Dominican Republic in possible property gain from flu

The Dominican Republic has seen bookings for holidays rise in the wake of the swine flu outbreak in Mexico, it has been reported.

Owner of Thompson Holidays TUI has said that the number of holidays to the island has increased by 19 per cent since the start of the health crisis, with long-haul tourists deciding to switch destination instead of cancelling their holiday plans.

Egypt is another gainer, with a 23 per cent rise, the Daily Telegraph reported.

Such a situation may benefit the Dominican Republic by increasing its exposure to tourists, many of whom may be keen to come back for more holidays or to buy property.

Those investing in property may be able to rent this out to more visitors in the future as a consequence.

Another factor that could be significant in developing the holiday and property sectors on the island is eco-tourism.

Last month minister for tourism Francisco Javier Garcia told the island's annual tourism conference that the government wanted to encourage the development of this particular market.