According to figures from the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism, the country received over 6 million tourists in 2016 alone, representing a 10% increase year over year. At the same time, hotel occupancy rates grew 18% during the same period to stand at 78%. The spectacular Punta Cana Princess is one of the most popular resorts in the Dominican Republic. Located on the Punta Cana coast, this magnificent adults-only facility offers an all-inclusive plan that covers everything from meals and drinks to the resort’s lounges. From August 19 to December 15, 2017, the resort will offer two nights free to any member of the Royal Holiday Vacations club who books seven nights at the resort before June 10, 2017. With that in mind, here are things to do and sites to see in the Dominican Republic.
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Punta Cana
Located on the easternmost point of the Dominican Republic, The Punta Cana is a large beach town that offers a wide range of amenities and activities. Some of these activities include golfing, fishing, surfing and zip line tours. Additionally, the city’s beautiful beaches are ideal for sunbathing.
Santo Domingo’s Colonial City
Located on the southeast coast of the Hispaniola, the city of Santo Domingo is home to nearly 3 million people. It is the capital city as well as the cultural center of the Dominican Republic. Bartholomew Columbus, the brother of Christopher Columbus, founded the city in 1496, making it the oldest city in the New World. The Santo Domingo’s Colonial City, a section of Santo Domingo, features some of the oldest institutions and buildings in the Western Hemisphere. These include the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo, which was founded in 1538, and the First Cathedral of America, which was built between 1514 and 1542.
Due to its historical significance, UNESCO designated the Colonial City a World Heritage Site in 1990. Other architectural attractions in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City include the Alcazer De Colón, Museum of the Royal Houses, and the Columbus Place. If you are a nature enthusiast, you should visit the National Botanical Garden. The garden stretches over 200 acres of land, making it the largest botanical garden in the Caribbean. The garden features more than 300 varieties of flora including native plants, gorgeous palms and orchids.
National Park of the East
Founded in 1975, the National Park of the East is today one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. It is located in the heart of the La Romana and covering over 40,000 hectors, the National Park of the East is a natural habitat of myriad marine animals including manatees, sea turtles, and bottlenose dolphins, among others. In fact, the park encompasses one of the largest marine parks in the Caribbean. The park is also home to over 112 bird species, including the rare white-headed dove, as well as the rhinoceros iguana. The flora includes subtropical rainforests and subtropical dry forests. Besides the flora and fauna, the park’s clear blue waters and white sandy beaches offer a wide range of activities including snorkeling, fishing, diving and sunbathing.
Conclusion
The Dominican Republic is one of the most popular tourism destinations in the Caribbean thanks to its strategic location, rich history, culture and natural attractions. To make your Dominican Republic vacation even more memorable, join Royal Holiday Vacations Club today and book seven nights at the Punta Cana Princess resort before June 10, 2017. If you do so and visit the resort from August 19 to December 15, 2017, you may get two nights free.