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Boosting Caribbean Connectivity: Air Cara\u00efbes Expands French-Dominican Air Bridge

Air Cara\u00efbes Strengthens Its Presence in the Dominican Republic with Enhanced Flight Services

Air Cara\u00efbes, a prominent French airline, is significantly augmenting its flight schedule to the Dominican Republic. The carrier has announced the launch of two new direct weekly services connecting Paris with Saman\u00e1, alongside plans for an additional flight frequency to Punta Cana later in the year. This strategic expansion aims to bolster air travel options between France and the Caribbean nation.

Official Announcement and Strategic Partnership at a Major Travel Exhibition

The formal announcement of these new flight initiatives occurred during a travel trade event in Paris. David Collado, the Dominican Republic's Minister of Tourism, and Marc Rochet, President of Air Cara\u00efbes, solidified this new collaboration with a handshake, symbolizing a renewed commitment to tourism. This development follows another recent high-profile agreement between Air Cara\u00efbes and Caribbean Airlines, further demonstrating the airline's expanding regional influence.

Winter Season Launch for Paris-Saman\u00e1 Route and Existing Operations

The new Paris Orly to Saman\u00e1 (El Catey) route is slated to commence during the upcoming winter travel season. This addition will reinforce Air Cara\u00efbes' already substantial operations in the region, which currently include up to seven weekly flights to Punta Cana and three weekly flights to Santo Domingo during the peak winter period.

Reestablishing French Air Connectivity: A Key Tourism Objective

Minister Collado expressed gratitude to Air Cara\u00efbes for stepping in to address the gap created by Air France's suspension of direct flights to the Dominican Republic in 2023. Re-establishing robust air links with France has been a top priority for Dominican tourism authorities, who are keen to revitalize what was historically one of their strongest European markets for visitor arrivals.

Ambitious Targets for French Tourist Arrivals and Economic Impact

The number of French tourists visiting the Dominican Republic has seen a decline, dropping from an annual average of 225,000 to just over 144,000 this year. French visitors typically extend their stays for about 11 days, contributing approximately $161 million annually to the local economy. Collado articulated his determination to "reconquer" this vital market, projecting that with the Air Cara\u00efbes alliance, the Dominican Republic could welcome 250,000 French visitors by 2026.

Modern Aircraft Deployment to Enhance Traveler Experience

Marc Rochet underscored Air Cara\u00efbes' dedication to the Dominican market, confirming that the new services will be operated using state-of-the-art Airbus A350 aircraft. He highlighted these planes as "the best and most modern airplanes in Europe," promising a superior travel experience for passengers. This expansion signifies the Dominican Republic's proactive efforts to enhance flight capacity from France, a critical source of tourism for the island nation.