SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, Aug. 28, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dominican Republic's stunning new Coral Highway (the Autopista del Coral), which connects the famous resorts of the eco-rich La Romana region to the luxe beaches and resorts in Punta Cana, was officially inaugurated by the President of the Dominican Republic, Dr. Leonel Fernández, on Aug. 8. The four-lane highway connects three of the most popular tourist regions in the country. The highway shortens the trip from the capital city of Santo Domingo to Punta Cana from four hours to roughly two hours, and cuts the drive from La Romana to Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) to an estimated 40 minutes.
"Our new Coral Highway conveniently links Dominican Republic's diverse tourism offerings so that visitors can enjoy more of our rich culture during their vacation. Tourists on our East Coast can leisurely travel to see the famous 16thcentury artist's village Altos de Chavón in La Romana, spend the day in Santo Domingo exploring the Colonial City, and return to their hotel on the East Coast all in the same day," said Magaly Toribio, Vice Minister of International Promotion for the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. "Dominican Republic's magnificent nature, delicious gastronomy, historic museums, world-class shopping and creations of Dominican artisans are easier to reach than ever before," added Toribio, noting that visits to the second largest Caribbean country are expected to reach a new record of five million this year.
When completed later this fall, the La Romana bypass, an 8.5 mile (14 km) route, will take traffic around La Romana rather than directly through the city – making travel from Santo Domingo to Bayahibe, Higüey and Punta Cana even faster and smoother.
Coral Highway Facts:
- The 43.5 mile (70 km) Coral Highway begins just outside of La Romana and ends at PUJ on the East Coast.
- The Coral Highway has three bridges that cross over the Chavón, Santa Clara and Duey rivers.
- Coral Highway's exits are located at La Romana near La Romana International Airport (LRM), at the entrance to Bayahibe – Dominicus resorts near Higüey and PUJ.
- There are two tolls along the road: the first is at the 11 mile (18 km) marker just after Bayahibe and the second is at the 36 mile (58 km) marker close to PUJ. The toll is expected to be approximately US$12.
- The Coral Highway has four lanes of traffic and is designed for cars travelling at a maximum speed of 70 mph (110 km).
For more highlights on the Coral Highway, visit www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.
About Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic's first tourist was Christopher Columbus in 1492. Rich in history, Dominican Republic has developed into a diverse destination offering both Dominican and European flavors to more than one million U.S. visitors each year. Named #1 Golf Destination in Caribbean & Latin America by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, Dominican Republic boasts 28 designer golf courses, upscale resorts, pristine nature, and sophisticated cities and quaint villages filled with warm Dominican people. Dominican Republic features the best beaches, fascinating history and culture, and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families alike. Visit Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism's official website at: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.
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Media Contact: Vanessa Welter, bvk>Word for Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism, vwelter@bvk.com, phone: 414-247-3803, cell: 850-980-3760.
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The following files are available for download:
| wkr0006.pdf | Coral Highway Press Release |
| [Image] | Punta Cana |