Punta Cana Beach
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (April 15, 2010) – The Dominican Republic is the most exciting and welcoming destination for U.S. private pilots in the Caribbean. The DR Ministry of Tourism is rolling out the red carpet for U.S. aviation buffs who want to explore the largest bio-diverse Caribbean island located just 650 miles south of Miami.
“With 13 welcoming airports, including 8 international and 5 domestic, that do not charge any fees, it’s easy for private pilots from America to come and explore Dominican scenery and culture, including our spectacular beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and exciting music and dance,” said Magaly Toribio, Vice Minister of International Promotion for the DR Ministry of Tourism. “We want the DR to be the destination of choice for U.S. pilots.”
“Come and experience the famous warm Dominican welcome and explore unique geographical and cultural diversity throughout our amazing country,” said DR Minister of Airport Authority, Fernandez Zucco. “The DR will be exhibiting at two major U.S. Fly-ins this year where pilots can visit us at the DR exhibit booth and meet officials from the DR aviation and tourism industries,” he added.
“It’s safe to fly to the DR. Within the 620 miles distance between Florida and DR, you’ll find 56 airfields under FAA regulations with the path closely patrolled by the U.S. Coast Guard. The longest leg over the sea is about 120 miles,” said Zucco. And the country is Fee-Free. All government user fees for general aviation have been eliminated by Presidential Decree for all private aircraft that weigh less than 30,000 lbs. or have a maximum capacity of 12 passengers.,”
In order to enter the DR, visitors from the U.S., Canada and Europe don’t need a visa. They just need to pay US$10.00 at the airport for a tourist card.
Visit the DR at the Annual Sun ‘n Fun Fly-in taking place April 14-19 at Lakeland, Florida’s Linder Regional Airport (www.sun-n-fun.org). You can also explore the DR at the 2010 AirVenture Show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin at the EAA Museum (www.airventure.org) from July 26- Aug. 1.
For pilots, getting around the DR is easy with 13 well-appointed airports located in every region of the large island:
International Airports
Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) – serving the capital city of Santo Domingo, Boca Chica and Juan Dolio
La Romana International Airport (LRM) – serving the Casa de Campo resort and Bayahibe hotels.
Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) – serving the Punta Cana and Bávaro resort region.
Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP) – serving the Puerto Plata resort region.
El Cibao International Airport (STI) – serving the city of Santiago.
Presidente Juan Bosch International Airport, also known as El Catey (AZS) – serving the ecologically-rich Samaná Peninsula.
La Isabela International Airport (JBQ) – Also in Santo Domingo, offers domestic flights within the Dominican Republic and flights to some Caribbean islands.
Maria Montez International Airport (BRX) – serves Barahona in the bio-diverse Southwest.
Domestic Airports
Montecristi (MDMC) – serving Montecristi on the North Coast.
Cueva de las Maravillas (SPM) – serving the La Romana resort region in the Southeast.
El Portillo (MDPO) – serving the Samaná Peninsula on the North Coast
Constanza (MDCZ) – serving Constanza in the Central Region.
Cabo Rojo (MDCR) – serving Cabo Rojo in the Pedernales Province in the Southeast.
The Dominican Republic’s first tourist was Christopher Columbus in 1492. Rich in history, the DR has developed into a diverse destination offering both Dominican and European flavors to more than one million U.S. visitors each year. Upscale resorts, fascinating history and culture and sophisticated cities filled with warm Dominican people make the DR a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families alike. Visit the DR Ministry of Tourism’s official Web site at: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.
Original Article from: Public Relations for DR Ministry of Tourism
