The Dominican Republic, with an estimated population of 9 million people, is the second largest nation in the Caribbean, after Cuba, and one of the premier destinations in the region for both business and tourism. Getting here is easy with 7 international airports and service by major airlines from all over the world. Approximate flight times from various points: 3 hours 15 minutes from NYC, 8 hours from Paris and just 2 hours 10 minutes from Miami. Located on 48,380 Sq.Km., 2/3 of the eastern part of Hispaniola, the Dominican Republic offers visitors a variety of terrain in addition to its 1,288 Km of coastline. The dramatically varied scenery includes rain forests, coastal swamps, lowlands, desert and the highest mountains in the region, soaring up to Pico Duarte at 3,175 m., as well as the lowest point, Enriquillo Lake at 46 m. below sea level. 

Discovered in 1492 by Christopher Columbus, who legend says promptly proclaimed it “The fairest land under heaven”, this fastest growing Caribbean destination boasts the first European settlement, first city, first hospital and first cathedral in the “New World”. The capital of Santo Domingo is considered by many to be the most cosmopolitan city in the region and has plenty of cultural activities and historic sites to enjoy. From its 10 museums to the National Theater with capacity for 1700 people, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Points of historic interest include the Cathedral of Santa Maria (1st cathedral in America, finished in 1540), the Franciscan Monastery Ruins, the Alcazar de Colon (22-room palace home of Don Diego Columbus built in 1510), and various colonial area churches and buildings.

For the eco-tourists, the country has more than 218 species of birds and a varied collection of flora and fauna throughout its territory. The Dominican Republic has an important number of protected environmental sites which include 16 national parks, nine natural monuments and six scientific reserves all of which are under the direct supervision and control of the Direction of National Parks Office. Almost the entire North Western Atlantic Humpback whale population spends the months of January, February and March utilizing several offshore areas in the Dominican Republic to mate and give birth. 

The active tourist can enjoy our country’s many traditional and non-traditional sports facilities and activities, from golf to baseball, and from kiteboarding to river rafting, the Dominican Republic is filled with unique and world class venues. Known as the fastest growing golfing destination in the region, our country boasts 23 completed golf courses and more under construction and planning, including a quartet of Jack Nicklaus designed courses under construction. Golfers can enjoy the famous Pete Dye Teeth of the Dog course, ranked 34th among the best courses in the world in 2003 by Golf Magazine, as well as the excellent Robert Trent Jones course in Playa Grande. As for baseball, the Dominican Republic has long been known for its fabulous players, including the Alou brothers, Juan Marichal, Sammy Sosa, Manny Ramirez and Pedro Martinez among others, and is considered by many to be the home of winter baseball. For the more adventurous, the area of Cabarete and Sosua is considered one of the best in the world for windsurfing and kitesurfing, hosting the Kiteboarding World Cup in 2000, 2002, 2003 and 2004. There are also excursions, hiking, biking, rafting, diving and many extreme sports throughout the country.