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Conoce las 6 economías que crecerán más y menos en América Latina durante este año. http://bit.ly/2O65F5x Vía @bbcmundo.

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REASONS WHY THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC SHOULD BE ON YOUR TRAVEL WISH LIST

Of the 25 countries in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is ranked at the top with awe-inspiring beaches, year-round golf, a rich culture, the tallest mountain peak in the Caribbean, and a fast-growing economy. In fact, this country neighboring Haiti is considered the second largest gold mine in the world filled with opportunities. It’s no wonder that the Dominican Republic has taken the lead as a top destination location for tourists with direct international flights, grand accommodations, a wide array of things to do, and of course, the Dominican Food.

The Dominican Republic has more than five international airports scattered across the island, Punta Cana and Las Americas being the most popular, with over 50 airline services. There are numerous American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue Airways, United, and Spirit Airlines flights daily flying direct to locations around the world. Not only is it easy to get to the island from anywhere, but upon arrival tourists simply purchase a $10 “tourist card” that serves as a visa. The immigration process is quick and straightforward, and the airports are easy to navigate.

The Dominican Republic is known for its’ superb amenities and impressive accommodations. Punta Cana, located on the easternmost tip of the island, is known for its 32km stretch of clear waters and beaches and is home to resorts and hotels appreciated by tourists from around the world. Take for example the Occidental Punta Cana with direct access to El Cortesito beach. This hotspot has recently been renovated boasting a relaxed resort vibe. Here, accommodations are spread out, maximizing the space of the property, guaranteeing guests space to escape into tranquil peace. For those looking to get active, there are funky foam parties, dance lessons, kayaks for rent, yoga classes, rotating nightly entertainment and more. At this resort and many others located in the heart of Punta Cana, guests come from around the world to enjoy the Caribbean resort lifestyle.

Just north along the coast sits Bávaro beach with crystal clear calm waters protected by a coral reef. This sandbar is the ideal natural swimming pool filled with little fish. Barceló Bávaro Grand Resort, nestled next to this stretch of calm ocean, offers many activities for guests like paddle boards, non-motorized sports, beach volleyball and soccer, water polo, a casino, and a shopping promenade. Guests also have access to banana boat rides, windsurfing, jet skis, catamarans, and scuba diving. With all of these action activities, Barceló Bávaro Grand Resort also has the infamous U-Spa with hydrotherapy, thermal pools, and massage therapies to relax and unwind. This resort provides for vacation go-getters and those who prefer to rest and relax.

Santo Domingo, the nation's capital, is full of life. When visiting the city look no further than staying at El Embajador, A Royal Hideaway Hotel. This hotel, located in the center of city life, has expansive gardens and a beautiful outdoor pool hidden away from the concrete jungle outside. The hotel has been renovated and completely modernized except for the lobby, boasting its traditional look full of artwork with a grand piano. The hotel has two restaurants overlooking the gardens, and if you listen carefully, you can hear the bright green cotorra "pirate" birds chirping. El Embajador creates the perfect balance for guests looking to experience the city with an escape to nature.

Whether you choose to stay on the eastern side of the island in Punta Cana and Bavaro or venture to the capital, Santo Domingo, there is much to do outside of the resorts. On the east, if you choose to step away from the piña coladas and shoreline, check out whale watching, explore DownTown Punta Cana, shop for local amber and larimar, go dancing, or catch a baseball game. Explore hidden caves, hike the 27 waterfalls, or swim in natural lagoons. There is never a shortage of adventures on the east coast.

Make your way to Santo Domingo. This lively city is home to roughly three million people and has preserved many historical sites for residents and tourists to enjoy. Most notably, the Colonial Zone was the first permanent settlement of the Americas and to this day remains the oldest continually inhabited city. The very first cathedral, castle, monastery, hospital, university, and fortress built in the New World still stand along with the residence of Christopher Columbus’ son, Diego Colon called the Alcazar de Colon. All of these historic sites are open to the public, and the square is filled with families picnicking, couples sharing ice cream, and vendors selling snacks from carts.

