The Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) inaugurated the 'Experiential Dome' yesterday, Sunday, for the second consecutive year in one of the biggest attractions in the United States: Times Square, specifically on Broadway Street.
The songs of Juan Luis Guerra and those of the late merengue singer Johnny Ventura —and those of other Creole artists— harmonized the atmosphere.
The numerous advertisements, displayed on the large LED screens folded onto the skyscrapers and buildings of the Big Apple — one of the characteristics of Times Square — illuminated the scene, under a dark sky.
The glass structure has showcased the beauties of the Dominican Republic, with the aim of attracting more tourists to the country.
This is the second time the Ministry of Tourism has brought the rhythm and flavor of the Dominican Republic to Times Square with the crystal ball display, called "Change the Season in Times Square." The first time was in late November 2023.
"Take me to the Dominican Republic. Let's go!" shouted a Peruvian woman, clapping her hands. Along with her, hundreds of people crowded around to take photos and videos of the choreographies that stole the show from start to finish.
“Being here is very symbolic,” said Tourism Minister David Collado. The reason for this, the official explained, is the massive influx of Americans into the country.
More than one million
More than 1.3 million Americans have arrived in the Dominican Republic from New York, the minister indicated in his speech, while praising the Dominican diaspora in the U.S., which he described as "large, strong and emblematic.".
Collado said that more tourists have left New York for the Caribbean country than from other nations, such as France and Germany.
"Here, with much love, we have brought a little piece of the Dominican Republic. Inside this dome is our culture, food, people; and the different temperature when you enter is the reality of what is on our beaches, right now," he said.
He added: "Being here is a symbolic step for our country towards the world. We are a small country, but of people with big hearts, of people who dare.".
Collado pointed out that around 400,000 people usually cross through Times Square every day, so he estimated that, during the week that the Dome will be open to the public, more than two million people will be able to encounter Dominican culture.
Visitors will have access to the crystal ball from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. It will close on Sunday, December 15th. The Dome offers free coffee to visitors.
Next stop, Canada
The Ministry of Tourism has its sights set on Canada, to also bring the Experience Dome and attract tourists from that territory, which borders the United States.
"Canada represents the entire Dominican Republic, both Toronto and Montreal (its capital), with over a million tourists annually, making it our country's second most important market," Collado explained. The first is the United States.
The Experiential Dome arrived in Times Square five days after the Dominican government announced the arrival of 10,005,800 visitors to the country. This was a milestone the government achieved for the second consecutive time.
With information from Listín Diario.
