Hotel Projects in Dominican North Coast Keep Local Tourists Off Limits

The Dominican Republic’s North Coast promises to become one of the main tourism circuits in the country, as observed by several remodeling and expansion works taking place in Puerto Escondido, Cayo Levantado and Portillo, currently undertaken by Spain’s Piñeiro Group. However, the projects have raised a few eyebrows among environmentalists there.

The president of the Consultative Council for Samana Development, Milton Ray Guevara, questioned that the hotel chain would have privatized the beaches on Cayito Linares and Puerto Escondido, the most traditional beach spots for the local population.

“We don’t see why the beaches have to close down for the public in Samana.” Mr. Guevara said. “On the other hand, the cruising business has also gone to private hands. It is a shame that Dominican tourists are kept from accessing Cayo Levantado.”

Tour operators ban access of Dominicans to Cayo Levantado when cruises are in harbor, disallowing vendors to sell foods and beverages, given the ships’ all-inclusive policy.

Environment authorities promised to investigate in February 2006 the remodeling and expansion of the Cayo Levantado hotel, because, according to deputy minister Danerys Santana, it is reported that apparently the hotel there does not have the pertinent environment permits.