The Dominican Republic is dense in culture, and one thing that cannot be overlooked is the Dominican food. The island is full of delicious fruit, like mango, passionfruit, banana, plantain, guava, papaya, starfruit, pineapple, avocado, coconut, and lime, just to name a few.  There are also stand out specialties worth trying like Mangú, made of mashed plantains, Tostones, made by frying plantains, Sancocho, essentially a meat and root vegetable stew, and Tres Leches, a dessert made with three kinds of milk. Resorts across the island offer both traditional island food choices as well as a plethora of common gourmet options from around the world, ensuring every palate is satisfied!

The Dominican Republic is the perfect place to visit for families, couples, and singles looking to explore a new place and enjoy the island lifestyle. There is never a shortage of activities to do, foods to try, or people to meet. Add the Dominican Republic to your travel wish-list and start planning the getaway of a lifetime!

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PUNTA CANA NAMED TOP INTERNATIONAL DESTINATION FOR LEISURE TRAVEL

As of July 2018, Punta Cana has been named the top go-to tropical destination for leisure travel by the MasterCard Global Destinations Cities Index. The MasterCard Global Destinations Cities Index looks at cities with the highest concentration of leisure visitors staying for non-business purposes and has ranked Punta Cana as the number one summer travel destination for play, adventure, culture, and gastronomy. Punta Cana led the top ten list with more than 90 percent of guests in 2017 visiting for pleasure, and not for business.

Punta Cana boasts 30 miles of white sand beaches with crystal blue waters, high-rise coconut palms, and outdoor adventure activities. Tourists can explore shipwrecks, dive with underwater life, surf, and enjoy water sports. Wanting to explore inland? Soar on zip lines, hike the 27 waterfalls, take a safari through sugar plantations, explore caves and cool off inside forest lagoons and cenotes.

Crystal Caribbean blue isn’t the only notorious color of Punta Cana. Emerald green fairways cover coastlines and weave around the heart of the city. The east coast is home to ten world-class courses, and one has even hosted a leg of the PGA Tour Championship. Whether you are a passionate, professional level player or play for fun, all ten courses are easily accessible and offer spectacular views!

Adventure and sports activities are just the beginning when it comes to what Punta Cana has to offer.  Music is one of the main pillars of life in the Dominican Republic. Visitors can dance the night away at numerous clubs swaying to the seductive rhythms of merengue, bachata, and reggaeton or experiencing international bands and DJ’s. In Punta Cana, music is everywhere.

When visiting this island paradise, guests enjoy the mouth-watering gastronomy scene. There are ocean-front restaurants scattered throughout Punta Cana serving fresh-from-the-sea meals as well as international delights ensuring that no matter your appetite, there is a dish for everyone.

Squeeze in a day trip. For a cultural exploration, visit the Basílica Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia in Higüey just 40 minutes away.  This cathedral is the top pilgrimage site in the country. Journey here and get in touch with the DR’s deep spiritual roots. If you’re a fan of art and history, under an hour away rests Altos de Chavón. This 16th-century replica Mediterranean village sits on a cliffside, overlooking the Chavón River and Dye Fore Golf Course designed by the world-famous, Pete Dye. Altos de Chavón is renowned for its restaurants, art, fine jewelry, hand-rolled cigars, and scenic overlooks.

The majority of boutique hotels and resorts are a short 20 minutes from the Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). Not only is there an international airport located in the heart of Punta Cana, but it is the most connected airport in the Caribbean and Central America. The new highway infrastructure built connects Punta Cana to all of the major cities such as historic Santo Domingo, exciting Puerto Plata, lush Samana, and luxurious La Romana.

Punta Cana is the ideal destination for family gatherings, romantic getaways, and much-needed reunions, and the MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index agrees!