Republic Leonel Fernández and Prince Albert II of Monaco were joined by government ministers, officials and Punta Perla president Ricado Miranda for the initial ground breaking and stone laying ceremony at the site of this much-anticipated new resort.
The Punta Perla Resort will be focussed around the principle of luxurious living and is set to have something for everyone – with high hopes of bringing increased tourism and spending to the Dominican Republic economy. As President Fernández recognised at the launch ceremony, the timing of the start of the new project is heartening for the country,
“Dominicans will emerge victorious thanks to the climate of peace and the investment projects in the pipeline”.
This positive feeling exemplifies a hope for the future that the project represents for the people of the Dominican Republic which, given the difficult financial times of late, is most welcome.
As construction of the Punta Perla Golf, Marina and Spa Resort commenced, eyes were drawn to the project’s plans for the future – ambitious and exciting plans that include three signature golf courses, the construction of one of the largest inland marinas in the Caribbean, a luxury Beach Club with swimming pool carved into a coral base at the edge of the sea, an equestrian centre, championship polo club, tennis club, aqua park, casino and cinema and shopping complex. And with ‘green’ features that include the harvesting of rainwater and the recycling of grey water for irrigation, the resort is set to be an impressive project, that has already captured the hearts of many – including Prince Albert II who is said to be impressed by the resort as an example of environmentally-friendly tourism that will act as the blueprint for similar projects in the future.
The start of construction at Punta Perla comes at an exciting time for the Dominican Republic, with the last quarter of 2008 having seen a huge $10.4 billion investment in the tourism sector, and the Dominican Republic Tourism Ministry reporting the highest ever number of tourists visiting the country – at 4.3 million. This has lead to Minister Francisco Javier Garcia saying that,
“tourism is consolidating itself as the ´locomotive´ of economic development in the Dominican Republic”, not only excellent news for residents, but also for those looking to invest in new projects such as the Punta Perla Resort.
Mark Andrew, Managing Director of Emerging Earth who are master agents for the development, agrees,
“With positive results having been reported in the Dominican Republic tourism market in 2008 and funding of the sector increasing further still in 2009, the numbers of people visiting the country to take full advantage of its tropical climate, rich culture and pristine sugar-coloured sands are on target to grow and grow. This is therefore an excellent time to invest to fully benefit from the projected increase in visitor numbers and the Punta Perla Resort with its great choice of properties and facilities that are second to none.”
The Punta Perla Golf, Marina and Spa Resort boasts a wide variety of different property types throughout its beach, marina, tropical gardens and golf complex, from one, two and three bedroom apartments, two and three bedroom villas and two bedroom bungalows, to one and two bedroom townhouses and two and three bedroom penthouses. All properties are set within the gated resort with private terraces, private Jacuzzis / splash pools, marble and solid wood flooring throughout, air conditioning and kitchen appliances. Properties also come with the added benefit of no stamp duty, capital gains tax or tax on rental income payable and investors can also opt for an 8% guaranteed rental return over five to ten years. Prices start at £163,550 / $245,000 to £935,280 / $1,400,000.
For more information on the new Punta Perla Golf, Marina and Spa Resort contact Emerging Earth on 0845 604 1208, email team@EmergingEarth.com or visit www.EmergingEarth.com.

Dominican Republics ‘Swaying’ vote for Golf destination of the year award

by Charlotte Ashton Dominican Republic

 

Over 500 years ago on December 5th 1492 Christopher Columbus discovered The Dominican Republic on his voyage to the new world. An Island that Columbus accounts in his diary as being “a beautiful island paradise with high forested mountains and large river valleys” it was a discovery has been recalled as one of Columbus’ fondest.
Now as the island approaches the anniversary of its discovery it has been given the award for the 2008 “Golf Destination of the Year for the Caribbean and Latin America” by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO). It was presented on November 18th at the 2008 International Golf Travel Market´s (IGTM) held in Marbella, Spain by Francisco Javier Garcia, the Dominican Republics Minister of Tourism and comes at a positive time for an island that is famed for its celebratory fiestas. Garcia states: “The IAGTO award affirms that the Dominican Republic has arrived on the international scene as an important new ´It´ destination for golf. The world is taking notice of the Dominican Republics world-class designer golf courses set amid stunning sea sides, beaches and mountains in an accessible and affordable destination.”
Garcia goes on to say: “The Dominican Republic is home to some of the world´s most dramatic and spectacular golf courses designed by legends such as Pete Dye, P.B. Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones, Gary Player, Tom Fazio and Nick Faldo.” In addition to this award magazines specialising in golf, travel and leisure are highlighting the Dominican Republic with golf courses on the island being found in the top 10 and top 20 features run within the publications.
Steve Worboys, Director of Experience International who offer investment opportunities on the island says: “The Dominican Republic is now a world renowned location famed for its white sandy beaches and picturesque scenery and it is continually being discovered by celebrities, families and couples as a famed holiday destination. Worboys continues: “We have seen an increase in popularity with the island and as the tourism sector increases its position in the world market this Caribbean island has now been honoured with an award that makes it even more attractive to the avid traveller and golfer.”
Swaying Palms is located in the exclusive Punta Cana area of the Dominican Republic and is becoming one of the most popular areas on the Island. It has recently attracted large scale investment from superstars including Brad Pitt and Donald Trump and it takes just 20 minutes to drive to this stunning beach town from the International airport.
Swaying Palms is a luxury gated and private community in Punta Cana that offers 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and penthouses that come with a private terrace and Jacuzzi. Facilities onsite include a tennis club (free membership included), private beach club, restaurant and supervised children’s play areas. Prices start from $140,000/ €155,889/£93,468.

