Private Airplanes Flock to Dominican Republic Airports

Pilots Drawn to Magnificent Scenery, Upscale Accommodations and Friendly
Airports

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, July 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Aviation buffs are flying their
small private planes to the Dominican Republic (DR) more and more due to new
pilot-friendly, no-fee policies at domestic and international airports.
Hundreds of private airplanes are soaring to the DR airports in the eastern
Caribbean to experience the beauty of the country, sophisticated
accommodations, amazing adventures, and the famous warm Dominican welcome.

"The DR government has made a concerted effort to ensure that aviation
enthusiasts can enjoy our country's magnificent beauty and fascinating culture
using their favorite mode of transportation, flying in their own plane. This
pilot-friendly approach has DR airports poised and eager to welcome more
private pilots each year," said Magaly Toribio, the DR's Vice Minister of
International Promotion.

The DR's Institute of Dominican Civil Aviation (IDAC) is partnering with the
U.S. National Aviation Safety Foundation to ensure that their 199,000 member
U.S. pilots have the latest information on the 13 airports that
enthusiastically welcome them in the DR. The joint effort will help to inform
U.S. pilots about all of the unique cultural, adventure, and historic tourism
activities available to them when they visit.

"Our initiative to promote private aviation makes sense as there is an
increased desire to explore the DR by private pilots from the U.S., as well as
from around the world. The DR's enviable position in the Caribbean with
sophisticated domestic and international airports, amazing accommodations,
unique culture and history, and breathtaking scenery are the main draw," said
Toribio.

Since May 29, 2008, private airplanes under 30,000 pounds with no more than 12
passengers are exempt from any government fees in the DR. When the weather
becomes cold and harsh in the north, pilots are secure in the warm tropical
haven and welcome provided by the DR. For a list of eight international
airports in the DR, visit: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com. For a list of private
DR airports, visit www.flydominicanrepublic.com.

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. Named #1 Golf Destination in Caribbean & Latin America by the
International Association of Golf Tour Operators, the DR boasts 25 designer
golf courses, upscale resorts, pristine nature, and sophisticated cities and
quaint villages filled with warm Dominican people. The DR features the best
beaches, fascinating history and culture, and is a chosen escape for
celebrities, couples and families alike. Visit the Dominican Republic Ministry
of Tourism's official Web site at: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com or call
1-877-386-4637 for more information.

SOURCE Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism

Vanessa Welter, Public Relations, +1-414-247-3803, vwelter@bvk.com, for DR
Ministry of Tourism