LOS ANGELES, June 8, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sir Winston Churchill once said that "a polo handicap is your passport to the world," and the Santa Barbara Polo Club will experience just that as the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) sponsors the First annual Rubirosa Ambassador Polo Cup on Sunday, June 10th. The event celebrates Dominican Republic's legendary roots in polo, honors Dominican Diplomat-playboy and legendary polo player, Porfirio Rubirosa, and promotes the lush island nation as a destination offering sophisticated resorts, luxury, celebrity and equestrian tourism.
"Dominican Republic is being rediscovered as an upscale destination by tourists, celebrities and filmmakers alike. Having a presence in the 2012 season of the Santa Barbara Polo Club and recognizing the international success of Dominican polo icon Porfirio Rubirosa will emphasize the equestrian lifestyle, polo players and variety of other luxury activities that Dominican Republic has to offer," said Magaly Toribio, Vice Minister of International Promotion, Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism.
Situated on the country's magnificent Southeast Coast along the Caribbean Sea, Casa de Campo Resort in La Romana is where Porfirio Rubirosa played polo and is the regional hot spot for this sport. Casa de Campo was also the site of the World Cup Semi-Final Polo Championships. Mr. Calixto Garcia-Velez, lifelong polo enthusiast and Director of Polo at Casa de Campo, will be on hand at the MITUR event to give away a trip to this luxury resort that includes polo, Caribbean style!
Considered the jewel of the North American Riviera, the Santa Barbara Polo Club is one of the leading polo facilities in the world and a playground for both royalty and celebrities. The Club is renowned for hosting major tournaments like the Centennial Celebration featuring Prince William, and the annual Ambassador Holden Cup in honor of Glen Holden, a former U.S. Ambassador and founder of the Federacion Internacional de Polo (FIP).
The hostess of the event, Isabella Wall, Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism's Representative in California, said, "We are thrilled to represent the magnificent and breathtaking Dominican Republic to equestrian enthusiasts here in California. Dominican Republic and Santa Barbara have so much in common. From our equestrian lifestyle and luxury, to our vast coastlines, polo players are sure to feel as at home in Dominican Republic as they do in Santa Barbara."
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.