SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, July 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Boasting approximately 30 miles of white sand coastlines and punctuated with sky-reaching coconut palms, Punta Cana is an oasis for fun by the sea, and Mastercard agrees. The leading financial institution announced that Punta Cana is the number one summer travel destination for adventure and play, according to the company’s new Global Destination Cities Index: Play.
“We have worked diligently to establish Punta Cana as the go-to tropical destination and are thrilled to see our hard work is treasured by those who visit,” said Magaly Toribio, Marketing Advisor for the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. “From our azure waters to our diverse inland adventures, there is no better place to soak up the summer sun than in Dominican Republic.”
Punta Cana led the list of top ten cities where more than 90 percent of overnight visitor travel in 2017 was for purposes beyond business – such as vacation and family visits. Aside from Punta Cana’s picture-perfect beaches, opportunities for play extend well beyond the cabana.
Adventure Travel
In the popular east coast city, travelers can dive for underwater life and shipwrecks, soar the sky via zipline all while connecting with Dominican’s warm and hospitable people. Travelers looking for an adventure on the water? Scenic surf-hub Macao and Bávaro’s hipster beaches Corales and Cortecito are lined with shops, water sports, and beachfront restaurants.
Ready to adventure off-the beaten path? Explore the lush Dominican countryside on an off-road safari passing by roadside eats, and sugar cane plantations. Or cool off in fresh water azure cenotes and lagoons tucked inside forests at Ojos Indígenas and Scape Park, where you can enjoy ziplines and caving expeditions.
Golf
Caribbean blue isn’t the only color Punta Cana is notorious for, you can’t forget the captivating emerald green fairways. Be sure to hit the links and experience the designer golf courses, the east coast area is home to 10 word-class courses, all easily accessible from most resorts. Whether champion or hobby player, you’ll enjoy trying your hand at our spectacular courses most of which offer views of the Caribbean blue.
Culture
Have time to squeeze in a day trip? For a cultural exploration, plan an excursion to the country’s top pilgrimage site at the Basílica Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia located in Higüey, and experience the DR’s deep spiritual roots.
Looking to dance the night away? Punta Cana boasts a music scene like no other. Here you can sway to the sounds of pulsing merengue and bachata, or aside from the ever-popular Dominican genres there is also a dynamic mix of international bands and DJ’s boasting music. Whether you’re at one of the country’s iconic festivals or taking in tunes along the shores, experiencing our music and our rhythms is as easy as stepping outside. One of the best ways to take in Dominican culture is exploring our mouthwatering gastronomy scene. In Punta Cana alone, you can explore ocean-front restaurants with fresh fare from the sea to international delights – no matter your style there is a dish for everyone.
If you’re a fan of history and art you’ll want to make time for a day trip to the replica 16th century Mediterranean village, Altos de Chavón. Located 60 minutes outside of Punta Cana along the hills of La Romana the village is renowned for its gastronomy offerings, precious jewelry, art, crafts and hand-rolled cigars. The Altos de Chavón Archaeological Museum displays the indigenous culture of the area. Don’t forget your camera, you’ll want to capture the Chavón River, the backdrop to the Dye Fore golf course which extends onto the horizon making for fabulous photography.
World-class accommodations
Most of Punta Cana’s resorts and boutique hotels are situated within a 20-minute drive from the bustling Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), the most connected airport in the Caribbean and Central America, with flights available from 26 countries and counting. New highway infrastructure between Punta Cana and other popular destinations in Dominican Republic – such as historic Santo Domingo, adventurous Puerto Plata, verdant Samaná and luxe La Romana – simplifies logistics and reduces travel times for those looking to explore the warm and welcoming country even further.
Whether one is planning a family extravaganza, romantic soiree or reunion with close friends, Punta Cana is the ideal destination for all travelers this summer and beyond.
To learn more about Dominican Republic and begin planning your 2018 Punta Cana getaway, visit www.GoDominicanRepublic.com
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About the Mastercard Global Destination Cities Index
The Mastercard Global Destination Cities Index ranks cities in terms of the number of their total international overnight visitor arrivals and the cross-border spending by these same visitors in the destination cities, and gives visitor and passenger growth forecasts. Global Destination Cities Index: Play specifically looks at the cities that have the highest concentration of visitors traveling there for non-business purposes according to the International Visitor Survey results from National Tourism Boards.
About Dominican Republic Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the north and the Caribbean Sea on the south, our lush tropical and paradisiacal country boasts nearly 1,000 miles of coastline, magnificent resorts and hotels, and a variety of sports, recreation and entertainment options. Here you can dance to the pulse pounding thrill of the merengue, renew in our luxurious and diverse accommodations, explore ancient relics of centuries past, delight in delicious Dominican gastronomy or enjoy ecotourism adventures in our magnificent national parks, mountain ranges, rivers and beaches.
Known for our warm and hospitable people, Dominican Republic is a destination like no other, featuring astounding nature, intriguing history and rich cultural experiences like music, art and festivals, plus uniquely Dominican specialties such as cigars, rum, chocolate, coffee, merengue, amber and larimar.
Dominican Republic features the best beaches, fascinating history and culture, and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families alike. Visit Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism’s official website at: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com .
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Annie Holschuh Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (414) 247-2140 annie.holschuh@bvk.com
