The Dominican Republic (DR) has been ranked among the best travel destinations by some of the most distinguished publications on the market. The DR has garnered accolades for its unspoiled natural beauty, diversity, hospitality and accessibility. Top rankings and honors for 2008 and 2009 include: Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associates unveiled Punta Cana, DR, as one of the “Top 10 International Destinations” for 2008; Cheaptickets.com named Punta Cana, DR, one of the best budget travel destinations for 2008; the Lawrence Journal-World reported that the Travel Leaders’ 2009 “Top 10 International Destinations” list included Punta Cana, DR, as number eight; The Luxe Travel Guru (Mike Thiel), president and founder of Hideaways International, Inc., named the DR as one of the “Best Places to Rediscover” in his 2009 travel picks; the New York Times named Puerto Plata, DR, one of 53 best destinations in the world in 2008; the Tennessee Tribune’s “Top 10 Travel Trends and Destinations for 2009” by the Specialty Travel Agents Association named the DR number two among its top travel pricks for 2009; and TripAdvisor named the DR among the “Five Tropical Winter Getaways That Won’t Break the Bank” in January 2009. Many Santo Domingo and Cabarete hotels cater to thrifty travelers offering rooms as low as $40 to $80 a night.

Golf: The International Association of Golf Tour Operators named the DR the “Golf Destination of the Year for the Caribbean and Latin America” in November 2008; Travel & Leisure Golf recognized the DR as "The Player's Paradise," honoring the Faldo Legacy Course at Roco Ki as one of the top 10 best new golf courses in the world in 2008; Golfweek's Best New Courses 2008 ranked Punta Espada Golf Course number one in the November 2008 issue; Golf magazine ranked Casa de Campo "The Best Golf" in the Caribbean in the April 2008 issue, Casa de Campo golf courses include Dye Fore, Links and Teeth of the Dog; Celebrated Living included DR's East Coast golf courses, La Cana and Teeth of the Dog, among its "Top 20 International Golf Courses" in 2008.
Bridal Guide recognized the DR for several of its beaches in 2008 including Punta Cana, DR, home to the longest stretch of white-sand beach in the Caribbean, voted "Best for Long Walks." In addition, Playa Rincón was voted "Best Off the Beaten Path" beach in the DR. Three miles of white sand, turquoise waters and lush palm groves make this typically deserted beach one of the best. Blue Flag Certifications were garnered for three DR beaches, including two stretches of beach in Costa Dorada, Coson Beach and stretches of beach near Bayahibe. Blue Flag certifications are only awarded to beaches that adhere to 27 strict criteria. Criteria include water quality, environmental education, environmental management, safety and services.

Condé Nast Traveler's "Hot List Spas 2008" ranked Yarari Spa of the Agua Resort and Spa the best spa in the DR; ABC News Online ranked The Bungalows, located in Confresi, as the top stress-busting Caribbean island spa in the DR in 2008.

Travel & Leisure ranked Casa de Campo resort in the La Romana province as number 16 in its "Top 25 Hotels in the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas" list in 2008; Leading Hotels of the World honored Tortuga Bay of the PUNTACANA Resort & Club with its "Commitment to Quality Award" for excellence in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America in 2008; The American Automobile Association awarded Casa Colonial Beach and Spa with a Four Diamond rating in 2008. Casa Colonial Beach and Spa's accommodations were defined as "progressively more refined and stylish”; Marriott International awarded the Hotel Courtyard by Marriott Santiago with a Platinum Award distinction in 2008. The distinction recognizes the hotel's operational efficiency and high levels of guest satisfaction with its service, hospitality and physical condition.

The World Bank's "Doing Business 2009" report ranked the DR among the world's top 10 countries in terms of creating a more business-friendly regulatory environment. The DR performed well in the following areas: starting a business, registering property, paying taxes and trading across borders. For more information, call 888-374-6361 or visit www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.

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