MasterCard recently declared Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, the number-one summer travel destination, which shows that the hard work of tourism officials has paid off.
"We have worked diligently to establish Punta Cana as the go-to tropical destination and are thrilled to see our hard work is treasured by those who visit," said Magaly Toribio, Marketing Advisor for the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism.
"From our azure waters to our diverse inland adventures, there is no better place to soak up the summer sun than in the Dominican Republic," added Toribio.
One of the determining factors for top destinations on the MasterCard list was statistics that showed more than 90 percent of overnight visitors were traveling to the region for purposes beyond business, including vacation and family visits.
With more than 30 miles of white-sand beaches, it's easy to see the attraction, but tourism officials have worked diligently to highlight the area's other major draws.
Adventure travel enthusiasts are able to dive and explore shipwrecks teeming with wildlife. There are also cenotes, off-road safaris, zip lining and more.
For golf lovers, there are 10 world-class courses in Punta Cana, easily accessible from resort areas.
There's a growing music scene in the area with Dominican genres, international bands, and a festival scene.
Those seeking a cultural experience can head to one of the country's top pilgrimage sites, the Baslica Nuestra Se?ora de la Altagracia located in Higuey.
Altos de Chavon, a replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village is also easy to explore from Punta Cana. It is located just 60 minutes away along the hills of La Romana and is known for its gastronomy, handicrafts and hand-rolled cigars.
Visitors will be met with stunning accommodation offerings in the region with high-end resorts, boutique properties, and top-of-the-line luxury experiences found just 20 minutes from the airport, which has flights from 26 countries.
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