The Dominican Republic has come a long way since its first tourist, Christopher Columbus, landed in 1492. Located on the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti, the Dominican Republic now welcomes more than one million American visitors per year to its lush, verdant paradise.
Nowhere is its transformation to tourist Mecca more apparent than the former fishing village of Punta Cana. Famous for its clear waters and white-sand beaches, Punta Cana has evolved into a resort paradise with luxury hotels, golf courses and amenities galore.
Part of Punta Cana’s popularity as a destination is its affordability. “It’s such a desirable getaway because it’s inexpensive to fly to,” said Frani Hahn, owner of Francesca Travel in Baltimore.
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In these troubled economic times, saving money on travel has become a top priority for tourists — and Punta Cana does not disappoint. “My husband and I really needed a vacation, but we had a strict budget that we couldn’t go over,” said Christine Bowers, an elementary school teacher from Columbia. “We got all of what we wanted and more in Punta Cana without breaking the bank.”
Opting for an all-inclusive package can be a great option for the budget conscious. “Punta Cana is a boom for vacationers who want to stay within budget and don’t mind opting for a place that is self-contained,” Hahn said. “There is no need to go outside of the compound since everything is paid for already.”
Golf lovers will be drawn to Punta Cana’s championship courses, which have transformed it into a golfing destination that is currently being enhanced and improved with government money. “Our vision is to grow Punta Cana into an upscale golfer’s paradise with care to preserve and showcase the area’s pristine beauty and eco-diversity,” said Felix Jimenez, the Dominican Republic minister of tourism.
Travelers looking to just escape and unwind for a few days will find Punta Cana a perfect fit. “Although there are plenty of things to do in Punta Cana, it’s also a great spot to just relax,” said Hahn. “Punta Cana beaches are flawless and are a perfect place to just ‘veg out’ with a good book.”