For further information on this investment opportunity on the island of the Dominican Republic please call +44 (0)207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.com.

Dominican Republic records 8% increase in visitor arrivals in 2008 and aims to reach 5 million by 2012

by Charlotte Ashton Dominican Republic

 

The Dominican Republic is quite possibly the perfect embodiment of a Caribbean paradise nation – with its palm-fringed, white sandy beaches which are lapped by warm azure seas and caressed by almost endless summer days, this holiday hotspot is booming on the back of intelligent government policy designed to maintain macroeconomic balance and enable and encourage investment.
 
The government and private sector are united in nurturing the tourism and real estate industries in the Dominican Republic as these are fundamental drivers of the overall economy, which is why the destination is becoming a more and more enticing place for a holiday or even a holiday home investment.  With consistent effort and policy planning in place to promote the delights and undeniable appeal of the nation, combined with significant investment into everything from road infrastructure to the enhancement of amenities and facilities for lifestyle tourism, the overall attraction of the Dominican Republic is improving annually.
 
This level of sustained and focused investment has already led to a significant rise in tourism numbers and it is also supporting far greater investment interest in the Dominican Republic’s affordable yet high-end property market.  According to the nation’s Tourism Minister there has been an 8% increase in tourism arrivals in 2008 already, this is backed up by statistics from the Central Bank released earlier this year suggesting that in the first four months of 2008 alone, 1.6 million visitors arrived to soak up the Dom Rep’s stunning sunshine, an increase of almost 6% year on year from 2007.
 
To further enhance the appeal of the nation, its accessibility and economic success, Tourism Minister Felix Jimenez has just announced the details of the Dominican Republic’s 2008 – 2012 Tourism Plan.  The plan is an outline for investment and it is designed to enable an increase in international arrivals of around 170,000 visitors per year, generating 200 million dollars in annual revenue and reaching 5 million annual arrivals by 2012.  Supporting this plan is significant dual investment into increasing hotel bed capacity and also increasing the amount of residential resort style real estate in the Dominican Republic.  The World Travel and Tourism Council predicts that this period of intensive advancement in tourism will result in at least a 3.7% annual increase in real GDP growth for the nation’s travel and tourism economy over the next decade.
 
According to Steve Worboys, MD of Experience International, the overseas property investment experts: “for those seeking the ultimate property investment opportunity now could be the perfect time to invest into the undeniable potential that the Dominican Republic represents.  Not only is the nation affordable and committed to maintaining its accessible status as one of the most reasonably priced Caribbean destinations, but millions of dollars of investment are going into everything from golf courses to marinas, from boutique style shopping malls to spas and sports facilities.  Already ‘the Caribbean’s Number One Destination’ according to the World Tourism Organization, the Dominican Republic could soon be the number one destination for luxurious yet affordable resort style real estate offering exceptional rental yields in the region too.”
 
The increase in demand for properties for rent from the growing tourism base is allowing developers of the best resorts in the nation to offer fantastic rental guarantees to would-be purchasers, and to even offer these rental guarantees on top of allowing owners access to their properties for their own Caribbean paradise vacation.  One such development, Swaying Palms, offers investors 7% annual rental guarantees, and currently the gated and private luxurious community of apartments and penthouses is for sale at 30% below market value with 20% capital growth per annum predicted and overall the ‘Projected Capital Growth’ for the next 5 years is 220%.  The properties are within a resort offering the best range of high-grade amenity – from tennis clubs to beach clubs and with owners benefitting from membership facilities to 5 of the areas top golf courses including the new Jack Nicklaus course at Cap Cana for example.  Properties are available for sale with 50% mortgages from just $140,000, and for more information please contact Experience International on 0207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.com.