Dominican Republic tourism will be on the spotlight in May with the return of its Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (DATE), a professional event by the Hotel and Tourism Association of the Dominican Republic (ASONAHORES). With more than 160 suppliers and buyers from 20 countries confirmed to attend in person, the event will take place on May 11-13 at the Barceló Bávaro Convention Center in Punta Cana.

“As a result of our sector’s hard work and strong commitment, and the attractive diversity of our Dominican product, we have seen consistent growth in occupation in our destination in the last year,” said Rafael Blanco Tejera President of ASONAHORES. “This success demonstrates the effectiveness of our response to the global pandemic and enables us to proudly hold this key event in person, so we can continue to reinforce our strong foundation with the tourism sector and its stakeholders.”

In its 22nd edition, DATE 2022 is the main platform for business meetings between international travel agents and tour operators and the main suppliers of the Dominican Republic’s tourism industry. It is open to industry participants and the first one of its kind in the country to be held in person in the past two years.

Although business exchanges are the focus of the event, there will be special attention placed on promoting the destination’s cultural attractions through on-site art exhibits, musical entertainment, and artistic performances. “Our culture, as well as our gastronomy, enriches our overall tourism offering and captivates our visitors who return to stay with us year after year,” stated ASONAHORES’ Executive Vice President, Andrés Marranzini. “DATE provides an ideal opportunity to showcase and celebrate that, which is also part of our comprehensive promotion strategy.”

While the event is not open to the public, key international and local media will be in attendance and will participate in an agenda that will showcase the Dominican Republic as the top Caribbean destination. This edition of the event will emphasize the use of digital technology to reduce the use of paper, in line with the sector’s goals of promoting sustainability. A system of pre-booked meetings and automated agendas will be in place to facilitate interaction and time management among participants.

International tour operators and travel agents can obtain more information and sign up for complimentary registration until March 23 through the event website: date.com.do.

DATE 2022 is sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, Barceló Hotels & Resorts, Banco Popular Dominicano, Therrestra, Banco de Reservas, AMR Collection, Lifestyle Holidays Hotels & Resorts, Grupo Puntacana, Education First and Codelpa.