The prospects of the winter season in the Dominican Republic

The winter season 2018–2019 for the Dominican Republic looks promising in terms of the growth of tourist traffic from Russia. The main reasons are - the increase in charter traffic and the widening of new destinations in this Caribbean country by tour operators. Finally, the pricing policy of tour operators, including special prices from accommodation providers, also plays a significant role. This was underlined by Mikhail Evdokimov, the consul of the Russian Federation in the Dominican Republic, at the meeting which was held as a part of a press tour organized by ANEX Tour operator. The diplomat believes that mainly the growth of tourist traffic is due to the active work of Russian tour operators, increasing the frequency and volume of charter flights and the widening of new destinations in the Dominican Republic. He noted that from next year Aeroflot airline should return on the route Moscow - Punta Cana, which will also have a positive impact on demand. Alfonso Nieto, CEO of ANEX Tour in the Caribbean, confirmed the upward trend in Russian tourist traffic, noting that the demand for the destination has increased over the last three years. And there is every reason to believe that this year will not be an exception. “In general, we are satisfied with the dynamics and depth of sales to the Dominican Republic,” he said. In the upcoming winter season, the tour operator flies to the Dominican Republic by AZUR air flights - 5 times a week with departure from Moscow to Punta Cana and 2 times a week with departure from St. Petersburg to La Romana. Mr. Nieto recalled that AZUR air offers both economy and business class seats. The demand for flights “in business” is quite active, despite the current economic uncertainty. In turn, the hoteliers of the Dominican Republic, who attended the meeting, noted the growing activity of ANEX Tour and reminded them that they give the tour operator additional advantages in prices. And this allows the player to create attractive prices for tour packages. As Maria Danilova, a specialist of the sales department of Be Live Collection Punta Cana 5*hotel, noted, the prices for the 8-day trip (in the beginning of November) start from 133 thousand Rubles ($ 2,023) for two persons. Slightly cheaper the tour will cost with accommodation at the hotel Whala Bayahibe 4* - for a 7-day vacation tour operator requests from 123 thousand Rubles ($ 1,871) for two travelers. Hoteliers, including the management of the new facilities, are counting on Russian tour operators. “We opened about a year ago, but we already note a very high interest for the hotel. About 80% of our guests are tourists from Russia,” said hotel director Rainer Suns.