by Brian Major
Last updated: 5:30 PM ET, Tue July 19, 2016
"This project and modern amphitheater were designed to incorporate new elements into tourism in the north coast, and Dominican Republic in general," said García. "Distinct projects such as this help attract a wider range of tourists and enrich their experience while they are in country, encouraging return visits."
Puerto Plata's newfound prominence as a Dominican travel destination expanded significantly last year when major cruise operator Carnival Corporation launched the $85 million Amber Cove cruise port in the city. Named in recognition of the region's historic mineral wealth and amber reserves, the cruise port brings an average of 5,000 weekly visitors to Puerto Plata.
Amber Cove is expected to host 400,000 vacationers this year according to Puerto Plata Tourism Cluster (CTDPP) officials. Puerto Plata's visitor attractions also include the Teleférico cable car, billed as the Caribbean's only aerial tramway.
Via the tramway visitors can ascend 2,600 feet up Pico Isabel de Torres for a commanding view of the mountainous region in a finely landscape park. The city's downtown Zona Colonial district features "casas Victorianas," 19th century wood homes built in a distinct Victorian style.
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Puerto Plata's tourist arrivals surged in 2015 as visitors increased 11.5 percent year-over year said CTDPP officials. While the all-inclusive Punta Cana resort district remains the Dominican Republic's tourism staple, Puerto Plata has emerged as a new national tourism centers.
The Dominican government has launched programs to renovate Puerto Plata's seaside malecon (boulevard), restore historic buildings and implement new safety surveillance systems and road improvements in downtown Puerto Plata. The city now accounts for 18 percent of the Dominican Republic's hotel inventory, trailing only Punta Cana.
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