The cruise port of La Romana was the scene of an exclusive reception on board the Costa Fascinosa, an event jointly organised by the Italian Embassy in Santo Domingo and Costa Cruises. The initiative consolidated a format already tried and tested on other ships of the group and set an important precedent for the port of La
Romana, as past events were held in the port of San Souci in Santo Domingo.
The occasion represented a showcase for Italian excellence not only in cruise tourism, but also in shipbuilding, highlighting the strategic role of cruises for
the economy of the Dominican Republic. This sector, in fact, contributes to generating about one fifth of the total number of international visitors to the country.
Participation was broad and diverse, involving representatives of local institutions
and international institutions. Among the personalities present were the Director General of the Dominican Police, the Head of Interpol, the Head of Military Intelligence, the Commodore of the Naval Auxiliaries, the Ambassador of France, and the Ambassador of Costa Rica - the latter Deputy Dean of the Diplomatic Corps. A strong Italian representation was not absent, with the Comites President, Cgie Delegate and director Sergio Gobbi, along with members of the Italian honorary consular network on the island.
The reception opened with an elegant cocktail reception, during which institutional speeches were made
institutional speeches were delivered. The Costa Fascinosa's captain warmly welcomed the guests, followed by the Director of the Port of La Romana, Andrés Fernández, who emphasised Costa's positive impact on the development of La Romana's tourist district, one of the few Caribbean locations where the cruise port is less than ten minutes away from an international airport.
The director of the Maritime Segment of the Ministry of Tourism, Ana Vílchez, then reiterated the crucial role of cruise tourism in the Dominican economy. Following this, Dario Rustico, Costa Cruises' General Manager for the Americas, thanked the Italian Embassy for its valuable support in the growth of the brand in the Caribbean region.
The closing speech was entrusted to the Italian Ambassador, Stefano Queirolo Palmas, who emphasised the excellent state of bilateral relations between Italy and the Dominican Republic. The Ambassador also recalled the significant contribution of the Dominican diaspora in the sector
of Italian shipbuilding. In the shipyards of the La Spezia district, in fact, many Dominican workers participate in the production of excellent Made in Italy products.
The event represented an important moment of consolidation of relations between Italy and the Dominican Republic, with a particular focus on the cruise sector, a pillar of the economies of both countries.
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