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WTM: BA flight will boost visitor numbers to Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic expects to boost visitor numbers by up to 20% following the launch of a twice-weekly British Airways flight from Gatwick to Punta Cana.

The first scheduled service to the Caribbean island, which started operating in October, is expected to attract a new market.

Dominican Repulic public relations representative Robert Smith said: “[The destination] has been known as ‘cheap and cheerful’ and we want to change that.

“We want to target families and highlight all the activities available on the island.”

A number of boutique and small luxury hotels are springing up, he said, offering an alternative to the large all-inclusive properties the destination is known for.

UK tourism to the Dominican Republic has been steady, with 250,000 Brits visiting this year and a similar number in 2008.

However, Smith said new tour operators are expected to feature the island thanks to the new BA flight.

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